And he read aloud in the open square before the gate of the temple from early morning until midday, in the presence of both men and women: In order to be heard by all the people in this huge crowd, Ezra had to read with a very loud voice. Translators may begin this verse with “Then Ezra read the Law to them with a loud voice….” For in the open square before the gate of the temple, see the comments on verse 38. From early morning until midday may be expressed in various ways, for example, “from dawn until noon” (Good News Bible) or “from daybreak until the middle of the day.” Translators should use a natural expression in the receptor language, such as “from the first light until midday” or “from the cutting of the dawn to the overhead sun.”

And all the multitude gave attention to the law may be rendered “and all the people listened carefully.”

Good News Bible gives a good model for this verse. It omits the phrase both men and women, but “they all listened” quickly recalls the men and women who were mentioned in verse 40.

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.