2 Maccabees 6:19

19 But he, welcoming death with honor rather than life with pollution, went up to the rack of his own accord, spitting out the flesh,

2 Maccabees 6:19 In-Context

17 Let what we have said serve as a reminder; we must go on briefly with the story.

18 Eleazar, one of the scribes in high position, a man now advanced in age and of noble presence, was being forced to open his mouth to eat swine's flesh.

19 But he, welcoming death with honor rather than life with pollution, went up to the rack of his own accord, spitting out the flesh,

20 as all ought to go who have the courage to refuse things that it is not right to taste, even for the natural love of life.

21 Those who were in charge of that unlawful sacrifice took the man aside because of their long acquaintance with him, and privately urged him to bring meat of his own providing, proper for him to use, and to pretend that he was eating the flesh of the sacrificial meal that had been commanded by the king,