2 Esdras 8:40-42

Revised Standard Version

⁴⁰ As I have spoken, therefore, so it shall be.

⁴¹ “For just as the farmer sows many seeds upon the ground and plants a multitude of seedlings, and yet not all that have been sown will come up^[a] in due season, and not all that were planted will take root; so also those who have been sown in the world will not all be saved.”

⁴² I answered and said, “If I have found favor before thee, let me speak.^[b]