For many miseries will affect those who inhabit the world in the last times: The conjunction For may be omitted (so Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). Here the last times refers to the end of the present age, not the future age (compare 2 Esd 6.34). This clause may be rendered “The people of this world who have lived their lives during these end times will suffer much pain [or, will suffer many things].”

Because they have walked in great pride may be translated “because they have shown great arrogance” or simply “because of their great pride.”

In this verse there is a special word of condemnation for those who have not shown proper humility. Good News Bible reverses the order of its clauses, and so does Contemporary English Version, which says:

• These arrogant people who have boasted about themselves will suffer much pain at the end of time.

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.