But that which keeps and that which is kept shall both be kept by thy keeping: The conjunction But is better rendered “and” (Good News Bible) or omitted (so Contemporary English Version). That which keeps is the mother’s womb, and that which is kept is the baby. Ezra says that God takes care of both. The Latin verb rendered keeps and kept involves the idea not only of keeping, but of keeping safe. Revised Standard Version‘s footnote points to a difficulty in the Latin text, which it resolves on a textual basis. We think this issue may be called translational, thus requiring no footnote.

And when the womb gives up again what has been created in it: The adverb again has no special significance here. This clause simply refers to the birth of the baby. It connects with the following verse, so a model of this verse will be given there.

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.