If he himself, being flesh, maintains wrath, who will make expiation for his sins?: Here is another rhetorical question that Good News Translation renders as a statement. Good News Translation translates being flesh as “you are only a human being.” That is good, although translators should consider whether it might fit better at the beginning of the verse. The verb make expiation is usually used in the Old Testament of priests acting on behalf of the people. For the second line of this verse, New Revised Standard Version translates “who will make an atoning sacrifice for his sins.” But, more simply, it could be rendered “who is there to forgive his sins.” Good News Translation says “you have no hope of forgiveness,” which is also good. An alternative model for the whole verse is:

• You are only a human being. If you are not willing to let go of your anger [or, stop being angry], you have no one to forgive your sins.

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.