What is the Book of Sirach?  

Origins of the Book of Sirach

The Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, is a Jewish wisdom text written between 200 and 175 BC. Its author, Ben Sira of Jerusalem, came from a respected Judahite family known for its devotion to Scripture. Ben Sira credits much of his understanding to the guidance of his father, Joshua son of Sirach. Later, the author’s grandson translated the work into Greek while residing in Egypt, increasing its circulation among Hellenistic Jews.

Sirach was written during a time of significant cultural and political tension. Greek influence was spreading across the Jewish world, and many Jews were struggling to maintain their identity. The book reflects this mixture of cultures by combining Hebrew wisdom traditions with expressions shaped by Greek literary styles. Its 51 chapters contain advice, proverbs, and moral reflections meant to encourage righteous living.

Although Sirach is valuable as an ancient literary work, it diverges from the teachings of Scripture in ways that eventually led both Jews and early Christians to reject it as inspired.

The Deuterocanonical Books in Context

Sirach appears in the Old Testament of the Catholic Bible as part of a larger group of writings known as the Deuterocanonical books. These books are accepted in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, but they were never included in the Hebrew Bible and do not appear in the Protestant canon. The term Apocrypha means “hidden,” while Deuterocanonical means “second canon,” referring to books considered authoritative by some but not universally accepted.

The Apocrypha includes the following works: 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Baruch, Letter of Jeremiah, Prayer of Manasseh, Ecclesiasticus (Sirach), 1 Maccabees, and 2 Maccabees. These writings were produced during the period between the Old and New Testaments and often preserve valuable historical information. Some even offer moral insights and expressions of faith.

However, they also contain historical inaccuracies and doctrinal ideas that conflict with Scripture. This inconsistency affected how early believers viewed their authority.

Why the Deuterocanonical Books Were Added

Although some early Christians read these books for instruction, they were never officially recognized as Scripture by the early church. It was not until the Council of Trent in the mid-1500s AD that the Roman Catholic Church declared the Apocrypha to be part of the biblical canon. This decision was made partly in response to the Protestant Reformation, as Reformers rejected these books because they contained teachings contrary to the Hebrew Scriptures.

Several passages in the Deuterocanonical books appear to support doctrines such as prayers for the dead or works-based righteousness. These doctrines are not supported by the Old or New Testament, yet they align with certain beliefs the Catholic Church held historically. This alignment influenced the Council of Trent’s decision, even though the books themselves lacked prophetic authorship and consistent theological accuracy.

Protestant Christians, following the example of Jesus and the apostles, rejected these books because of their doctrinal conflicts and because the Jewish community never recognized them as divinely inspired.

Jewish and Early Christian Views of Sirach

From the beginning, the Hebrew community excluded the Book of Sirach from the inspired Scriptures. Jewish leaders recognized a clear canon of writings authored by prophets and individuals known to be guided directly by the Spirit of God. Sirach did not meet these criteria.

The New Testament writers also never quoted from Sirach or any other Apocryphal book. This is significant because Jesus and the apostles frequently quoted from the Old Testament and affirmed its authority. Their silence regarding Sirach shows that they did not consider it part of Scripture. Since nearly every major Old Testament book is quoted or referenced in the New Testament, the absence of Sirach reflects its noncanonical status.

Unbiblical Teachings in the Book of Sirach

While Sirach contains practical wisdom and moral encouragement, it also promotes ideas that contradict the teachings of Scripture. One key example is its emphasis on works-based righteousness. Throughout the book, there are statements implying that good deeds can reduce sin in God’s eyes or earn His favor. It also encourages giving with the expectation of receiving repayment, which appears in chapters 3, 7, 12, 17, and 22.

The Bible, however, clearly teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith alone. Paul wrote, “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Any teaching suggesting that works can earn salvation directly opposes the message of the gospel.

Sirach also encourages lending or giving with the expectation that the recipient will return the favor. But Jesus taught, “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back” (Matthew 6:3). The Bible emphasizes giving freely and joyfully, not as a means of securing repayment. Paul reinforces this when he writes that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Sirach’s approach, therefore, does not reflect the spirit of biblical generosity.

Because of these doctrinal conflicts, the Book of Sirach cannot be regarded as authoritative or inspired Scripture.

The Biblical Test of Truth

God provides a clear standard for evaluating any teaching or writing: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). All doctrines must align with the truth revealed in Scripture. Anything that contradicts God’s Word cannot originate from Him.

Only inspired Scripture carries divine authority. Paul wrote that all Scripture is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). This means the Bible alone provides the unmistakable and reliable foundation for faith. Writings that fail to meet this standard, including Sirach, may contain useful moral reflections but lack the inspiration and authority of God’s Word.

Conclusion

The Book of Sirach is a historical and literary work that offers a glimpse into Jewish wisdom during the intertestamental period. Its teachings reflect attempts to promote moral living and thoughtful reflection. However, because it contains doctrines that conflict with Scripture, it was not accepted as inspired by the Jewish community, by Jesus, or by the apostles.

For Christians committed to the authority of the Bible, all ideas must be measured against the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Sirach may offer helpful insights, but it cannot serve as a foundation for doctrine or faith. Scripture alone is the believer’s perfect and trustworthy guide.