At the beginning of this verse Good News Bible and Contemporary English Version insert the quote frame “Then I prayed” to indicate that Ezra begins to address God here. Other languages may find this addition helpful. For the archaic pronouns and verbs in this prayer (for example, art and thy), see the comments on 2 Esd 3.4-5.

O Lord who art over us: Instead of Lord, Stone (page 262) suggests that the original text may have read “Lord Most High.” Most ancient versions have simply “Lord.” We accept the Latin text as it is, but point out that this relative clause can be understood equally well as a main clause by saying “O Lord, you are over us.” Contemporary English Version has “Our Lord in heaven,” which is acceptable. New English Bible says “O Lord above,” which we rather like.

Grant to thy servant that we may pray before thee: Thy servant refers to Ezra himself. Ezra uses this expression to show deference to God. The plural pronoun we is unexpected, but at this point Ezra begins to speak on behalf of all humanity. Possible models for this clause are “Allow me, your servant, to pray to you” or “please hear this prayer from your servant” (Contemporary English Version).

And give us seed for our heart and cultivation of our understanding: Compare 2 Esd 4.28-32. Along with heart, the noun cultivation is an object of the preposition for, not a direct object of the verb give. We suggest the following renderings for this clause: “Plant understanding in our minds like a seed” and “Plant a seed in our hearts that will help us have understanding.”

So that fruit may be produced: In this context the Latin word for fruit refers to the food produced by any kind of plant, not just fruit trees. Good News Bible‘s translation expresses the meaning of this clause quite well, saying the fruit “produces new hearts and minds.”

By which every mortal who bears the likeness of a human being may be able to live: The relative clause every mortal who bears the likeness of a human being is an emphatic way of saying “every person.” Live means “have eternal life.” Revised Standard Version‘s footnote here may be omitted since the Syriac clearly gives the correct reading.

Translators should study Good News Bible‘s model for this verse, but here are two other possibilities:

• O Lord above, allow me, your servant, to pray to you. Plant understanding in our minds like a seed. Let it sprout, and then let us take care of it until it produces fruit, a mature wisdom that can lead every human being in the world to eternal life.

• O Lord above, allow me, your servant, to make this prayer. Give us understanding. Let it sprout in our mind like a young plant, and let us cultivate [or, take care of] it until it produces [the fruit of] full understanding, which allows every human being in the world to have 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.