Case for the Deuterocanon

by Gary G. Michuta

The reference to the Maccabean martyrs in Hebrews 11:35 is not a general recollection, but a description taken directly from the text of Second Maccabees. We know this because Hebrews 11:35 uses a unique word (tympanizō) to describe these martyr's torture. In the Greek Septuagint (LXX), this word usually refers to drumming or beating a musical instrument (e.g., 1 Samuel 21:13 [14] LXX). Only three times in the entire Greek Bible is it used to describe torture, twice in Second Maccabees (2 Maccabees 6:19, 28) and once in Hebrews 11:35. Not surprisingly, both instances in Second Maccabees refer to the torture of the martyrs mentioned above: 2 Maccabees 6:19 – “But preferring a glorious death to a life of defilement, he spat out the meat, and went forward of his own accord to the instrument of torture [to tympanon]." 2 Maccabees 6:28 – “…and I will leave to the young a noble example of how to die willingly and generously for the revered and holy laws.” He spoke thus, and went immediately to the instrument of torture [to tympanon].”