2 Maccabees 6:17-19

Common English Bible

¹⁷ Only let this be said to us as a reminder. After this brief digression, it is necessary to go on with the narrative.

Martyrs for the faith

¹⁸ A certain Eleazar, one of the leading scribes, elderly in age and with a most dignified outward appearance, was being compelled to open his mouth and eat pork. ¹⁹ But preferring death with honor to life with religious defilement, he proceeded voluntarily to the torture instrument,