For thou hast judged me worthy to be shown the end of the times and the last events of the times: There is a similar statement concerning Abraham (2 Esd 3.14) and Moses (2 Esd 14.5). Ezra is included. The conjunction For introduces the grounds for Ezra’s request in the previous verse. Good News Bible and Contemporary English Version render it “After all.” The verb judged may be translated “decided.” The phrase me worthy to be shown needs to be in the active voice in many languages, for example, “that I am worthy enough for you to show me [or, let me know].” The phrases the end of the times and the last events of the times have the same meaning, so Good News Bible combines them by saying “the end of this age.” Alternative models for this verse are:

• For you have already decided that I am worthy enough to know about what will happen at the end of this world.”

• … worthy enough for you to let me know what will happen….”

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.