For we who have received the law and sinned will perish, as well as our heart which received it; the law, however, does not perish but remains in its glory: In these two verses the point is that unlike the cases in verse 34, in the case of the Israelites, even though they will perish, the Law that is put within them will survive after the container (that is, the Israelites) is destroyed. Possible models for these two verses are:

• 36 It is just the reverse for us. We received the Law into our hearts, but we will perish because we have sinned. 37 However, the Law continues to exist just as glorious as ever.”

• 36 For even though we received the Law into our hearts, we will perish because of our sins; 37 but the Law survives [or, goes on living] just as glorious as ever.”

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.