He answered me and said may be rendered simply “The angel answered” (Contemporary English Version).

I will show you that also may be translated “I will answer those questions for you” (Contemporary English Version).

But do not be associated with those who have shown scorn: Here Uriel is not urging Ezra to stay away from sinners. Instead, he is telling him not to consider himself one of them. Those who have shown scorn may be expressed as “those who have no use for God.”

Nor number yourself among those who are tormented: Once again Uriel tells Ezra not to include himself among the sinners. He assures him that he himself will not face eternal torment. He has nothing to worry about, personally.

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• He said to me, “I will answer those questions, but Ezra, you are not one of those who have had no use for God, and you are not going to go to hell [or, face eternal torment].

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.