Old Testament

New Testament

2 Esdras 9:36-46 Common English Bible (CEB)

36. We who received the Law sinned and will perish, along with our hearts that received it;

37. yet the Law doesn’t perish but remains in its glory."

38. While I was saying these things in my heart, I looked with my eyes and saw a woman to my right. She was lamenting and crying with a loud voice, and she was experiencing deep grief. Her clothes were torn, and there were ashes on her head.

39. I dismissed my own thoughts, turned to her, and said,

40. "Why are you weeping, and why do you grieve so deeply?"

41. She said to me, "Leave me alone, sir, so that I may weep for myself and continue in my grief, because I am very bitter inside, and I am depressed."

42. I said to her, "What have you suffered? Tell me!"

43. She said to me: “I, your servant, was infertile, and I hadn’t given birth, although I had a husband for thirty years.

44. Hour after hour and day after day during these thirty years I pleaded with the Most High by night and day.

45. After thirty years God heard your servant and saw how dejected I was. He attended to my distress and gave me a son. I rejoiced greatly over him, as did my husband and all my fellow citizens, and we greatly honored the mighty one.

46. I nourished my son with much labor,

Read complete chapter 2 Esdras 9