And I said: In this context the verb said may be rendered “prayed” (Good News Bible, Contemporary English VersioTranslation commentary on 2 Esdras 12n).

O sovereign Lord: See the comments on 2 Esd 3.4-5.

If I have found favor in thy sight: See the comments on 2 Esd 4.44-45.

And if I have been accounted righteous before thee beyond many others: See 2 Esd 8.47. Good News Bible combines this clause with the previous one, but some translators may wish to keep both clauses by saying “if you are pleased with me and find me more righteous [or, more faithful/obedient to you] than many other people.”

And if my prayer has indeed come up before thy face: With this idiomatic expression Ezra asks if God is listening to his prayers. Good News Bible says simply “and if you hear my prayers.”

Translators should study Good News Bible‘s model for this verse, but we also suggest the following one based on Contemporary English Version:

• I prayed, “Our Lord God, if you are pleased with me and find me more righteous [or, faithful] than many other people, and if you have heard my prayers….

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.