The first wrote, “Wine is strongest”: The first may be expanded to “The first bodyguard” or “The first man” (Contemporary English Version). If wine from grapes is not known in the receptor culture, it is sometimes possible to refer to it with a general term for fermented beverages. However, because of the importance of the grapevine and its fruit, the vineyard, and wine in the Bible both for food and drink and as a theological symbol, a way must be found to translate these terms. In some geographical locations, a local fruit-bearing vine related to the grapevine may be used. In other cases, it is more appropriate to use borrowed terms. For rendering the word strongest, see the comments on 1 Esdras 3.5. Good News Bible provides a good model for this verse.

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.