He clothed him with superb perfection: Good News Translation translates this as a phrase referring back to the priestly garments of the last two lines. It is a good approach. Other possibilities are “so that he was dressed in perfect splendor” and “so that he looked perfectly magnificent [or, beautiful].” Compare 50.11.

And strengthened him with the symbols of authority is literally “and strengthened him with objects of strength.” Ziegler has emended the text to read “crowned” rather than strengthened, but we advise against this change. A good translation of this line is “He dignified him with the symbols of authority,” “He gave him dignity, and symbols of authority,” or even “He gave him dignity and three things that showed his priestly power [or, authority].”

The linen breeches, the long robe, and the ephod: Linen breeches refers to the undergarments of Exo 28.42-43. These were very likely two apron-like pieces for the front and the back, not quite the same as “shorts” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version), but joined between the legs. However, in most languages the idea of “shorts” or “underpants” will be easier to translate. In cultures where linen cloth is unknown, translators may say “fine cloth named ‘linen’ ” or “special white cloth.” The long robe (which translates one Greek word) is described in Exo 28.31-35. The ephod is described in Exo 28.6-14. It is some kind of highly decorative apron that covered both the front and back of the body above the waist. There were shoulder straps like suspenders at the front and back. A decorative waistband (or, belt) held it in place. Most translators will want to deal with it in this verse as in Exodus. Good News Translation reads “shirt,” so that the reference is to Exo 28.39. Good News Translation is translating in light of the Hebrew, which does not mention an ephod (also New English Bible, Revised English Bible). Translators may go either way, but in spite of the difficulty, we would suggest staying with the Greek by referring to the ephod. Note that Good News Translation has reversed the words “shirt” and “robe.” This is so the next line can be dealt with more easily. This is a good move, and translators will want to consider it. However, for those translators who will follow the Greek, we suggest the following model for this verse:

• so that he looked perfectly magnificent. The Lord gave him dignity and three things that showed his priestly power [or, authority]: the linen shorts, the long robe [or, outer garment], and the highly decorated apron [or, ephod].

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.