For we and our fathers have passed our lives in ways that bring death: As the Revised Standard Version footnote indicates, the Latin of this clause is uncertain, and translators should follow the Revised Standard Version text. The conjunction For may be rendered “It is true that.” In this context fathers means “ancestors” (Good News Bible). Have passed our lives in ways that bring death may be translated “have lived our lives in ways that bring death” (Good News Bible) or “have done things that lead to death” (Contemporary English Version).

But thou, because of us sinners, art called merciful: Good News Bible provides a workable model for this clause, but Contemporary English Version is also good with “yet it is because of our sins that you are called a God of mercy.”

An alternative model for this verse is:

• It is true that we and our ancestors have done things that lead to death,* but because of our sins you are called a God who is always merciful.
* Some ancient translations It is true … death; the Latin of this clause is unclear.

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.