2 Maccabees 12:44

44 For if he had not hoped that those who were slain should have risen again, it would have been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead.)

2 Maccabees 12:44 In-Context

42 resorted unto prayer and besought Him that the sin committed might wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, that noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, inasmuch as they saw before their eyes the things that came to pass for the sins of those who were slain.

43 And when he had taken a gathering throughout the company to the sum of two thousand drachmas of silver, he sent it to Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well and honorably, in that he was mindful of the resurrection.

44 For if he had not hoped that those who were slain should have risen again, it would have been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead.)

45 And also in that he perceived that there was great favor laid up for those who died godly, it was a holy and good thought. Thereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.