I will again pour out teaching like prophecy, and leave it to all future generations: Again has the same force as in verse 32: “I will continue to pour out teaching….” Rather than comparing teaching to prophecy, Good News Translation has the author compare himself to a prophet. This works well. “Inspired” helps convey the idea of a prophet speaking vigorously, in the heat of inspiration. Ben Sira is not actually claiming divine inspiration for himself, but is comparing his compulsion to keep on writing to the drive that forced the prophets to speak. Good News Translation makes the last line a purpose clause (“so that…”); this is not necessary but it may be helpful. The words “can benefit from them” in Good News Translation are not in the Greek text, but it is the obvious implication of what the author is saying. Continuing with the translation suggested for verse 32, this verse may be rendered:

• I will pour my teachings out like the preaching of a prophet, so that future generations [or, generations not yet born] can benefit from them.

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.