I answered and said is better rendered “I said” (Good News Bible) or “Then I replied” (Contemporary English Version), since Ezra is not answering a question from the Lord. He is simply responding to the Lord’s illustration.

If I have found favor before thee, let me speak: For If I have found favor before thee, see the comments on 2 Esd 4.44. Revised Standard Version‘s footnote here involves a translational matter, so it may be omitted.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• I said, “Please, Lord, let me reply to that.

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.