We suggest a paragraph break at the beginning of this verse (so King James Version), but translators may prefer to follow Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible by placing the break in the middle of the verse.

And now do you not believe me?: Good News Bible is similar with “So now do you believe me?” and Contemporary English Version has “It is the truth, isn’t it?” However, this question in Greek has another function than to ask whether the audience agrees. Zerubbabel is about to extend his argument a bit further. Here he is pausing to ask if his audience is with him. It is better to say “Are you with me so far?” or “Do you follow [or, agree with] me?” or “Do you understand me?”

Is not the king great in his power? Do not all lands fear to touch him?: Both these questions are rhetorical. The implied answers to them are “Yes.” They may be translated as statements, as in Good News Bible. Is not the king great in his power does not mean that the king is a physically powerful man, but that he has great authority in the empire. All lands refers to all the nations ruled by the Persian king. Fear to touch him means fear to challenge his sovereignty or authority.

Here are possible models for this verse:

• “Do you understand what I am saying? The king is a powerful man, so powerful that no nation would dare challenge his authority.

• “Do you understand what I have said? The king has tremendous authority. It is so great that no nation would dare to challenge it.

• “Do you understand what I am saying? The king is a powerful man. In fact, he is so powerful that no nation would dare challenge his authority.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.