And when I require from the doers of iniquity the penalty of their iniquity may be rendered simply “At that time I will punish sinners as they deserve.”

And when the humiliation of Zion is complete refers to the end of Jerusalem’s own punishment (compare Isa 40.2; Luke 21.24). In this context humiliation means “punishment,” and Zion refers to the city of Jerusalem (see the comments on 1 Esd 8.81). This clause may be translated “and Jerusalem’s time of punishment will be over” or “and I won’t punish Jerusalem anymore.”

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.