But the entrance to it is narrow and set in a precipitous place: In this context the Latin word for entrance does not refer to “the gate of the city” (Contemporary English Version), but rather to the path leading to the city gate (so Myers). The path is elevated, high up on a narrow ridge with deep, steep sides, so that a traveler could easily fall off. This clause may be rendered “But to enter it you have to walk along a narrow ridge with steep sides.”

So that there is fire on the right hand and deep water on the left: Compare Psa 66.12. There is danger on either side of the traveler trying to enter the city. Contemporary English Version renders this clause as “with fire on the right side and deep water on the left.” Another possible model is “looking down at fire on one side and deep water on the other.”

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.