For as many as did not acknowledge me in their lifetime, although they received my benefits …: The conjunction For may be omitted (so Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). Did not acknowledge me may be rendered “ignored me” (Good News Bible) or even “rejected me” (Contemporary English Version). In their lifetime may be translated “while they were alive.” Received my benefits may be expressed as “accepted the blessings I gave them” (Good News Bible) or even “accepted the good things that I gave them.”

And as many as scorned my law while they still had freedom: Scorned my law may be translated “disobeyed [or, ignored] my Law.” They still had freedom refers to the time or opportunity they had to obey God’s Law. Good News Bible renders this whole sentence as “It will include all those who scorned my Law during the time they were free to do so.” Another possible interpretation here is “… those who scorned my Law during the time that they could have chosen to follow it.” Contemporary English Version follows this sense with “those who ignored my Law when they had the chance to obey it.” Either one of these interpretations is acceptable; translators may choose either, but the word freedom does need to be clarified, one way or the other. Of course, the overall meaning is the same in either case.

And did not understand but despised it while an opportunity of repentance was still open to them: The pronoun it, which is supplied by Revised Standard Version, refers to God’s Law. Another possible object to supply here is the pronoun “me” (Revised Standard Version footnote; so also Contemporary English Version). While an opportunity of repentance was still open to them may be rendered “while they still had the opportunity [or, chance] to repent.” Repentance in many languages will be stated as “turning back.” So another possible model for this clause is “while they still had the opportunity to turn back to me.”

These must in torment acknowledge it after death: Once again Revised Standard Version supplies the pronoun it, which refers to God’s Law. Good News Bible supplies the object “the truth,” rendering this sentence as “The torment they will have to suffer after death will force them to recognize the truth.” Another possible object to supply here is the pronoun “me” (Revised Standard Version footnote; so also Contemporary English Version).

Verses 10-12 form one long sentence in the Latin text and Revised Standard Version. Many languages will have to divide it into several sentences. Good News Bible has done this very well, verse by verse, and we suggest that translators study it carefully.

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.