2 Maccabees 3

KING JAMES BIBLE	BIBBIA RICCIOTTI
1 Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,	1 Essendo dunque in tutta pace abitata la città santa, e tuttora gelosamente osservate le leggi, a causa della pietà del pontefice Onia, e dell’odio che tutti avevano al male,
2 It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;	2 avveniva che gli stessi re e principi [stranieri] credevano degno di sommo onore il luogo [santo] , ed arricchivano il tempio con doni grandissimi;
3 Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.	3 tanto che Seieuco re dell’Asia pagava delle sue rendite tutte le spese concernenti il ministero de’ sacrifizi.
4 But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in the city.	4 Ora, Simone della tribù di Beniamino, fatto intendente del tempio, tentava resistendogli però il principe de’sacerdoti, di macchinare nella città qualcosa d'iniquo.
5 And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of Celosyria and Phenice,	5 E non avendo potuto spuntarla con Onta, andò ad Apollonio figlio di Tarsea, prefetto allora della Celesiria e della Fenicia,
6 And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches, which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the king's hand.	6 e gli annunziò che l’erario in Gerusalemme riboccava di danaro senza numero, che il pubblico tesoro era immenso, nè serviva alle spese de’ sacrifizi, e che era possibile far cader ogni cosa in possesso del re.
7 Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of the money whereof he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the foresaid money.	7 Avendo Apollonio riferito al re quel che gli era stato riportato intorno a quelle ricchezze, il re chiamò Eliodoro sopraintendente a’ suoi affari, e lo inviò [a Gerusalemme] con l’ordine di portar via quel tesoro.
8 So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to fulfil the king's purpose.	8 Subito Eliodoro si mise in viaggio; in apparenza, come se fosse per visitar le città della Celesiria e della Fenicia, ma in realtà per eseguire la volontà del re.
9 And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received of the high priest of the city, he told him what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he came, and asked if these things were so indeed.	9 Giunto in Gerusalemme, e benevolmente accolto in quella città dal sommo sacerdote, disse dell'informazione datagli intorno al tesoro, e non nascose il motivo pel quale era venuto; ma domandò se così veramente stavan le cose.
10 Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless children:	10 Allora il sommo sacerdote gli dimostrò che quelli eran depositi e sostentamento di vedove e di pupilli;
11 And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed: the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold:	11 che parte di quanto gli aveva riferito l’empio Simone apparteneva ad Ircano figlio di Tobia, uomo molto eminente; e che in tutto erano quattrocento talenti d’argento e duecento d’oro.
12 And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should be done unto them, that had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the world.	12 Che poi avessero a restar defraudati quelli che li avevano affidati ad un luogo e ad un tempio onorato in tutto il mondo per la sua maestà e santità, era addirittura impossibile.
13 But Heliodorus, because of the king's commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must be brought into the king's treasury.	13 Ma quegli, secondo quanto aveva avuto ordine dal re ripeteva che tutto ciò doveva assolutamente esser consegnato al re.
14 So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole city.	14 Al giorno prefisso Eliodoro si fece avanti per venir ai fatti e tutta la città era in grand’emozione.
15 But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priests' vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made a law concerning things given to he kept, that they should safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.	15 I sacerdoti, in veste sacerdotale prostrati innanzi all’altare, invocavano dal cielo colui che aveva posta la legge dei depositi, acciò li serbasse intatti a quelli che ve li avevano collocati.
16 Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.	16 Chi poi guardava in viso il sommo sacerdote, ne rimaneva commosso, perchè il suo aspetto e la mutazione del suo colore tradivano l’Interno suo dolore dell’animo:
17 For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart.	17 egli infatti spirava mestizia da tutta la persona, ed il tremito del suo corpo manifestava a chi lo rimirava il dolore del suo cuore.
18 Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.	18 Altri a gruppi accorrevano dalle case a supplicar con pubbliche preghiere perchè il luogo santo stava per essere conculcato.
19 And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ran, some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.	19 Le donne, cinte il petto di cilizi affluivano per le piazze; fin anche delle vergini che stavano ritirate, alcune accorrevano ad Onia, altre alle mura ed altre rimiravano dalle finestre;
20 And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made supplication.	20 tutte poi, levando al cielo le mani, si raccomandavano.
21 Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest being in such an agony.	21 Era veramente compassionevole lo spettacolo di quella confusa moltitudine e del gran sacerdote posto in tal angustia.
22 They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for those that had committed them.	22 Quelli dunque invocavano l'onnipotente Iddio, acciò i depositi a loro affidati restassero intatti a quelli che li avevano consegnati.
23 Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.	23 Eliodoro però, per eseguire nel luogo stesso quel che aveva stabilito venne co' suoi satelliti presso l'erario.
24 Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were sore afraid.	24 Ma lo spirito di Dio onnipotente si manifestò con grande evidenza, in guisa che tutti quelli i quali avevano osato obbedire ad Eliodoro, rovesciati per divina virtù, furon colpiti da impotenza e spavento.
25 For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of gold.	25 Poiché apparve loro un cavallo ornato di ricchissima bardatura, con sopra un terribile cavaliere; coi piedi davanti dava furiosi calci ad Eliodoro; e quegli che lo cavalcava appariva aver armatura d’oro.
26 Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood by him on either side; and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes.	26 Apparvero poi, altri due giovani, di vigoroso aspetto, splendidi di bellezza essi e le loro vesti, che misero in mezzo Eliodoro, e da ambedue le parti lo flagellavano senza posa con ripetuti colpi.
27 And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him took him up, and put him into a litter.	27 Egli cadde subitamente per terra, circonfuso da profonda caligine; lo presero e messolo su una sedia portatile lo condussero via.
28 Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried out, being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they acknowledged the power of God.	28 Cosi, quegli ehe con tanti cursori e satelliti era entrato in quell’erario, veniva portato via per manifesta riconosciuta virtù di Dio, senza che alcuno gli recasse aiuto.
29 For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless without all hope of life.	29 Egli per quella divina potenza giaceva muto, privo d’ogni speranza di salvezza;
30 But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his own place: for the temple; which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.	30 gli altri invece benedicevano il Signore perché glorificava il suo luogo, ed il tempio, che poco prima era pieno di spavento e d’agitazione, per quella manifestazione dell’onnipotente Signore si riempi di letizia e di gaudio.
31 Then straightways certain of Heliodorus' friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.	31 Ma allora alcuni amici d’Eliodoro si raccomandarono ad Onia, acciò pregasse l’Altissimo a risparmiar la vita di colui che era ridotto agli estremi.
32 So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.	32 Ed il sommo sacerdote, considerando che il re avrebbe potuto sospettare di qualche malizia de' Giudei a danno di Eliodoro, offri per la sua salvezza un sacrifizio salutare.
33 Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life:	33 Or mentre il sommo sacerdote pregava, que' medesimi vestiti, vestiti dalle medesime vesti si fecero innanzi ad Eliodoro, e gli dissero: «Rendi grazie al sacerdote Onia, perchè per amor suo il Signore t’ha lasciato in vita.
34 And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more.	34 Tu poi, così da Dio flagellato, annunzia a tutti la grandezza e potenza di Dio». Ciò detto, disparvero.
35 So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.	35 Eliodoro infatti, offerto a Dio un sacrifizio, fatte grandi promesse e voti a lui che gli aveva salvata la vita, e rese grazie ad Onia, preso con sè il suo esercito ritornò al re;
36 Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes.	36 ed a tutti rendeva testimonianza delle opere del gran Dio, che aveva vedute co’suoi occhi.
37 And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,	37 Quando poi il re domandò ad Eliodoro chi sarebbe adatto a venir mandato un’altra volta a Gerusalemme, rispose:
38 If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt; there is an especial power of God.	38 «Se hai un nemico o un insidiatore del regno tuo, mandalo là, e ti ritornerà flagellato, seppure la scamperà; perchè in quel luogo c’ è veramente come la potenza di Dio;
39 For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, and defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come to hurt it.	39 perchè quegli che abita ne’ cieli visita e custodisce quel luogo e percuote e disperde quelli che vanno per farvi del male ».
40 And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury, fell out on this sort.	40 Così dunque passaron le cose, quanto ad Eliodoro, ed alla conservazione dell’erario. Malvagità d’alcuni sommi sacerdoti,