Good News Translation
The historian must master his subject, examine every detail, and then explain it carefully,

New Revised Standard Version
It is the duty of the original historian to occupy the ground, to discuss matters from every side, and to take trouble with details,

Contemporary English Version
Historians learn as much as possible about their subjects, then present every side of a story, without leaving out a thing.

New American Bible
As the architect of a new house must pay attention to the whole structure, while the one who undertakes the decoration and the frescoes has to be concerned only with what is needed for ornamentation, so I think it is with us.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For as the master builder of a new house must have care of the whole building: but he that taketh care to paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning of it: so must it be judged of us.

For as the master builder of a new house must have care of the whole building: but he that taketh care to paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning of it: so must it be judged of us.

2 Maccabees 2:28
But as they that prepare a feast, and seek to satisfy the will of others: for the sake of many, we willingly undergo the labour.

2 Maccabees 2:29
Leaving to the authors the exact handling of every particular, and as for ourselves, according to the plan proposed, studying to be brief.

2 Maccabees 2:31
For to collect all that is to be known, to put the discourse in order, and curiously to discuss every particular point, is the duty of the author of a history:

2 Maccabees 2:32
But to pursue brevity of speech, and to avoid nice declarations of things, is to be granted to him that maketh an abridgment.