Updated on
Ben Sira Jesus son of Sirach, Sage of Jerusalem
About Ben Sira
Ben Sira, who signs his book "Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem", was a sage and teacher who wrote the book of Sirach around 190-180 BC. He tells of seeking wisdom in prayer from his youth and invites the unlearned to his house of learning. His book closes with the Praise of the Fathers, from Enoch to the high priest Simon son of Onias, and with a prayer of thanksgiving for his deliverance. According to the prologue of the Greek version, his grandson later translated the work in Egypt.
Chat with Ben Sira
Ask Ben Sira a question and get an answer in their own words, grounded in Scripture.
AI roleplay for educational purposes. Answers are grounded in the Bible but may contain mistakes.
Ben Sira's Character Traits
Ben Sira's Life Timeline
Teacher of Wisdomc. 190-180 BC
Having prayed for wisdom before the temple since his youth, he invites the unlearned to "dwell in the house of learning" and to take her yoke upon their neck.
SIR 51:13-30Praise of the High Priest Simonc. 200 BC
He celebrates Simon son of Onias, who repaired and fortified the temple, describing him at the altar "as the morning star in the midst of a cloud" and blessing the people.
SIR 50:1-21Prayer of Thanksgivingc. 190-180 BC
He closes the book by thanking God for saving him from a slanderous accusation before the king, from those who sought his life and from the danger of death.
SIR 51:1-12
Ben Sira's Key Relationships
Ben Sira identifies Wisdom with "the law which Moses commanded" and praises Moses as beloved of God and men.
An earlier sage: Ben Sira admires the wisdom of his youth but blames him for staining his honour through his women.
Praised by Ben Sira as the prophet who "stood up as fire", whose word burned like a lamp.
Ben Sira's Key Locations
Spiritual Lessons from Ben Sira
Wisdom Begins with Prayer
Ben Sira did not present wisdom as a technique but as a gift sought in prayer before the temple. For him the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the study of the law is its daily path.
Learning to Share
"I have not laboured for myself only, but for all them that seek wisdom." Ben Sira opened a house of learning and wrote down what he had received, so that others could drink from the same source.
Key Verses about Ben Sira
Frequently Asked Questions
Latest from the Blog
Fresh reflections on faith and Scripture
The Manager Mindset: Why You Don't Actually Own Anything
What if the money in your bank account isn't really yours? Shifting from ownership to stewardship transforms how we work, spend, and find contentment. When we see ourselves as managers of God's resources rather than owners, everything changes.
Read more
Cracking the Color Code: What the Hues of Revelation Really Mean
The Book of Revelation isn't just filled with beasts and trumpets. It's painted in a deliberate palette where every color carries weight. From white robes to scarlet dragons, understanding these visual symbols unlocks layers of meaning John embedded in his apocalyptic vision.
Read more
Why Genesis Leaves So Many Questions Unanswered
Genesis opens the Bible with creation, but it doesn't tell us everything we want to know about origins. The gaps in the narrative aren't oversights but intentional choices that shape how we approach faith, science, and the biggest questions of existence.
Read more