They shall carry your children away captive, and shall plunder your wealth: Contemporary English Version combines these two clauses, saying “This cruel army will carry away your children and your wealth.”

And abolish the glory of your countenance: The Latin word for countenance is literally “face,” and there may be an ironic reference here back to verse 54, although a different Latin noun is used there. This clause may be rendered “your face will not be so pretty anymore.” Good News Bible uses a nonfigurative expression, saying “Your splendor will vanish.”

Here is a model for this verse:

• They will take your children away as captives, they will plunder your wealth [or, forcibly take all your possessions], and your face will not be so pretty anymore!”

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.