And they were not prevented from building until …: The government officials were concerned about the Jewish building project, but they did not stop the work. This clause may be rendered “These officials did not prevent [or, stop] the Jews from building the Temple until…” or “And so the governor and his group decided not to make the people stop working until…” (Contemporary English Version).

Word could be sent to Darius concerning them and a report made: They wrote a letter to Darius to ask what he wanted done, but in the meantime, they allowed the work to progress. Word could be sent Darius concerning them refers to the letter they sent; a report made refers to Darius’ answer to their letter. Contemporary English Version says “they could report to Darius and get his advice.”

Here are two possible models for this verse:

• The governor and his officials decided not to stop the people working, but would write a letter to Darius and wait for an answer to their letter.

• They decided to send a letter to Darius, informing him of what was happening, but they did not stop the work. They would wait for an answer to their letter.

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.