When Cyrus king of the Persians brought these out: See the comments on the previous verse. Many translators will not feel it necessary to repeat Cyrus king of the Persians (see 1 Esdras 2.1). Good News Bible has simply the pronoun “He.” Such repetition is part of the courtly, formal style being used here, and contributes nothing to the meaning. But it may certainly be used if translators wish and feel that it will be good style in their language. The demonstrative pronoun these refers to the Lord’s holy objects. Some languages may prefer to leave this clause implied since it can be understood from the context (see the models below).

He gave them to Mithridates his treasurer: Mithridates is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Good News Bible uses the name “Mithredath” as found in the parallel passage of Ezra 1.8. Translators may choose this form of the name if it is easier in their language. The title treasurer refers to a high financial official. Mithridates was responsible for the king’s treasures, including those kept in the temples. For the first two clauses of this verse Contemporary English Version has simply “Cyrus placed Mithridates, his treasurer, in charge of these things.”

And by him they were given to Sheshbazzar the governor of Judea: Sheshbazzar was one of the Jews in exile. Since Sheshbazzar is a Babylonian name, it is possible he may have been born in exile. It is possible that he was the son of King Jehoiachin called Shenazzar in 1 Chr 3.18. Nothing is known of him other than what is said of him in Ezra and 1 Esdras. Cyrus appointed Sheshbazzar as the governor of Judea (see Ezra 5.14), which can be expressed in translation here without overburdening the sentence (see the models below). Without this information, the reader could think that this man had held such an office before the exile. The Revised Standard Version footnote indicates that the form of the name Sheshbazzar in the Greek text is “Sanabassarus.” We prefer the forms of names used in the Old Testament, so this footnote is unnecessary.

Alternative models for verses 11-12 are:

• 11 Cyrus had these items handed over to his treasurer, Mithridates [or, Mithredath], 12 who entrusted them to Sheshbazzar, whom Cyrus had appointed as governor of Judah.

• 11 Cyrus had people hand these items over to his treasurer, Mithridates. 12 He in turn entrusted them to Sheshbazzar, whom Cyrus had appointed as governor of Judah.

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.