And I looked, and behold: These words occur many times in chapters 11–13, especially in chapter 11. Some translators may find some expression that will serve in all occurrences, for example, “I looked and saw.” But many will want to adjust each to its own context, as we will do in the commentary and models (and as Good News Bible has done). These words serve in every case to announce to the reader some amazing sight or sound. See also the comments on behold in 2Esdras 11.1.

He spread his wings over all the earth refers to Rome ruling the world. Revised Standard Version‘s textual footnote here involves a translational issue, so it is not needed. With the phrase his wings the eagle is clearly identified as a male.

And all the winds of heaven blew upon him: In the phrase the winds of heaven, most translators will not need to mention heaven, which refers to the sky. Good News Bible renders this clause as “Winds blew on it from every direction,” and Contemporary English Version has “Wind from every direction blew in toward it.”

And the clouds were gathered about him: Revised Standard Version‘s footnote here points to what is probably an omission in the Latin text. We recommend following Revised Standard Version in using the longer text in the ancient versions. Good News Bible does so by saying “and clouds gathered over it.”

Good News Bible provides a good model for this verse, including its footnote.

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.