Whose look dries up the depths: Compare Psa 74.15; Isa 50.2; 51.10. The depths refers to the deep water of the ocean (see the comments on 2 Esd 3.18). This clause may be rendered “You look at the ocean and it will dry up” or “One look from you dries up the deepest ocean” (Contemporary English Version).

And whose indignation makes the mountains melt away: Compare Psa 97.5; Micah 1.4. This clause may be translated “When you are angry, mountains can melt” or “and mountains melt when they see your anger” (Contemporary English Version).

And whose truth is established for ever: Scholars seem agreed that the ancient versions are preferable to the Latin (see the footnotes in Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible), so translators may feel free to follow Good News Bible as a model here. However, we suggest that the Latin, which is literally “and [whose] truth bears witness,” makes sense. God testifies to his own truth (compare Isa 45.23; 62.8; Jer 44.26; 49.13; Amos 4.2).

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• You can look at the ocean and it will dry up. When you are angry, mountains can melt. And you bear witness to your own truth [or, Your truth is self-evident/obvious].

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.