And I have heard of the swiftness of the judgment that is to come: Ezra has learned that God’s judgment will be quick, so he wants to influence God in this prayer, before God has had time to hold judgment. As the Revised Standard Version footnote indicates, the Latin conjunction for and is literally “but.” It may be omitted (so Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). A footnote is not needed here since this is a translational issue. Possible models for this verse are:

• I know that when [your] judgment comes, it will be quick.

• I know that you will be coming to judge us very soon [or, quickly].

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.