And she said to me may be rendered simply “She answered” (Contemporary English Version).

Let me alone, my lord: In most languages the woman’s plea here will be softened by beginning with a word such as “Please.” Here my lord is only a respectful address to Ezra, which may be translated “Sir” (Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). However, in a number of languages a kinship term such as “Uncle” will be appropriate.

That I may weep for myself and continue to mourn: Translators should try to find two appropriate terms for weep and mourn that refer to showing sadness for the death of her beloved son (compare verse 38).

For I am greatly embittered in spirit means more than just being sad. There is an added element of anger here. In some languages translators may say “because my heart is full of bitterness [or, anger].”

And deeply afflicted may be translated “and I am very depressed” or “and I have a heavy heart.”

Here are possible models for this verse:

• She answered, “Please, sir, leave me alone. I want to go on crying and mourning because my heart is full of bitterness and heaviness.”

• She replied, “Please, sir, leave me alone. I am bitter, I am deeply hurt [or, depressed], and I want to go on crying and mourning.”

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.