For you have a treasure of works laid up with the Most High; but it will not be shown to you until the last times: The conjunction For introduces why Ezra should not include himself among sinners. It is because he has done many good things, which God knows about. Good News Bible renders this connector as “After all.” Ezra’s good works are described as a treasure in heaven that Ezra will not receive until the end time (compare 2 Esd 6.5; 8.33, 36; 13.56; Matt 6.20; 19.21; 1 Tim 6.17-19). The model below suggests an approach to this verse that avoids the metaphor of the treasure. Translators who are not troubled with this figure of speech may follow Good News Bible with confidence. For the Most High, see the comments on 2 Esd 3.3. Here is our model for this verse:

• For you have done many good things, and God Most High knows about every one of them. But you will have to wait until the end of time to receive your reward.

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.