For this reason, therefore, those who dwell on earth shall be tormented: For this reason, therefore may be rendered “That is why” or simply “So.” Shall be tormented may be translated “must be punished” or “must receive punishment in hell.”

Because though they had understanding they committed iniquity means that people knowingly committed sin; they sinned and knew they were sinning. They knew because they had a mind that grew along with them (verse 71). This clause may be rendered simply “For they knew that they were sinning.”

And though they received the commandments they did not keep them, and though they obtained the law they dealt unfaithfully with what they received: These two clauses are parallel in meaning for emphasis. Dealt unfaithfully with what they received may be expressed as “dealt irresponsibly with everything God gave them” or “refused to obey the Law they received.”

Here are possible models for this verse:

• That is why humans will receive punishment. For they knew that they had sinned, and even though they had received the commandments from God, they refused to obey them.

• People on earth sinned, and knew they were sinning, and that is why they must be punished. God gave them the commandments, but they did not keep them. They dealt irresponsibly with everything God gave them.

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.