6 Who burned the holy city and left its streets desolate, As JEREMIAH had foretold; 6 Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant. Like the trees of Lebanon in summer, He built a house to the name of God, and established a lasting sanctuary. However, most of the Hebrew text of Sirach has been uncovered in the Cairo Geniza, at Masada, and in three Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran. 2 In his time also the wall was built with powerful turrets for the temple precincts; 4 As a youth he slew the giant and wiped out the people's disgrace, He fixed the boundaries for his tribes, and their division into twelve. 1 The name JOSIAH is like blended incense, made lasting by a skilled perfumer. 03 Celui qui honore son père obtient le pardon de ses péchés, Rédigé vers 200 av. 17 Then all the people with one accord would quickly fall prostrate to the ground Prior to the creation of www.bensira.org, the scholar or interested lay person wishing to consult the various Ben Sira manuscripts needed to turn to a host of publications and/or internet sites. At God's word he established the kingdom and anointed princes to rule the people. One can imagine the confusion and the difficulty in examining all the textual witnesses. Once more the wonders of modern technology have come to our aid, for we are able to present MS C VII, recto and verso, with the two items merged in a single photograph. A note about viewing the images: Within the ‘View the Manuscripts’ module, you will find a pull-down menu with each manuscript presented separately (Genizah MSS A-F; Masada; Qumran). Chapter 4 - My child, do not mock the life of the poor; do not keep needy eyes waiting. The main portion of this leaf, with the shelfmark T-S 12.727, was published by Solomon Schechter in 1900; a small fragment which creates a perfect join, bearing the shelfmark T-S AS 213.4, was then identified and published by Alexander Scheiber in 1982. That he should serve God in his priesthood and bless his people in his name. As with the Book of Job, the author notes the "beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord." Even his dead body was provided for. 3 In his time the reservoir was dug, the pool with a vastness like the sea's. This single folio was published by Moses Gaster in Jewish Quarterly Review (Old Series) in 1900, but unfortunately its whereabouts are now unknown. Use highlighting, underlining, and take notes while you study the bible. 19 These two bring grief to my heart, and the third arouses my horror: 01 Mes enfants, écoutez-moi, qui suis votre père, et agissez en conséquence, afin d’être sauvés. Livre de Ben Sira le Sage. 10 Fear of the LORD warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days. That all the doomed nations might know that the LORD was watching over his people's battles. 13 With devoted men was she created from of old, and with their children her beneficence abides. 2 The abounding glory of the Most High's portion, his own part, since the days of old. 14 A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. The work was known to the rabbinic tradition, and indeed Ben Sira is cited in the Talmud and related literature on about a dozen occasions. 12 But if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you. Breeches and tunic and robe with pomegranates around the hem, 17 For he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself. 14 Few on earth have been made the equal of ENOCH, for he was taken up bodily. This seems to be the earliest title of the book. Read the Book of Ben Sira online. We have elected to use the cataloging system devised by P. C. Beentjes, The Book of Ben Sira in Hebrew (Leiden: Brill, 1997), which in turn is based on the work of earlier scholars, in order to keep track of the various manuscripts and folios. 18 He searches out the abyss and penetrates the heart; their secrets he understands. 1 All wisdom comes from the LORD and with him it remains forever. I, Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach, as they gushed forth from my heart's understanding. 6 A jealous wife is heartache and mourning and a scourging tongue like the other three. 14 No poison worse than that of a serpent, no venom greater than that of a woman. All Rights Reserved. and the children of his race would be remembered; Averted God's anger from the people and suppressed the wicked complaint - 22 Among wisdom's treasures is the paragon of prudence; but fear of the LORD is an abomination to the sinner. - Gave new strength to Jacob and saved him by their faith and hope. 2 Three kinds of men I hate; their manner of life I loathe indeed: And poured it out at the foot of the altar, a sweet-smelling odor to the Most High God, 21 The oblations of the LORD are his food, a gift to him and his descendants. Who knows her subtleties? 13 Keep away from your enemies; be on your guard with your friends. Except his sons and them alone, generation after generation, for all time. 15 A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. Thus you will be truly refined and recognized by all as discreet. To root out, pull down, and destroy, and then to build and to plant. Livre deutérocanonique de l'Ancien Testament (non retenu par le canon juif) d'inspiration sapientielle, intitulé "Ecclésiastique" par la Vulgate et "Siracide" par la Septante, du nom de son auteur Jésus Ben Sira. 11 The JUDGES, too, each one of them, whose hearts were not deceived, 11 Vested in his magnificent robes, and wearing his garments of splendor, grends@rutgers.edu 29 Thus will you afterward find rest in her, and she will become your joy. Consecrated to the LORD as a prophet, was SAMUEL, the judge and priest. The rabbinical tradition that the Wisdom of Ben Sira was written by a sage of Jerusalem about 180 B.C. A bad name and disgrace will you acquire: "That for the evil man with double tongue!" To punish the enemy and to win the inheritance for Israel. 2 Une femme vaillante fait la joie de son mari, il connaîtra la paix tous les jours de sa vie.. 3 Une bonne épouse est le gros lot, elle reviendra à celui qui craint le Seigneur. We know this specific information, for it is our good fortune that the grandson included an extended prologue to the book, in which he provides the specific date (to wit, year 38 of the reign of Euergetes). Note added in May 2020: Since the website was launched in December 2013, Eric Reymond (Yale University) has worked assiduously to identify new readings in the Ben Sira manuscripts. Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, and, in the Greek Septuagint, the Books of Wisdom and Sirach. 17 With song and story and riddle, and with your answers, you astounded the nations. To commemorate in incised letters each of the tribes of Israel; 6 He raised up also, like Moses in holiness, his brother AARON, of the tribe of Levi. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner. 13 For just as moths come from garments, so a woman’s wickedness comes from a woman. 6 You sent kings down to destruction, and nobles, from their beds of sickness. 20 Then he increased the glory of Aaron and bestowed upon him his inheritance: These documents now reside in Jerusalem, under the aegis of the Israel Antiquities Authority. THE WISDOM OF BEN SIRA (ECCLESIASTICUS) The Wisdom of Ben Sira derives its title from the author, “Yeshua [Jesus], son of Eleazar, son of Sira” (50:27). Moreover, the age of Ben Sira discovery continues unabated, for several folios were identified as recently as 2007 and 2010. The blessing of the LORD would be upon his lips, the name of the LORD would be his glory. Until they were rooted out of their land and scattered all over the earth. 15 At gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise. 20 But they called upon the Most High God and lifted up their hands to him; Un ami fidèle n’a pas de prix, sa valeur est inestimable. 20 Then coming down he would raise his hands over all the congregation of Israel. Ben Sira also known as Shimon ben Yeshua ben Eliezer ben Sira or Yeshua Ben Sirach, was a Hellenistic Jewish scribe, sage, and allegorist from Seleucid-controlled Jerusalem of the Second Temple period. 11 When things go well, he is your other self, and lords it over your servants; New Brunswick, N.J., U.S.A. A blast to resound mightily as a reminder before the Most High. 19 Like a sandy hill to aged feet is a railing wife to a quiet man. 28 Search her out, discover her; seek her and you will find her. 3 Heaven's height, earth's breadth, the depths of the abyss: who can explore these? 4 He protected his people against brigands and strengthened his city against the enemy. Where, face to face, he gave him the commandments, the law of life and understanding, He wrote his work in Hebrew, possibly in Alexandria in Egypt in the Ptolemaic Kingdom ca. 17 Yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the LORD, 22 But God does not withdraw his mercy, nor permit even one of his promises to fail. 12 Worst of all wounds is that of the heart, worst of all evils is that of a woman. 6 The crown of old men is wide experience; their glory, the fear of the LORD. 23 In his lifetime he turned back the sun and prolonged the life of the king. Of constant training of children, of beating the sides of a wicked servant; 14 A gift from the LORD is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth. Son genre littéraire ressemble à celui des Proverbes, de Qohèlèt et de la Sagesse de Salomon. 20 For in cultivating her you will labor but little, and soon you will eat of her fruits. 2 Of the Law of the Most High and his precepts, or of justice that acquits the ungodly; 10: Il l'a répandue sur toutes ses oeuvres, ainsi que sur toute chair, selon la mesure de son don, il l'a donnée libéralement à ceux qui l'aiment. 5 To whom has wisdom's root been revealed? 14 Their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their name lives on and on. Department of Jewish Studies 7 When you gain a friend, first test him, and be not too ready to trust him 9 Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells of the quarrel to your shame. by a sage in Jerusalem bearing the name שמעון בן ישוע בן אלעזר בן סירא Shim‘on ben Yeshua‘ ben ’El‘azar ben Sira (to cite the name of the author as presented in Manuscript B at 50:27, 51:30), or Yeshua‘ ben ’El‘azar ben Sira (via the Greek version at 50:27) – but which has come down to us, regardless of the specific forenames, as simply Ben Sira (again, see Manuscript B at 51:30: שנקרא בן סירא ‘who is called Ben Sira’). Gold you gathered like so much iron, you heaped up silver as though it were lead; Harmony among brethren, friendship among neighbors, and the mutual love of husband and wife. Do not aggravate a heart already angry, nor delay giving to the needy. Who did not abandon God: may their memory be ever blessed, The Book of Sirach, also called the Wisdom of Sirach or simply Sirach (/ ˈ s aɪ r æ k /), and also known as the Book of Ecclesiasticus (/ ɪ ˌ k l iː z i ˈ æ s t ɪ k ə s /; abbreviated Ecclus.) Il n'y a qu'un sage grandement redoutable, assis sur son trône: c'est le Seigneur. 4 How awesome are you, ELIJAH! Lest in her youth she remain unmarried, or when she is married, lest she be childless; 12 As a thirsty traveler with eager mouth drinks from any water that he finds, The book of Ben Sira was composed in Hebrew c. 180 B.C.E. xpansive in folly, limited in sense, REHOBOAM, who by his policy made the people rebel; As he ascended the glorious altar and lent majesty to the court of the sanctuary. 15 Despite all this the people did not repent, nor did they give up their sins, 13 Before him, no one was adorned with these, nor may they ever be worn by any Heureux est le mari d'une femme vertueuse, et le nombre de ses jours sera doublé. When his hand let fly the slingstone that crushed the pride of Goliath. 16 A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; 22 And for ISAAC he renewed the same promise because of Abraham, his father. e. 62. 36 If you see a man of prudence, seek him out; let your feet wear away his doorstep! Without the background story from 1 Kings 11, a reader of Ben Sira might think that Solomon’s transgression was perhaps adultery or a kind of sexual insatiability. May he grant you wisdom of heart to govern his people in justice, We are pleased to present a summary of his findings here. 18 He brought low the rulers of the enemy and destroyed all the lords of the Philistines. Le Siracide . 4 For his trustworthiness and meekness God selected him from all mankind; 26 Those who live in Seir and Philistia, and the degenerate folk who dwell in Shechem. 11 Follow close if her eyes are bold, and be not surprised if she betrays you: 9 He added beauty to the feasts and solemnized the seasons of each year 22 Depressed mind, saddened face, broken heart - this from an evil wife. 2 What glory was his when he raised his arm, to brandish his javelin against the city! 16 He chose him from all mankind to offer holocausts and choice offerings, 1 Till like a fire there appeared the prophet whose words were as a flaming furnace. 9 And the strength he gave to Caleb remained with him even in his old age The man who finds joy in his children, and he who lives to see his enemies' downfall. Though false charges in public, trial before all the people, and lying testimony are harder to bear than death, Thus, we have about 550 cola extant in two different Cairo Genizah manuscripts, and about 44 cola extant in three different Cairo Genizah manuscripts (14 in MSS B, C, and D; 22 in MSS B, E, and F; and 8 in MSS A, C, and D) – in addition to some overlap between the ancient and medieval testimonies, for example, between 11QPsa found at Qumran and MS B, and between the Masada scroll and MS B. 16 Like the sun rising in the LORD'S heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home. 14 His cereal offering is wholly burnt with the established sacrifice twice each day; 9 By her eyelids and her haughty stare an unchaste wife can be recognized. 18 During his reign Sennacherib led an invasion and sent his adjutant; 19 He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets. 20 He lacks no understanding; no single thing escapes him. Happy is he who sins not with his tongue, and he who serves not his inferior. upon every living thing according to his bounty; he has lavished her upon his friends. 19 But you abandoned yourself to women and gave them dominion over your body. 16 Some of these did what was right, but others were extremely sinful. Les juifs et les protestants considèrent ce livre comme apocryphe, et par conséquent non canonique ; With iron tools he cut through the rock and he built reservoirs for water. 13 A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones; 2 God's honor devolved upon him, and the Lord strengthened him with fearful powers; We invite you to explore our website and to communicate with us if there are questions, comments, and/or suggestions for improvement. Presumably it is located in London or Manchester, or it may have passed into private hands. Sirach begins at quire 68, folio 1r (which includes the grandson's prologue), and runs through quire 71, folio 2r; the website presents both the images and the transcription. Specifically, we thank the following: To all of the individuals with whom we have been in contact – Ben Outhwaite, César Merchán-Hamann, Ilana Tahan, Jean-Claude Kuperminc, Avraham Malthete, David Kraemer, William Klein, Yael Barshack, Orit Kuslansky, Penina Shor, Shani Tzoref, Natalie Dohrmann, and Gifford Combs – we say לכל מעשיכם ניתן הודות ‘for all of your deeds we give thanks’ (adapting Ben Sira 47:8 [MS B]). We also gratefully acknowledge the cooperation and assistance offered by the following colleagues: a) Martin Abegg, for graciously providing transcriptions of the Cairo Genizah manuscripts in a most generous manner; b) Benjamin H. Parker, who along with Prof Abegg, provided the translations of the Cairo Genizah folios; c) Roy Brown of Accordance Software, who kindly granted us permission to use the Abegg and Parker material (originally produced for Accordance); d) Eric Reymond, for graciously providing both the transcription and the translation of the Masada manuscript; e) Shulamit Elizur for allowing us to use her transcription and translation of the newly discovered folios of MS C; f) Prof Elizur and Michael Rand for their transcription of the newly discovered folio of MS D; g) Jeremy Corley, both for the annotated bibliography and for the list of early Greek Sirach manuscripts which accompany the website; h) Joshua A. Blachorsky, for producing the detailed Index of Passages; i) Eric Reymond, for compiling the list of New Readings; and j) Benjamin G. Wright, who has served as a consultant to the project. 9: C'est lui qui l'a créée; il l'a vue et il l'a nombrée. 26 And now bless the LORD who has crowned you with glory! 24 For fear of the LORD is wisdom and culture; loyal humility is his delight. 18 Golden columns on silver bases are her shapely limbs and steady feet. In a lasting covenant with him and with his family, as permanent as the heavens, Gary A. Rendsburg and Jacob Binstein 8 Like the blossoms on the branches in springtime, like a lily on the banks of a stream; 21 God struck the camp of the Assyrians and routed them with a plague. For the LORD himself is his portion, his inheritance in the midst of Israel. 50. 20 Stumble not through woman's beauty, nor be greedy for her wealth; We are exceedingly grateful to the institutions and one private individual, which (who) serve as the custodians of these invaluable documents. 6 Therefore the women sang his praises and ascribed to him tens of thousands. Welcome to www.bensira.org, the website devoted to the ancient and medieval Hebrew manuscripts of the book of Ben Sira. 12 Through God's covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. 30 Her fetters will be your throne of majesty; her bonds, your purple cord. He would be heard within the sanctuary, For an English translation of Sirach, the reader is directed to the rendering by Benjamin G. Wright, as part of A New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS), under the general editorship of Albert Pietersma and Benjamin G. Wright, available online at: http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/nets/edition/30-sirach-nets.pdf. 10 You are destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the LORD, With his whole being he loved his Maker and daily had his praises sung; 18 A lasting agreement was made with him, that never should all flesh be destroyed. The followers of Dathan and Abiram, and the band of Korah in their defiance. Because of his worth there were survivors, and with a sign to him the deluge ended; 10 While unmarried, lest she be defiled, or in her husband’s house, lest she prove unfaithful; Feeble hands and quaking knees - from a wife who brings no happiness to her husband. 24 Therefore on him again God conferred the right, in a covenant of friendship, to provide for the sanctuary, 15 As a trustworthy prophet he was sought out and his words proved him true as a seer. Whose glory is equal to yours? 25 My whole being loathes two nations, the third is not even a people: 11 Then ELISHA, filled with a twofold portion of his spirit, wrought many marvels by his mere word. That he would give them an inheritance from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. 26 Play not the hypocrite before men; over your lips keep watch. 7 You heard threats at Sinai, at Horeb avenging judgments. 8 Happy is he who dwells with a sensible wife, and he who plows not like a donkey yoked with an ox. And the man who passes from justice to sin, for whom the LORD makes ready the sword. 1 Valiant leader was JOSHUA, son of Nun, assistant to Moses in the prophetic office, Le Siracide tient son nom de son auteur, Jésus Ben Sira (Ben Sira, Ben Sirakh, Ben Sirach). 25 If she walks not by your side, cut her away from you. 8 You anointed kings who should inflict vengeance, and a prophet as your successor. To turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to reestablish the tribes of Jacob. The fool cannot abide her. Le prophète Élie surgit comme un feu, sa parole brûlait comme une torche. 2 Do good to the righteous and reward will be yours, if not from them, from the Lord. Subduers of the land in kingly fashion, men of renown for their might, He gave him the commandments for his people, and revealed to him his glory. Par la parole du Seigneur, il ferma le ciel, et à trois reprises il en fit descendre le feu. So he gave to Jacob a remnant, to David a root from his own family. While originally written in Hebrew, the Book was read only through its Greek translation, known as Σειρὰχ. A Fifty-First Chapter concludes the Book with a prayer. 17 He gave to him his laws, and authority to prescribe and to judge: 16 The sons of Aaron would sound a blast, the priests, on their trumpets of beaten metal; Saved by Shaun G. Lynch, CFRE So that he and his descendants should possess the high priesthood forever. 4 Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face. Le livre de Bèn Sira, appelé couramment Ecclésiastique, fait partie des écrits sapientiaux.