2 Esdras 5:52
King James VersionSource notes
“Say unto her, Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now brought forth like those that were before, but less of stature?”
Context
49For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that belong to the aged, even so have I disposed the world which I created.
50And I asked, and said, Seeing thou hast now given me the way, I will proceed to speak before thee: for our mother, of whom thou hast told me that she is young, draweth now nigh unto age.
51He answered me, and said, Ask a woman that beareth children, and she shall tell thee.
52Say unto her, Wherefore are unto they whom thou hast now brought forth like those that were before, but less of stature?
53And she shall answer thee, They that be born in the strength of youth are of one fashion, and they that are born in the time of age, when the womb faileth, are otherwise.
54Consider thou therefore also, how that ye are less of stature than those that were before you.
55And so are they that come after you less than ye, as the creatures which now begin to be old, and have passed over the strength of youth.