Who Was Jesus Son of Sirach? A Biblical Guide to the Book of Sirach
Jesus, son of Sirach, was a Jewish scribe who authored the Book of Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus) around the 2nd century BC. He is not Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior in the New Testament. The Book of Sirach is a work of wisdom literature found in the Apocrypha and is included in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, but it is not part of the 66-book Protestant canon because it is not considered divinely inspired Scripture.
For believers worldwide, the name ‘Jesus’ holds a unique and sacred significance. It is the name above all names, belonging to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). However, some may encounter references to another historical figure, “Jesus, son of Sirach,” which can lead to confusion. To be clear, there is only one Son of God and Messiah revealed in Holy Scripture. He is Jesus Christ, whose divine nature and redemptive work are eternally unique.
This article provides a clear overview of the historical figure Jesus, son of Sirach, and the ancient book attributed to him, often called Sirach or Ecclesiasticus. We will explore the book’s origins and its primary messages of practical wisdom for godly living. Critically, we will also explain why this text, though valued by some for its moral insights, is not recognized as part of the divinely inspired Protestant biblical canon. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive, Scripture-grounded understanding that upholds the preeminence of God’s revealed Word.
Our study of this historical document will be anchored in the unwavering truth of the Bible, which presents Jesus Christ as the one-of-a-kind Son of God who died for our sins and rose again, conquering death forever (Romans 8:34). As we distinguish between a human author of wisdom literature and the divine Author of our salvation, we aim to deepen your understanding of these important distinctions. In all this, we affirm the sufficiency and ultimate authority of the 66 books of the Holy Bible and the incomparable glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who is Jesus, son of Sirach?
Distinguishing from Jesus Christ, the Son of God
Though their names are similar, it is vital to know that Jesus, son of Sirach, is absolutely not Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. These were two distinct individuals, separated by centuries and by their very nature.
The name “Jesus” (or Yeshua in Hebrew) was quite common in ancient times, much like the names John or Mary are today. While many were named Jesus, only one is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is eternal and divine, without beginning or end. The Holy Scriptures affirm His unique identity as God incarnate, who came to earth to redeem humanity through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection (John 1:14). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
In contrast, Jesus, son of Sirach, was a wise and pious human author who lived centuries before the birth of Christ. Any potential confusion is resolved by this simple fact and the unique, unparalleled identity of Jesus Christ, our King and Redeemer.
The Historical Context of the Author and His Work
Jesus, son of Sirach, also known as Ben Sira, was a Jewish scribe and sage who lived in Jerusalem around 200-175 BC [source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ecclesiasticus]. He lived during a period of significant cultural change. Following Alexander the Great’s conquests, Hellenistic (Greek) culture began to heavily influence the Near East. This created a tension between traditional Jewish life and the appealing, yet often pagan, Greek customs.
Observing this cultural struggle, Ben Sira saw an urgent need to reinforce traditional Jewish wisdom and faith. His primary goal was to teach the youth of Jerusalem to value their heritage and follow God’s commandments.
His work, known as the Book of Sirach or Ecclesiasticus, was originally written in Hebrew. Around 132 BC, his grandson translated it into Greek while in Egypt [source: https://www.bibleodyssey.org/passages/main-articles/sirach/]. This Greek translation was vital because many Jews at the time used the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament). The book thus served as a practical guide to godly living, offering timeless advice on topics such as:
- The fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.
- Obedience to God’s Law.
- Conducting oneself with integrity.
- Family relationships and community responsibilities.
- Seeking true understanding and knowledge.
Much like the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, Ben Sira’s work reflects a deep reverence for God and stresses the importance of righteousness. However, while insightful, Protestants do not consider Sirach part of the inspired, inerrant Word of God, a topic we will explore further in this article.
What is the main message of the book of Sirach?
What is the main message of the book of Sirach?
The book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, delivers a primary message: to seek and apply Godly wisdom in daily life. The author, Ben Sira, offers practical guidance for moral living with the aim of instructing his community in righteous conduct.
A Pursuit of Godly Wisdom
Sirach strongly emphasizes that true wisdom originates from God. This is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical understanding applied to all aspects of life. According to the author, Ben Sira, this wisdom is rooted in reverence for the Creator and leads to a righteous and prosperous existence.
For instance, the book states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Sirach 1:14), a theme that directly aligns with canonical scripture like Psalm 111:10. This parallel highlights a shared understanding of wisdom’s foundation. Because of its value, Ben Sira encourages readers to seek wisdom diligently, viewing it as a precious treasure.
Key Themes: Fear of the Lord, Obedience, and Friendship
The book of Sirach is rich with practical themes that guide individuals toward a life of integrity, reflecting many principles found in the Old Testament.
- Fear of the Lord: This foundational principle refers not to terror, but to a profound reverence and awe for God’s power and holiness. This deep respect is what leads to obedience. As Sirach 1:27 teaches, “For the fear of the Lord is wisdom, and instruction; and the observance of his commandments is a life-giving spirit.”
- Obedience: Sirach repeatedly stresses adherence to God’s commandments, teaching that obedience brings blessings while disobedience leads to trouble. This theme resonates with passages like Deuteronomy 11:26-28, which promises blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
- Friendship: The book offers extensive advice on choosing and maintaining good friendships. It praises loyal friends while warning against treacherous companions, teaching that a true friend is a priceless gift. Sirach 6:14 states, “A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such a one hath found a treasure.” This kind of practical advice helps foster a strong community.
How Sirach’s Wisdom Aligns with and Differs from Scripture
Although Sirach is not part of the Protestant biblical canon, its teachings often align with inspired Scripture because the book is deeply rooted in Old Testament Jewish thought. However, there are also notable differences.
Its alignment is evident in several areas:
- Shared Moral Guidance: Sirach promotes virtues like humility, self-control, justice, and charity, which are also core Christian values. For example, the book of Proverbs similarly guides believers in righteous living (e.g., Proverbs 3:3-4).
- Respect for Parents: It strongly emphasizes honoring one’s parents, a direct reflection of the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12). Sirach 3:12 states, “My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth.”
- Importance of Prayer: Sirach encourages sincere prayer and trust in God’s providence, just as Psalm 50:15 calls believers to call upon God in times of trouble.
However, Sirach differs significantly from canonical Scripture in crucial ways, particularly when compared to the New Testament:
- Lack of Messianic Prophecy: Sirach contains no clear prophecies about a coming Messiah. In contrast, the canonical Old Testament is filled with Messianic expectations that point directly to Jesus Christ (e.g., Isaiah 9:6-7).
- Focus on Works vs. Grace: While promoting good works, Sirach tends to emphasize human effort for achieving righteousness rather than God’s grace. In contrast, the New Testament clearly teaches that salvation is a gift from God “by grace through faith… not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Understanding of Atonement: The book lacks a developed understanding of atonement for sin and does not point to a future sacrificial Lamb of God. Holy Scripture, by contrast, consistently points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (John 1:29).
The Book of Sirach provides valuable ethical instruction and practical wisdom for living a moral life [1]. However, it does not reveal the full truth of God’s redemptive plan. For the complete message of salvation through Jesus Christ, one must turn to the inspired Word of God.
Why is Sirach not in the Bible?
Understanding the Protestant Biblical Canon
The term “Biblical Canon” refers to the authoritative collection of books recognized as divinely inspired and thus forming the Holy Scripture [2]. For Protestants, this canon consists of 66 books.
These books are divided into two main sections:
- The Old Testament: Comprising 39 books, it details God’s covenant with Israel and His work of redemption leading up to Christ.
- The New Testament: Consisting of 27 books, it reveals the life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ, along with the establishment of His Church.
The process of recognizing these books as canonical was not arbitrary but involved careful discernment based on several key criteria. These included their apostolic origin, consistent teaching, and widespread acceptance among believers. Most importantly, each book bore the internal evidence of divine inspiration. Through this careful process, the Church affirmed that the Bible we hold today is truly the Word of God, fully sufficient for faith and life.
The Apocrypha: What is it?
The term “Apocrypha” comes from a Greek word meaning “hidden” or “obscure.” It refers to a collection of writings from the intertestamental period—the roughly 400 years between the Old and New Testaments. These books, including Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus), Tobit, and Judith, offer valuable historical and cultural insights into Jewish life during that era.
However, Protestants do not include the Apocrypha within their biblical canon. While these books may contain wisdom and moral instruction, they are not considered divinely inspired Scripture for several key reasons. This distinction does not diminish their historical value, but it clearly separates them in terms of divine authority [3].
Doctrinal and Historical Reasons for Exclusion
There are significant historical and doctrinal reasons why the Protestant Church does not accept Sirach and other Apocryphal books as part of the inspired Bible:
- Not Part of the Hebrew Canon: The Jewish people, who were entrusted with the Old Testament Scriptures, never accepted these books into their Hebrew canon (the Tanakh) [4]. Jesus Himself affirmed the Hebrew Scriptures but never referenced or quoted from any Apocryphal book as authoritative Scripture.
- No Prophetic Authority: The Apocryphal books do not claim divine inspiration within their own texts. Unlike the Old Testament prophets who often declared, “Thus says the Lord,” these writings lack such pronouncements.
- Not Quoted by Jesus or Apostles: Neither Jesus Christ nor His apostles ever quoted from Sirach or any other Apocryphal book as canonical Scripture. This absence of New Testament endorsement is a powerful indicator of their non-canonical status.
- Doctrinal Inconsistencies: Some books within the Apocrypha contain teachings that are inconsistent with or even contradict core doctrines found in the canonical Bible. For example, the concept of prayer for the dead (found in 2 Maccabees) is not supported by the 66 inspired books. This is significant because God’s inspired Word is always consistent and without error.
- Early Church Distinctions: Many early Church Fathers, while sometimes valuing these books for instruction, distinguished them from the divinely inspired Scriptures. They often referred to them as “ecclesiastical books”—useful for edification, but not for establishing doctrine.
Therefore, based on these compelling historical and doctrinal grounds, Sirach remains outside the Protestant biblical canon. Our faith rests on the solid foundation of God’s perfect and complete Word.
The Unchanging Authority of the 66 Inspired Books (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Protestant faith firmly upholds the unchanging authority and sufficiency of the 66 books of the Bible, which are considered God’s complete and final revelation to humanity. This conviction is rooted in several core beliefs:
- All Scripture is God-Breathed: As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This means every word originates from God Himself.
- God’s Word is Sufficient: The canonical Bible fully equips believers for life and faith. It provides everything necessary for salvation, for understanding God’s will, and for living a life that pleases Him, leaving no need for additional revelations.
- Infallible and Inerrant: Because God is perfect, His Word is also perfect. It is infallible, meaning it cannot fail, and inerrant, meaning it is without error in all that it affirms.
This unwavering conviction in the 66 inspired books underscores our understanding that Sirach, while a valuable ancient text, does not carry the same divine authority. Our ultimate trust and source of truth remain anchored in the Holy Scripture, which testifies to the incomparable identity and saving mission of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Is Sirach the same as Ecclesiastes?
Comparing Authorship, Tone, and Core Messages
Many Christians wonder about the relationship between Sirach and Ecclesiastes. While both belong to the genre of wisdom literature, they are distinct books with key differences in authorship, tone, and core messages. Understanding these distinctions helps us appreciate the unique value of each work.
Ecclesiastes is part of the inspired Holy Bible, while Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus) belongs to the Apocrypha. For Protestants, this means Sirach is not considered divinely inspired Scripture.
Here is a comparison:
| Feature | Ecclesiastes (Canonical) | Sirach (Apocryphal) |
|---|---|---|
| Authorship | Traditionally King Solomon, “the Preacher” (Ecclesiastes 1:1). | Jesus ben Sira (Joshua son of Sira), a Jewish scribe. [5] |
| Tone | Often philosophical, existential, and questioning. Explores life’s “vanity” or futility apart from God. | Didactic, practical, and ethical. Focuses on living wisely and righteously under the Law. |
| Core Message | Life’s ultimate meaning is found in fearing God and obeying His commands, as all else is fleeting (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). | Offers practical wisdom for daily living rooted in Jewish law, emphasizing respect, tradition, and moral conduct. |
| Divine Inspiration | Considered the divinely inspired Word of God. Part of the Protestant Old Testament canon. | Valuable wisdom, but not considered divinely inspired or part of the Protestant biblical canon. |
This comparison reveals that while both books seek to impart wisdom, their foundational authority and spiritual depth are significantly different.
Ecclesiastes: The Inspired Word on Life ‘Under the Sun’
As a profound book in the Old Testament, Ecclesiastes powerfully explores the human condition. Its author, traditionally identified as King Solomon, searches for meaning in pursuits like wealth, pleasure, and hard work, only to conclude that everything is “vanity of vanities.” This famous phrase describes life “under the sun”—that is, life viewed from a purely earthly perspective, apart from God.
The book’s raw honesty speaks to every soul as it grapples with life’s frustrations and the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes points readers toward a vital truth:
- God’s Sovereignty: Only God gives true purpose.
- Fear of God: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
- Eternal Perspective: God brings every deed into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
In this way, Ecclesiastes prepares the heart for the ultimate answer found in Jesus Christ, who provides the lasting meaning that life “under the sun” cannot offer. The entire Bible points to Him, for as Paul wrote, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus): A Guide to Practical Wisdom
Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, is a rich collection of wisdom written by Jesus ben Sira around 200-175 BC. It offers practical guidance for living a righteous life, and many of its teachings align with biblical principles. For instance, Sirach encourages reverence for God, respect for parents, honesty, and humility.
However, Sirach has a critical difference from canonical Scripture: it is not considered divinely inspired. While valuable for its ethical insights, it does not carry the same divine authority as the Bible. It represents profound human wisdom, not the inerrant Word of God.
Sirach provides instruction on various aspects of life, such as:
- Family Life: Advice for parents, children, and spouses.
- Social Conduct: Principles for friendship, hospitality, and dealing with others.
- Ethical Choices: Guidance on honesty, justice, and avoiding sin.
- Personal Discipline: Encouragement for self-control and diligence.
While Sirach reflects a deep understanding of Jewish law and tradition, it is not “God-breathed” like the canonical books of the Bible. Therefore, its helpful wisdom should always be weighed against the infallible truth of Scripture. The authoritative Word of God remains our ultimate guide for faith and life, clearly revealing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 1:1, John 1:14).
Affirming the True Jesus of the Bible
The Incomparable Identity of Jesus Christ (John 1:14)
It’s understandable to see the name “Jesus Sirach” and wonder if this is the same Jesus from the Gospels. To be clear, they are not the same. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is entirely distinct from Jesus ben Sirach, who was the human author of a wisdom book written centuries before Christ’s birth.
In stark contrast, the Bible reveals Jesus Christ as God incarnate. He is the eternal Son, co-equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 10:30). Scripture testifies that Jesus existed before creation as the very Word through whom all things were made (John 1:1-3).
This profound truth is beautifully captured in John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This single verse powerfully affirms Jesus’ divine identity and His presence among humanity.
Here are essential truths about the unique identity of Jesus Christ:
- Divine Nature: He is fully God in human form (Colossians 2:9).
- Pre-existence: He existed with the Father before the world began (John 17:5).
- Creator: All things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).
- Sinless Life: He lived a perfect life, free from all sin (Hebrews 4:15).
- Atoning Sacrifice: Jesus willingly died on the cross for our sins (Romans 5:8).
- Bodily Resurrection: He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This cornerstone of Christian faith is a historical event attested by numerous ancient sources [6].
- Only Savior: Salvation comes only through faith in Him (Acts 4:12).
Therefore, any confusion between Jesus ben Sirach and Jesus Christ must be dismissed. Jesus Christ stands alone, holding an incomparable position as God, Savior, and Lord.
Holy Scripture: Our Sole Authority on Jesus
This understanding of Christ’s identity comes not from human tradition, but solely from God’s inspired Word, the Holy Bible. Scripture is our complete and sufficient guide for all matters of salvation and godly living, and we rely entirely on its authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Bible presents a complete and consistent portrait of Jesus, revealing His miraculous birth, powerful ministry, substitutionary death, glorious resurrection, and ascension.
The 66 books of the Protestant canon are God-breathed and perfectly sufficient for training in righteousness. This means we do not need other books or traditions to know Jesus Christ fully (Psalm 19:7-11).
While a book like Sirach may offer practical wisdom, it is not part of the inspired canon and provides no divine revelation about Jesus Christ. Our faith, therefore, is built exclusively upon the infallible truth of the Bible.
Let us always turn to the Scriptures as our foundation. It is there we find the true Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).
Frequently Asked Questions about Jesus Sirach
¿Quién es Sirá en la Biblia?
Jesús ben Sirá, también conocido como Sirácida o Ben Sira, fue un escriba judío y maestro de sabiduría, autor del libro que lleva su nombre: el libro de Sirá (o Eclesiástico).
Vivió en Jerusalén durante el período helenístico y compiló su obra aproximadamente entre los años 200 y 175 a.C. [source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ecclesiasticus]. El propósito de Sirá era guiar a los jóvenes judíos para que pudieran vivir una vida piadosa en un mundo en constante cambio.
Aunque fue un hombre devoto, es fundamental distinguir a Jesús ben Sirá de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Ben Sirá no es el Hijo de Dios; Jesucristo es Dios encarnado (Juan 1:14) y nuestro Salvador.
En consecuencia, la sabiduría de Sirá es humana, producto de la observación y la tradición. En cambio, la sabiduría de Cristo es divina, revelada a través de Su Palabra. Toda verdadera sabiduría proviene de Él, en quien están escondidos todos los tesoros de la sabiduría y del conocimiento (Colosenses 2:3).
¿Es Ben Sira parte de la Biblia?
El libro de Ben Sirá, también llamado Sirácida o Eclesiástico, no forma parte del canon de la Biblia Protestante. En cambio, se encuentra en la colección de escritos conocida como los Apócrifos.
Los reformadores protestantes señalaron varias razones para su exclusión del canon:
- Falta de Reconocimiento Divino: A diferencia de los profetas bíblicos, el propio autor no afirma que su obra sea divinamente inspirada.
- No Citado por Jesús: Ni Jesucristo ni los apóstoles citaron jamás el libro de Sirá como Escritura, un criterio clave para determinar la canonicidad.
- Consistencia Doctrinal: Si bien el libro contiene sabiduría valiosa, el canon de 66 libros se considera completo y suficiente, proveyendo todo lo necesario para la fe y la vida (2 Timoteo 3:16-17).
Es importante notar que algunas tradiciones, como la Católica Romana y la Ortodoxa, sí incluyen Sirá como parte de su canon bíblico. Sin embargo, para los cristianos evangélicos, los 66 libros de la Biblia constituyen la única Palabra de Dios y la autoridad infalible para la fe, confiando plenamente en la suficiencia de la Escritura [source: https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Sirach.html].
¿Qué significa “Sirácida” en la Biblia?
El término “Sirácida” se utiliza para referirse al libro de Sirá. Como adjetivo o sustantivo, simplemente significa “de Sirá” o “perteneciente a Sirá”, en alusión a su autor, Jesús ben Sirá.
Así, cuando alguien menciona “el Sirácida”, se refiere a esta colección de instrucción moral y sabiduría que ofrece consejos prácticos para vivir una vida justa y piadosa.
Si bien la sabiduría contenida en el Sirácida puede ser valiosa, es crucial recordar que toda sabiduría verdadera proviene de Dios. Su máxima expresión se encuentra en Jesucristo, quien es “el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida” (Juan 14:6). Como nos enseña la Escritura, es en Él donde “están escondidos todos los tesoros de la sabiduría y del conocimiento” (Colosenses 2:3).
Sources
- https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/ecclesiasticus
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/biblical-canon
- https://www.bibleodyssey.org/passages/main-themes/the-apocrypha/
- https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-hebrew-bible-tanakh
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sirach
- https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-evidence-resurrection