But truth endures: That which is reliable will of course endure. We may render this clause as “But things that are reliable are permanent [or, lasting].”

And is strong for ever may be translated “and are strong forever.”

And lives and prevails for ever and ever may be expressed as “Reliability is real and it will always win over things that are not reliable—always.”

Zerubbabel is working his way to the point that reliability is a strong force, stronger than women, kings, or wine. Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• But things that are reliable are permanent, and are powerful forever. Reliability is real and it will always win over things that are not reliable—always.

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.