The second way, because they cannot now make a good repentance that they may live: Second, the wicked realize it is too late to repent. The verb live refers to eternal life in heaven. Possible models for this verse are:

• Second [or, In the second step], they know that it is too late for a sincere repentance, and that there is no chance for eternal life.

• … it is too late for them to sincerely repent for their sins, and they will have no chance to gain eternal life.

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.