Because those who labor, labor in vain: Compare 2 Esd 5.12. The conjunction Because introduces the reason for the cautionary words in verses 41-44. Both Good News Bible and Contemporary English Version leave this conjunction implied. Good News Bible renders this clause as “Anything that is done will be useless,” which is unclear. Better models are “Anything that people do [or, work at] will be useless,” “All your work will have been for nothing” (Contemporary English Version), and “You will work hard, but will gain nothing.”

For strangers shall gather their fruits …: The connector for introduces the reasons why their work will be in vain. Contemporary English Version renders this clause as “because foreigners will harvest your crops” (similarly Good News Bible).

And plunder their goods may be translated “and take their possessions by force” or “and steal your possessions” (Contemporary English Version).

And overthrow their houses may be expressed as “and tear down their houses” (similarly Good News Bible).

And take their children captive may be rendered “and take away their children as slaves.”

For in captivity and famine they will beget their children: The connector for may be omitted (so Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). Good News Bible provides a helpful model for this sentence, saying “Anyone who has children will be bringing them up to be slaves or to die of starvation.” Another possible one is “Their children will either become slaves or starve to death” (similarly Contemporary English Version).

We suggest the following model for verses 45-46:

• 45 Anything that people do will be useless [or, gain nothing]. 46 For strangers will harvest their crops, take all their possessions by force, tear down their houses, and make their children slaves. Anyone who has children will bring them up to be slaves or to die in starvation.

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.