2 Esdras 7:74-76

Revised Standard Version

⁷⁴ For how long the time is that the Most High has been patient with those who inhabit the world, and not for their sake, but because of the times which he has foreordained!”

State of the Dead before Judgment

⁷⁵ I answered and said, “If I have found favor in thy sight, O Lord, show this also to thy servant: whether after death, as soon as every one of us yields up his soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come when thou wilt renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented at once?”

⁷⁶ He answered me and said, “I will show you that also, but do not be associated with those who have shown scorn, nor number yourself among those who are tormented.