Thou hast brought him up in thy righteousness, and instructed him in thy law, and reproved him in thy wisdom: This verse refers to a person’s education, especially religious education, learning more than just how to behave as a human being, but how to live according to God’s Law. The verbs brought up, instructed, and reproved have more or less the same meaning, as do the nouns righteousness, law, and wisdom. However, the last of the three clauses is the most distinctive one, since it speaks of correcting a wrongdoer with God’s wisdom. Translators may choose to combine the first two clauses, but should try to keep the third one separate. A possible model for this verse is:

• You give a person instruction in right behavior, teach him your Law, and wisely correct him when he does wrong.

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.