This therefore is the meaning of the vision: There is a slight discrepancy in the verse numbering for verses 40 and 41 in the several editions of the Latin text, and it is reflected in the difference between Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible here. In our opinion it is easier to follow Revised Standard Version. An alternative model for verse 40 is:

• This, then, is the meaning of the vision [or, what you saw].

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.