Good News Translation
As a result Menelaus returned to Jerusalem with papers from the king, confirming him as High Priest. But he possessed no other qualifications; he had the temper of a cruel tyrant and could be as fierce as a wild animal.

New Revised Standard Version
After receiving the king’s orders he returned, possessing no qualification for the high priesthood, but having the hot temper of a cruel tyrant and the rage of a savage wild beast.

Contemporary English Version
When Menelaus returned to Jerusalem, he carried papers from the king, saying he was the new high priest. But he was completely unfit for the job--he was cruel and had a violent temper worse than any wild animal.

New American Bible
He returned with the royal commission, but with nothing that made him worthy of the high priesthood; he had the temper of a cruel tyrant and the rage of a wild beast.

Douay-Rheims Bible
So having received the king's mandate, he returned, bringing nothing worthy of the high priesthood: but having the mind of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.

So having received the king's mandate, he returned, bringing nothing worthy of the high priesthood: but having the mind of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.

2 Maccabees 4:23
Three years afterwards Jason sent Menelaus, brother of the aforesaid Simon, to carry money to the king, and to bring answers from him concerning certain necessary affairs.

2 Maccabees 4:24
But he being recommended to the king, when he had magnified the appearance of his power, got the high priesthood for himself, by offering more than Jason by three hundred talents of silver.

2 Maccabees 4:26
Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being himself undermined, was driven out a fugitive into the country of the Ammonites.

2 Maccabees 4:27
So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money he had promised to the king, he took no care, when Sostratus, the governor of the castle, called for it.