Behold, the days are coming …: For Behold, which highlights the message that follows, see the comments on 2 Esd 6.18. This attention-getter may be rendered “Look, Ezra.” The days are coming may be translated “The time is coming” (Good News Bible).

When a kingdom shall arise on earth, and it shall be more terrifying than all the kingdoms that have been before it: In some languages a kingdom does not arise; neither does it “rule” (Contemporary English Version). If so, a kingdom shall arise may be rendered “an empire will be established” (Good News Bible) or “they will establish a kingdom.” The phrase on earth may be omitted in translation on the grounds that it is self-evident.

Alternative models for this verse are:

• Ezra, the time is coming when a kingdom will arise [on earth] that will be more terrifying than all the kingdoms that have ever held power [on earth].

• Look, Ezra, the time is coming when they will establish a kingdom [or, territory] that will be more terrifying….

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.