The first order may be rendered “In the first stage” or simply “First.”

Because they have striven with great effort: This clause refers to the hard work of the righteous to obey God, which is described in verse 89.

To overcome the evil thought which was formed with them: Evil thought which was formed with them refers to the human tendency to sin (see the comments on 2 Esd 3.20).

That it might not lead them astray from life into death: Life refers to eternal life in heaven.

As in verse 81, part of the thought is left implied here: that the righteous realize how successful they have been in their efforts to do what is right. This thought is made explicit in the following model of this verse:

• First, they realize that during their lives they tried as hard as they could to overcome their tendency to do wrong, so that it might not lead them to death instead of eternal life.

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.