Sirach – Chapter 17

Old Testament31 Verses

Chapter Summary

"God created man of the earth, and made him after his own image." — so begins Sirach 17. Across its 31 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and justice and care for the poor. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1God created man of the earth, and made him after his own image.

2And he turned him into it again, and clothed him with strength according to himself.

3He gave him the number of his days and time, and gave him power over all things that are upon the earth.

4He put the fear of him upon all flesh, and he had dominion over beasts and fowls.

5He created of him a helpmate like to himself, he gave them counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, and ears, and a heart to devise: and he filled them with the knowledge of understanding.

6He created in them the science of the spirit, he fired their heart with wisdom, and shewed them both good and evil.

7He set his eye upon their hearts to shew them the greatness of his works:

8That they might praise the name which he hath sanctified: and glory in his wondrous act that they might declare the glorious things of his works.

9Moreover he gave them instructions, and the law of life for an inheritance.

10He made an everlasting covenant with them, and he shewed them his justice and judgments.

11And their eye saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorious voice, and he said to them: Beware of all iniquity.

12And he gave to every one of them commandment concerning his neighbour.

13Their ways are always before him, they are not hidden from his eyes.

14Over every nation he set a ruler.

15And Israel was made the manifest portion of God.

16And all their works are as the sun in the sight of God: and his eyes are continually upon their ways.

17Their covenants were not hid by their iniquity, and all their iniquities are in the sight of God.

18The alms of a man is as a signet with him, and shall preserve the grace of a man as the apple of the eye:

19And afterward he shall rise up, and shall render them their reward, to every one upon their own head, and shall turn them down into the bowels of the earth.

20But to the penitent he hath given the way of justice, and he hath strengthened them that were fainting in patience, and hath appointed to them the lot of truth.

21Turn to the Lord, and forsake thy sins:

22Make thy prayer before the face of the Lord, and offend less.

23Return to the Lord, and turn away from thy injustice, and greatly hate abomination.

24And know the justices and judgments of God, and stand firm in the lot set before thee, and in prayer to the most high God.

25Go to the side of the holy age, with them that live and give praise to God.

26Tarry not in the error of the ungodly, give glory before death. Praise perisheth from the dead as nothing.

27Give thanks whilst thou art living, whilst thou art alive and in health thou shalt give thanks, and shalt praise God, and shalt glory in his mercies.

28How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness to them that turn to him !

29For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is not immortal, and they are delighted with the vanity of evil.

30What is brighter than the sun; yet it shall be eclipsed. Or what is more wicked than that which flesh and blood hath invented? and this shall be reproved.

31He beholdeth the power of the height of heaven: and all men are earth and ashes.

Important Verses in Sirach 17

God created man of the earth, and made him after his own image.

Sirach 17:1

He created in them the science of the spirit, he fired their heart with wisdom, and shewed them both good and evil.

Sirach 17:6

Their covenants were not hid by their iniquity, and all their iniquities are in the sight of God.

Sirach 17:17

How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness to them that turn to him !

Sirach 17:28

Historical Context

Sirach addresses students of wisdom seeking to live the Law with practical prudence within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 17 of 51 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 31 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "God created man of the earth, and made him after his own image." The final verse reads: "He beholdeth the power of the height of heaven: and all men are earth and ashes. " Read against its original backdrop, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) is the longest wisdom book of the Bible, written by a Jerusalem sage who ran a school for young men. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC.

Who Wrote It

Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem; translated into Greek by his grandson

When It Was Written

About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense presents maxims, observations, or arguments meant to form character and discernment. A pivotal line is verse 1: "God created man of the earth, and made him after his own image." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of practical wisdom and fear of the Lord. this deuterocanonical book provides guidance for daily life (CIC 1806). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2105).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection for Today

The central section of Sirach—Chapter 17 of 51—opens a particular moment in the story of practical wisdom and fear of the Lord.

According to Catholic teaching, this deuterocanonical book provides guidance for daily life (CIC 1806). This chapter especially highlights Mary and the communion of saints, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 1265).

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 1502) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sirach Chapter 17 about?

Sirach 17 contains 31 verses. It opens with "God created man of the earth, and made him after his own image." and closes with "He beholdeth the power of the height of heaven: and all men are earth and ashes. ". The book as a whole is wisdom instruction (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Sirach 17?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "God created man of the earth, and made him after his own image." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Sirach and when?

Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem; translated into Greek by his grandson. About 180 BC in Hebrew; Greek translation about 132 BC.

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