Ancient Codex
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
52 chapters
ancient
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
Origin: Judea → Egypt (Greek diaspora)
Date: ca. 200–180 BCE (Hebrew); ca. 132 BCE (Greek translator’s Prologue)
Languages: en
Access: mixed
Composed in Hebrew by Jesus ben Sira (Ben Sira); translated into Greek by his grandson in Egypt.
Includes the Greek translator’s Prologue plus 51 chapters. Verse alignment: original_text[i] ↔ modern_translation[i].
Start ReadingTable of Contents
Chapter 0
Prologue (Translator’s Preface)
Chapter 1
Wisdom and the Fear of the Lord
Chapter 2
On Trials and Trust in God
Chapter 3
On Honoring Parents and Humility
Chapter 4
On Duties to the Poor and Wisdom’s Rewards
Chapter 5
On Speech, Timing, and Trust in Riches
Chapter 6
On Friendship, Discipline, and the Yoke of Wisdom
Chapter 7
Duties to God, Family, and Society
Chapter 8
Respect for Elders, Wisdom, and Reputation
Chapter 9
Warnings about Lust, Women, and Friendship
Chapter 10
On Pride, Authority, and Humility
Chapter 11
Wealth, Humility, and Divine Providence
Chapter 12
On Charity and Helping the Worthy
Chapter 13
On the Rich, the Poor, and Friendship
Chapter 14
Blessings of Generosity and Moderation
Chapter 15
Free Will, Wisdom, and God’s Justice
Chapter 16
God’s Justice and the Fate of the Wicked
Chapter 17
The Creation of Humanity and God’s Providence
Chapter 18
The Lord’s Mercy and Human Weakness
Chapter 19
On Self-Control, Gossip, and True Knowledge
Chapter 20
On Silence, Speech, and Hidden Wisdom
Chapter 21
On Sin, Wisdom, and the Fool
Chapter 22
On Laziness, Folly, and Friendship
Chapter 23
On Oaths, Speech, and Lust
Chapter 24
Wisdom Praises Herself
Chapter 25
On Blessings and Curses
Chapter 26
On Wives, Husbands, and Families
Chapter 27
On Trade, Speech, and Hypocrisy
Chapter 28
On Forgiveness and Anger
Chapter 29
On Lending, Almsgiving, and Security
Chapter 30
On Children, Health, and Discipline
Chapter 31
On Wealth, Moderation, and Banquets
Chapter 32
On Conduct at Feasts and Counsel
Chapter 33
On Order, Discipline, and Servants
Chapter 34
On Dreams, Experience, and Justice
Chapter 35
Offerings, Prayer, and Justice
Chapter 36
A Prayer for Deliverance and Restoration
Chapter 37
On Counsel and the Tongue
Chapter 38
On Physicians, Mourning, and Crafts
Chapter 39
The Praise of Wisdom and the Crafts of the Lord
Chapter 40
The Hardships and Shortness of Life
Chapter 41
On Death and Inheritance
Chapter 42
Shame, Work, and the Glory of Creation
Chapter 43
The Splendor of God in Sun, Moon, Stars, and Storm
Chapter 44
Praise of Famous Ancestors
Chapter 45
Moses, Aaron, and Phinehas
Chapter 46
Joshua, Caleb, and the Judges
Chapter 47
David and Solomon
Chapter 48
Elijah and Elisha
Chapter 49
The Great Ones of Israel’s Latter Days
Chapter 50
Simon son of Onias and the Glory of Worship
Chapter 51