Ecclesiasticus
Textsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Ecclesiasticus, also known as Sirach, is a wisdom text written by Jesus ben Sira in Jerusalem around 180 BCE. The work emphasizes the fear of the Lord, practical ethics, and the centrality of the Torah, reflecting the social and religious values of Second Temple Judaism.
What is the meaning of Ecclesiasticus in the Bible?
Ecclesiasticus, also known as Sirach, is a wisdom text written by Jesus ben Sira in Jerusalem around 180 BCE. The work emphasizes the fear of the Lord, practical ethics, and the centrality of the Torah, reflecting the social and religious values of Second Temple Judaism.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
This text provides essential context for understanding the development of Jewish wisdom literature and the ethical framework that influenced early Christian thought, particularly regarding the relationship between faith and daily conduct.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Ecclesiasticus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ecclesiasticus clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.