What is Sirach?

Origin and Authorship

Sirach—also known as the Book of Ecclesiasticus or Ben Sira—originated from the work of a man named Yeshua (Jesus) ben Eleazar ben Sira, a Jewish scribe. Scholars generally place its initial composition in Hebrew in the early second century BC, with the author’s grandson later translating it into Greek around 132 BC. While the text did not claim direct prophetic inspiration, its author wrote with a depth of devotion and literary skill that placed Sirach among some of the most influential wisdom writings in Judaism during the intertestamental period.

Several fragments of the Hebrew text have since been discovered in the Cairo Genizah and among other manuscript finds, providing evidence that Sirach had a significant manuscript tradition in various Jewish communities. Historical sources—from references in Jewish literature to citations by early Christian commentators—demonstrate that Sirach was widely read and valued for moral and wisdom instruction.

Canonical Status

Sirach is included in the Septuagint (the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) and is part of the Deuterocanonical books recognized by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and some other Christian traditions. Within most Protestant traditions, however, Sirach is placed within the Apocrypha and is not viewed as part of the inspired Old Testament canon. Early lists of the Hebrew Bible (such as those reflected in the Masoretic Text) and subsequent councils recognized by many Protestant groups excluded Sirach from the recognized canon of Scripture.

Nevertheless, Sirach has historically played an important role in shaping Jewish and Christian ethical thought, especially in the period before and shortly after the time of Christ. For those who do not consider the text canonical, it is still commonly acknowledged as providing useful insight into Second Temple Judaism and Hellenistic influences on Jewish culture.

Historical and Cultural Context

Sirach’s composition in a culturally blended Judea—where Hellenistic (Greek) language and ideas were increasingly influential—accounts for the manner in which it addresses both traditional Hebrew wisdom and contemporary philosophical questions. The book offers instruction on how to live an upright, honorable life in service to God, with an emphasis on piety, humility, generosity, and the power of godly wisdom.

The instructions within Sirach address family structures, worship practices, business dealings, almsgiving, and relationships between the wealthy and the poor. This situates Sirach firmly alongside other biblical Wisdom Literature, such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, although it is not ultimately included in the Hebrew canon. For parallel thought regarding wisdom’s necessity, one might consider: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).

Purpose and Themes

Sirach aims to impart practical wisdom grounded in a reverent acknowledgment of the Creator. Its author stressed themes such as:

• Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: The book constantly encourages readers to live in awe of God’s power and holiness.

• Moral Instruction and Ethical Conduct: It contains numerous exhortations for righteous behavior and ethical decision-making.

• Honor and Family Life: Guidelines for parents, children, and social interactions exemplify the text’s focus on communal harmony and virtue.

• Sobriety and Self-Control: Echoing the wisdom directives found in canonical texts, Sirach promotes moderation in speech, emotion, and lifestyle.

Although Sirach sits outside the core Old Testament canon for many, its themes overlap with those found in Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes, reinforcing a tradition of wisdom that underscores the moral and ethical dimensions of a devout life.

Structure and Literary Style

Written in poetic form, Sirach structures its teachings into short, often self-contained reflections or maxims on moral living. Many passages echo the style of biblical Proverbs—succinct statements of wisdom designed to be memorable and easily applied. Later Greek translation integrated Hellenistic rhetorical strategies as well, making it relatable to Jewish communities living under Greek cultural influence.

Use in Jewish and Church History

Jewish sources prior to the widespread establishment of the final Hebrew canon appear to have appreciated Sirach for its sound instruction. Early Christian believers, particularly in the Greek-speaking churches, often cited Sirach to illustrate moral behavior and attitudes consistent with Old Testament wisdom.

Church Fathers, including those in regions where the Septuagint was predominant, quoted Sirach in sermons and theological works. While its canonical status varied across traditions, Sirach’s moral teachings continued to influence Christian thought, especially in patristic writings that addressed ethical living, humility, and godly character.

Major Doctrinal Considerations

• Lack of Explicit Prophetic Claim: Unlike canonical Old Testament books, Sirach does not claim thus saith the Lord involvement, a reason many within the broader faith community consider it outside the primary canon.

• Substantial Overlap of Ethics with Canonical Scripture: The instructions on benevolence, humility, diligence, and honoring God align closely with teachings in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and other Old Testament books. Sirach at times anticipates New Testament teachings on humility and addressing conflict within community structures.

• Value for Historical Insight: From a historical and biblical scholarship standpoint, understanding intertestamental Jewish thought clarifies how synagogues and early believers may have viewed wisdom, virtue, and devotion just prior to Christ’s earthly ministry.

Comparison with Biblical Wisdom Books

Sirach possesses a marked similarity to certain Old Testament Wisdom Books. One sees parallel concepts that underscore reverence of the Creator as foundational to right living. For example, Sirach’s emphasis on “humility” and “seeking wisdom” finds an echo in scriptural principles, as in: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5), though from the New Testament perspective.

However, differences also arise in tone, including a smaller scope of Messianic prophecy when compared to canonical texts. Notably, core doctrines such as the covenantal foundation with Abraham and the central story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and ultimate redemption through God’s long-foretold plan are more comprehensively set out in the recognized canon.

Archaeological and Manuscript Evidence

Fragments discovered in the Cairo Genizah (a storeroom of discarded Jewish writings) and the Masada and Qumran sites have confirmed that Sirach circulated in Hebrew and Greek forms. These findings, dated between the second century BC and the medieval period, show that Sirach was appreciated as a record of wisdom tradition and was preserved by generations of scribes.

This textual evidence has contributed to a deeper scholarly understanding of the transmission and reception of Jewish wisdom texts. Researchers like Solomon Schechter in the 19th century famously engaged with these texts, underscoring how widely used Sirach was among various Jewish communities.

Practical Application

While many Bible readers today engage Sirach as a historical resource and a text that sheds light on the culture and religious ethos of Second Temple Judaism, it also retains value for modern reflection on daily living. Sirach’s teachings on humility, generosity, speech, and interpersonal relations exemplify virtues that align with biblical principles found in canonical Scripture, providing supplementary context for those who wish to understand the historical continuum of Hebrew wisdom literature.

Those who hold to the traditional biblical canon frequently read Sirach alongside other apocryphal wisdom books with the understanding that it is not divinely inspired Scripture. Yet they sometimes consult it for personal edification, comparative study with Old Testament wisdom literature, or for better insight into the religious environment that shaped the world into which Christ was born.

Conclusion

Sirach stands as a profound work of Jewish wisdom literature composed roughly two centuries before Christ. While its canonical status differs across church traditions, most agree on its historical and literary value. Sirach’s teachings on honorable living and the pursuit of wisdom echo familiar principles present in the recognized Scriptures, even though it lacks the explicit prophetic endorsement found in Old Testament writings. This text therefore remains significant for understanding the cultural, spiritual, and ethical dimensions of the intertestamental period, providing instructive background that enriches one’s comprehension of the broader biblical narrative.