The Hebrew, Greek and Latin that is translated as “sanctuary” in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) with opatulika or “separated place.” This is understood in a religious setup as a place designated for worship. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
Translation commentary on 2 Esdras 15:25
I will not spare them: This clause may be rendered “I will have no mercy on them!” (Good News Bible; similarly Contemporary English Version) or “I will certainly punish them.”
Depart, you faithless children!: Faithless children refers to Jews who have not kept God’s Law. Good News Bible and New English Bible translate this phrase as “rebels,” and Contemporary English Version says “worthless rebels.” Both are acceptable models.
Do not pollute my sanctuary: The Latin word for sanctuary is literally “sanctification” (see the comments on 2 Esd 10.21). Here it may refer to God’s sanctified community (holy people), his people who have been set apart as his own.
Here are two possible models for this verse:
• I will not spare them! Away from me, you faithless rebels! I don’t want you contaminating my holy people!”
• I will certainly punish them! Get away from me, all you worthless rebels! I don’t want you contaminating those people who are truly mine.”
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.
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