4 Ezra (2 Esdras)

c. late 1st century AD · Early Jewish / Second Temple Texts

About this text

An apocalyptic text where Ezra wrestles with God over the problem of evil and Israel's suffering after the Temple's destruction. Contains powerful dialogues and visions.

Significance

Deeply influential on both Jewish and Christian eschatology. Included in some Bible traditions.

Key excerpts

"If the world has been created for our sakes, why do we not possess our world? How long shall this endure?"

"For the world has lost its youth, and the times begin to grow old."

Scripture cross-references

Romans 8:22 — All creation groans — the same anguished tone
Habakkuk 1:2-3 — "How long, O Lord?" — the same lament

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This text is one of 17 in the Early Jewish / Second Temple Texts category, and one of 62 across the entire library.