Topical Bible: Jesus the Son of Sirach

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Jesus the Son of Sirach, also known as Ben Sira or simply Sirach, is a significant figure in Jewish wisdom literature. He is traditionally credited as the author of the Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, which is part of the Apocrypha in the Christian tradition. This work is esteemed for its practical teachings on ethics, morality, and piety, reflecting a deep reverence for the Law and wisdom of God.

Historical Context:
The Book of Sirach was written in Hebrew in the early 2nd century BC, during a time when Hellenistic influences were pervasive in Jewish society. Jesus the Son of Sirach sought to reinforce Jewish traditions and wisdom in the face of these external cultural pressures. His grandson later translated the work into Greek, which is the version that has been preserved in the Septuagint.

Authorship and Identity:
Jesus the Son of Sirach is identified as a sage and scribe, deeply knowledgeable in the Jewish Law and traditions. His work reflects a profound understanding of the Scriptures and a commitment to teaching wisdom. The prologue of the Greek translation, written by his grandson, provides insight into his identity and the purpose of his writings.

Themes and Teachings:
The Book of Sirach covers a wide range of topics, including the fear of the Lord, the importance of wisdom, the value of humility, and the significance of honoring one's parents. It emphasizes the practical application of wisdom in daily life and the pursuit of righteousness. Key themes include:

1. Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord:
Sirach underscores the foundational role of the fear of the Lord in acquiring wisdom. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). This reverence for God is portrayed as the source of true knowledge and understanding.

2. Ethical Living:
The text provides guidance on ethical behavior, encouraging honesty, integrity, and justice. It warns against pride and arrogance, advocating for humility and self-control.

3. Family and Community:
Sirach places a strong emphasis on family relationships, particularly the respect and honor due to parents. It also highlights the importance of community and the responsibilities individuals have toward one another.

4. The Role of the Law:
The Law is presented as a source of wisdom and a guide for righteous living. Sirach encourages adherence to the commandments and the pursuit of a life that aligns with God's will.

5. Prayer and Worship:
The book stresses the importance of prayer and worship as expressions of devotion and reliance on God. It encourages regular participation in religious practices and the cultivation of a personal relationship with the Creator.

Influence and Legacy:
The teachings of Jesus the Son of Sirach have had a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian traditions. His work is frequently cited by early Church Fathers and has been included in various Christian liturgical readings. Despite its exclusion from the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Sirach remains a valuable resource for understanding Jewish wisdom literature and its influence on Christian thought.

Canonical Status:
In the Christian tradition, the Book of Sirach is considered deuterocanonical by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, while it is regarded as apocryphal by most Protestant denominations. Its inclusion in the Septuagint and its widespread use in early Christian writings attest to its historical significance and enduring value.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Jesus the Son of Sirach

[ECCLESIASTICUS]

Library

Of the Birth of Jesus in the Spirit and in the Flesh: of Spirits ...
... [552] Ecclus. xxiv. 5-7. This book is attributed to Solomon by many of the Fathers,
though it bears the title of the Wisdom of Jesus the son of Sirach. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap viii of the birth of.htm

Opposition to Jesus.
... Many men before or during the time of Jesus, such as Jesus, son of Sirach (one of
the true ancestors of Jesus of Nazareth), Gamaliel, Antigonus of Soco, and ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xx opposition to jesus.htm

The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a ...
... Others were the thoughts of more modern sages, especially those of Antigonus of
Soco, Jesus, son of Sirach, and Hillel, which had reached him, not from learned ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter v the first sayings.htm

Concerning Scripture .
... and the Wisdom of Jesus, which was published in Hebrew by the father of Sirach,
and afterwards translated into Greek by his grandson, Jesus, the Son of Sirach. ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xvii concerning scripture.htm

The Books of Samuel and Kings.
... Wisdom, therefore, which generally bears the name of Solomon, and the book of Jesus,
the Son of Sirach, and Judith, and Tobias, and the Shepherd are not in the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the books of samuel and.htm

The Old Faith Preparing for the New - Development of Hellenist ...
... revelation of God. This seems already implied in so thoroughly Jewish a
book as that of Jesus the Son of Sirach. [139] Of course ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the old faith.htm

There Might Also be Found in the Writings of Moses and of the ...
... to the practice of dialectics: Solomon, eg, declaring in one passage, that "instruction
unquestioned goes astray;" [4317] and Jesus the son of Sirach, who has ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter vii there might also.htm

The Canonical Books.
... Ecclesiasticus, are ascribed to Solomon from a certain resemblance of style, but
the most likely opinion is that they were written by Jesus the son of Sirach. ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 8 the canonical books.htm

Now the Whole Canon of Scripture on which we Say this Judgment is ...
... Ecclesiasticus, are ascribed to Solomon from a certain resemblance of style, but
the most likely opinion is that they were written by Jesus the son of Sirach. ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 13 now the whole.htm

That Our Opponents Refuse to Concede in the Case of the Spirit the ...
... Verg., ??n. ii. Quis talia fando...temperet a lacrymis? [1304] Romans 8:26. [1305]
Philippians 4:7. [1306] ie of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclus. xliii. 30. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter xxviii that our opponents.htm