But now the mind grows with us may be rendered “But our minds mature as our bodies grow old.”

And therefore we are tormented may be translated “Then we receive torment,” “Then we are in pain,” or even “Then our minds cause us pain.”

Because we perish and know it may be expressed as “because we know that we must some day die.” The writer of this book feels that one difference between humans and other animals is that only humans are aware of death, and know that they must die.

Here is a possible model for this verse:

• But our minds grow mature as our bodies grow older. Then we are in torment because we know that we must face death [or, some day die].

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.