Guide
What Is the Book of Ben Sira?
180–132 BCE
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Also known as the Wisdom of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus, Ben Sira was composed in Hebrew by Joshua ben Sira of Jerusalem around 180 BCE and was translated into Greek by the author’s grandson in 132 BCE. It features prescriptions for ethical living, emphasizing charity and fear of God. The book was preserved in Greek and other languages, though fragments of the Hebrew original have been discovered in the Cairo Geniza, at Masada, and among the Dead Sea Scrolls. Ben Sira is not included in Jewish Bibles but is in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox canons and the Protestant Apocrypha. It is also quoted in the two Talmuds.
Related Primary Sources
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The Praise of Wisdom
Ben Sira 24:1–34
Wisdom praises herself, and tells of her glory in the midst of her people. [ . . . ]“I came forth from the mouth of the Most High, and covered the earth like a mist.I dwelt in the highest…
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On the Inadequacy of Translation
Prologue to Ben Sira
Many great teachings have been given to us through the Law and the Prophets and the others that followed them, and for these we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom. Now, those who read the…
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An Ideal Scribe
Ben Sira 39:1–11
He seeks out the wisdom of all the ancients,
and is concerned with prophecies;
he preserves the sayings of the famous…
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The Service of the High Priest on Yom Kippur
Ben Sira 50:1, 5–21
The leader of his brothers and the pride of his people
was the high priest, Simeon son of Onias,
who in his life repaired…
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Ben Sira’s Hymn of Thanksgiving
Ben Sira 51:1–12
I give you thanks, O Lord and King,
and praise you, O God my Savior.
I give thanks…
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Ben Sira’s Prayer for the Salvation of Israel
Ben Sira 36:1–22
Have mercy upon us, O God of all,
and put all the nations in fear of you.
Lift up your hand against foreign nations…
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Preexistent Wisdom as Torah
Ben Sira 24:1–12, 23, 28–29
Wisdom praises herself,
and tells of her glory in the midst of her people.
In the assembly of the Most High she opens her…
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Physical Labor Is Divine
Ben Sira 7:15
Do not hate hard labor or farm work, which was created by the Most High.
Translation from the New Revised Standard Version.
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Wisdom versus Labor
Ben Sira 38:25
How can one become wise who handles the plow,
and who glories in the shaft of a goad,
who drives oxen and is occupied with…
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Scribes and Craftsmen
Ben Sira 38:24–34
The wisdom of the scribe depends on the opportunity of leisure;
only the one who has little business can become wise.
H…
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Commerce Breeds Sin
Ben Sira 26:29–27:3
A merchant can hardly keep from wrongdoing,nor is a tradesman innocent of sin.
Many have committed sin for gain,and those who seek to get rich will avert their eyes.As a stake…
Many have committed sin for gain,and those who seek to get rich will avert their eyes.As a stake…
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Enjoy This Life
Ben Sira 14:11–19
My child, treat yourself well, according to your means,
and present worthy offerings to the Lord.
Remember that death…
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The Physician
Ben Sira 38:1–15
Honor physicians for their services,
for the Lord created them;
for their gift of healing comes from the Most High,…
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Ben Sira’s Tripartite Division of Scripture
Prologue to Ben Sira
Many great teachings have been given to us through the Law and the Prophets and the others that followed them, and for these we should praise Israel for instruction and wisdom.