For as long as I live I will speak, and as long as I have understanding I will answer: The conjunction For may be left implied (so Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). These two clauses are very similar in meaning. Answer here means “respond,” that is, to the prospect presented to Ezra about the fate of the wicked. Good News Bible presents a fine model for this verse, and so does Contemporary English Version, which says:

• I will speak as long as I am alive and can think.

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.