63 For it would have been better that the dust itself had been unborn, so that the mind might not have been made from it. (WEB) 64 But now the mind grows with us, and because of this we are tormented, because we perish and we know it. (WEB) 65 Let the race of men lament and the animals of the field be glad. Let all who are born lament, but let the four-footed animals and the livestock rejoice. (WEB)
2 Esdras 7:63–65
Semantically similar passages
2 Baruch 21:17–18
17 and what we now are we shall not afterwards remain. For if a consummation had not been prepared (2BA) 18 for all, in vain would have been their beginning. But regarding everything that comes from Thee, do Thou inform me, and regarding everything about which I ask Thee,… (2BA)
2 Esdras 10:8–10
8 It is right now to mourn deeply, since we all mourn, and to be sorrowful, since we are all in sorrow, but you are mourning for one son. (WEB) 9 Ask the earth, and she will tell you that it is she which ought to mourn for so many that grow upon her. (WEB) 10 For out of her, all… (WEB)
2 Esdras 5:54–56
54 Consider therefore you also, how you are shorter than those who were before you. (WEB) 55 So are those who come after you smaller than you, as born of the creature which now begins to be old, and is past the strength of youth.” (WEB) 56 Then I said, “Lord, I implore you, if I ha… (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 5:12–14
12 Or it is like when an arrow is shot at a mark, the air it divided closes up again immediately, so that men don’t know where it passed through. (WEB) 13 So we also, as soon as we were born, ceased to be; and we had no sign of virtue to show, but we were utterly consumed… (WEB)
2 Esdras 7:68–70
68 For all who are born are defiled with iniquities, and are full of sins and laden with transgressions. (WEB) 69 If after death we were not to come into judgment, perhaps it would have been better for us.” (WEB) 70 He answered me, “When the Most High made the world and Adam and al… (WEB)
Wisdom of Solomon 15:16–18
16 For a man made them, and one whose own spirit is borrowed molded them; for no one has power as a man to mold a god like himself. (WEB) 17 But, being mortal, he makes a dead thing by the work of lawless hands; for he is better than the objects of his worship, since he i… (WEB)
Psalms 89:46–48
46 How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire? 47 Remember the briefness of my lifespan! For what futility You have created all men! 48 What man can live and never see death? Can he deliver his soul from the power of Sheol?…
2 Baruch 14:9–10
9 Or who will be able to think out Thy incomprehensible counsel? Or who of those that are born has ever found The beginning or end of Thy wisdom? (2BA) 10 For we have all been made like a breath. For as the breath ascends involuntarily, and again dies, so it is with the… (2BA)
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