Ecclesiasticus

Ecclesiasticus, commonly known as Sirach, is a Jewish wisdom text from the late Second Temple period. In Catholic and Orthodox Christian canons it is part of the Deuterocanonical books, while it is not included in the Hebrew Bible and is treated as apocryphal by most Protestant traditions.

Authorship and dating: The work is attributed to Jesus ben Sirach, a Jewish sage from Jerusalem who wrote in Hebrew or Aramaic. It was composed sometime between about 200 and 175 BCE. A Greek translation was prepared by a disciple, traditionally described as his grandson, and circulated in the Hellenistic world, likely sometime in the early centuries BCE or CE.

Contents and themes: Ecclesiasticus is a collection of maxims, exhortations, and reflections on wise living. It covers piety, reverence for the Law and the Lord, respect for parents, honesty, integrity, prudent speech, charity to the poor, diligence, and proper conduct in society. The book consistently presents wisdom as a divine attribute closely linked to the fear of the Lord and obedience to commandments. It also includes prayers, hymns, and reflections on topics such as friendship, old age, wealth, health, and the duties of teachers and leaders.

Structure and style: The text blends proverbial sententiae with exhortations and liturgical elements, drawing heavily on earlier Hebrew scriptures and the wider wisdom tradition of the period. Its language aims to guide practical ethics as well as spiritual formation.

Canonical status and influence: Sirach has been influential in both Judaism and Christianity. It is widely read in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, while Protestant canons typically place it in the Apocrypha. The book has shaped ethical and doctrinal reflections in various periods of biblical interpretation and continues to be studied for its insights into wisdom, family life, and community ethics.