Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and whoever glorifies his mother is like one who lays up treasure: Once again we have two lines that closely parallel each other. Honoring one’s parents (not just the father) atones for sins, that is, it is an act of enough goodness to cause God to forgive one’s sins (compare verse 14; this is also said of almsgiving in 3.30, of forgiving other people in 28.2, and of fasting in 34.26 [Revised Standard Version; 34.31 New Revised Standard Version]). So we may translate the first line as “If you respect [or, honor] your parents, the Lord will forgive your sins.”

An alternative model for these two verses is:

• Those who honor and respect their parents will be forgiven by the Lord. It is like saving money for a time of need.

This model combines the two lines, which is possible but not necessary. If you choose not to do this, Good News Translation provides a good model. Another possible model for translators who will be putting these verses into poetry is:

• If you honor your father,
the Lord will forgive your sins;
show respect to your mother,
and you will be truly rich [or, it will be like putting money in the bank].

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.