In verses 74-90 Ezra prays to the Lord. Translators should use a style of language that is solemn and that is appropriate for addressing God in prayer. Revised Standard Version uses archaic pronouns and verb forms in this prayer (for example, thy in this verse and “didst” in verse 86). It uses such language when characters speak directly to God. However, this archaic language should not be imitated in other languages since it reflects nothing in the Greek. New Revised Standard Version does not use it here.

Ezra’s prayer begins in the first person singular with his personal expression of shame and guilt. Then it shifts to the first person plural with a communal confession of sin, making the subject of his prayer the sins that have been committed. These sins are referred to in the third person plural. The prayer is a prayer of penitence. The structure of the prayer includes a lament (verses 74-77), a recognition of God’s favor (verses 78-81), and a confession of breaking God’s commandments (verses 82-90). There is no supplication or appeal for forgiveness.

I said may be rendered “I prayed” (Contemporary English Version).

O Lord, I am ashamed and confounded before thy face: Revised Standard Version and Good News Bible both insert the interjection O to indicate the vocative form in English. Many languages will follow the Greek text here, which does not use an interjection. In some languages an emphatic particle may follow the name that is called upon, for example, “Lord-oo!” or “Lord-ee!” In other languages the vocative form of the name will be sufficient to convey the meaning of the Greek invocation. I am ashamed … before thy face may be rendered “I am ashamed to approach/address you.” The Greek verb for confounded may be translated “bewildered,” “stunned,” “appalled,” or “frustrated.” In English is it more natural to reverse the order of the two verbs in this sentence (see the second model below). Before thy face means “in your presence” (Good News Bible).

Here are possible models for this verse:

• and I prayed, ‘O Lord, this news has made me ashamed and confused as I kneel before you.

• and I said, ‘O Lord, I am so stunned [or, upset] at this news that I am ashamed to come to you.

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.