Sirach – Chapter 48

Old Testament28 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 48 of Sirach begins: "And Elias the prophet stood up, as a fire, and his word burnt like a torch." The chapter centers on Elijah, Hezekiah and Isaiah. Across its 28 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and God's kingdom and kingship. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And Elias the prophet stood up, as a fire, and his word burnt like a torch.

2He brought a famine upon them, and they that provoked him in their envy, were reduced to a small number, for they could not endure the commandments of the Lord.

3By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and he brought down fire from heaven thrice.

4Thus was Elias magnified in his wondrous works. And who can glory like to thee?

5Who raisedst up a dead man from below, from the lot of death, by the word of the Lord God.

6Who broughtest down kings to destruction, and brokest easily their power in pieces, and the glorious from their bed.

7Who heardest judgment in Sina, and in Horeb the judgments of vengeance.

8Who anointedst kings to penance, and madest prophets successors after thee.

9Who wast taken up in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot of fiery horses.

10Who art registered in the judgments of times to appease the wrath of the Lord, to reconcile the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.

11Blessed are they that saw thee, and were honoured with thy friendship.

12For we live only in our life, but after death our name shall not be such.

13Elias was indeed covered with the whirlwind, and his spirit was filled up in Eliseus: in his days he feared not the prince, and no man was more powerful than he.

14No word could overcome him, and after death his body prophesied.

15In his life he did great wonders, and in death he wrought miracles.

16For all this the people repented not, neither did they depart from their sins till they were cast out of their land, and were scattered through all the earth.

17And there was left but a small people, and a prince in the house of David.

18Some of these did that which pleased God: but others committed many sins.

19Ezechias fortified his city, and brought in water into the midst thereof, and he digged a rock with iron, and made a well for water.

20In his days Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabsaces, and lifted up his hand against them, and he stretched out his hand against Sion, and became proud through his power.

21Then their hearts and hands trembled, and they were in pain as women in travail.

22And they called upon the Lord who is merciful, and spreading their hands, they lifted them up to heaven: and the holy Lord God quickly heard their voice.

23He was not mindful of their sins, neither did he deliver them up to their enemies, but he purified them by the hand of Isaias, the holy prophet.

24He overthrew the army of the Assyrians, and the angel of the Lord destroyed them.

25For Ezechias did that which pleased God, and walked valiantly in the way of David his father, which Isaias, the great prophet, and faithful in the sight of God, had commanded him.

26In his days the sun wen backward, and he lengthened the king's life.

27With a great spirit he saw the things that are to come to pass at last, and comforted the mourners in Sion.

28He showed what should come to pass for ever, and secret things before they came.

Important Verses in Sirach 48

Who raisedst up a dead man from below, from the lot of death, by the word of the Lord God.

Sirach 48:5

Who art registered in the judgments of times to appease the wrath of the Lord, to reconcile the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.

Sirach 48:10

And they called upon the Lord who is merciful, and spreading their hands, they lifted them up to heaven: and the holy Lord God quickly heard their voice.

Sirach 48:22

For Ezechias did that which pleased God, and walked valiantly in the way of David his father, which Isaias, the great prophet, and faithful in the sight of God, had commanded him.

Sirach 48:25

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Sirach was written with students of wisdom seeking to live the Law with practical prudence in view. Chapter 48 of 51 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 28 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Elijah, Hezekiah, Isaiah and David appear at the center of the events recorded here. The chapter begins: "And Elias the prophet stood up, as a fire, and his word burnt like a torch." The chapter ends with: "He showed what should come to pass for ever, and secret things before they came. " 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. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Sirach around 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

This chapter offers practical instruction on how to live wisely before God in daily life. A pivotal line is verse 5: "Who raisedst up a dead man from below, from the lot of death, by the word of the Lord God." The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

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 74).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. 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

  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

People in This Chapter

Elijah3 mentionsHezekiah2 mentionsIsaiah2 mentionsDavid2 mentionsElisha1 mentionJacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Sirach Chapter 48 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that practical wisdom and fear of the Lord is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing participation in Christ's priestly office through Baptism.

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 958) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sirach Chapter 48 about?

Sirach 48 contains 28 verses. It opens with "And Elias the prophet stood up, as a fire, and his word burnt like a torch." and closes with "He showed what should come to pass for ever, and secret things before they came. ". The book as a whole is wisdom instruction (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Sirach 48?

One of the most significant verses is verse 5: "Who raisedst up a dead man from below, from the lot of death, by the word of the Lord God." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Sirach Chapter 48?

This chapter mentions Elijah, Hezekiah, Isaiah, David, Elisha, among others.

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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