Translation comparison

1 Esdras 2:20 in 2 translations

Every translation here words this verse identically, which is itself worth knowing — there is no interpretive fork to weigh.

Read with nearby context Open chapter 2

Early modern English

Seventeenth-century wording and sentence shape. Familiar, rhythmic, and the version most quotations you have heard are taken from.

King James Version · World English Bible

KJV

WEB

These 2 editions word this verse identically.

And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter,

1611 / 1769 · Public domain · The Authorised Version, revised to the 1769 Blayney text. Includes the Apocrypha as printed in 1611.

What changes between the King James and modern wording

The modern rendering is printed below with every word that differs from the King James text marked, so the actual divergence is visible rather than left for you to spot.

And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter,

The verses either side

King James text. A comparison is easier to judge when you can see the sentence the verse sits inside.

19Now if this city and the walls thereof be made up again, they will not only refuse to give tribute, but also rebel against kings.

20And forasmuch as the things pertaining to the temple are now in hand, we think it meet not to neglect such a matter,

21But to speak unto our lord the king, to the intent that, if it be thy pleasure it may be sought out in the books of thy fathers:

Not shown for this verse: American Standard Version, Darby Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Open English Bible (US), Open English Bible (Commonwealth), Bible in Basic English. Most modern translations do not include the Apocrypha.