The offering of a righteous man anoints the altar: The Greek verb translated anoints means “grease, smear with fat or oil.” This can be interpreted two ways: (1) As a metaphor, it may mean that the offering “enriches” (New American Bible, Luís Alonso Schökel) the altar, or “graces” it (New Jerusalem Bible). (2) Literally, it may refer to the animal fat dripping from the burning sacrifice. Good News Translation takes it this way (somewhat similarly New English Bible, Revised English Bible). In the context of the next line, we think the latter interpretation is more likely. So Contemporary English Version has “When one of God’s people burns the fat of a sacrifice.” Righteous man refers to a person who worships and reveres God. The altar refers to the altar used for burning sacrifices in front of the Temple.

And its pleasing odor rises before the Most High: In Lev 1–7, where various sacrifices are described, the burning flesh is often described as having “a pleasing odor to the Lord” (for example, Lev 1.9, 13). In describing the odor as pleasing, ben Sira is saying that the sacrifice is acceptable to the Lord. Compare Gen 8.21. For the Most High, see 4.10.

Good News Translation combines the two lines of this verse in a reasonable way. Another possible model is:

• When a righteous person offers a sacrifice to be burned, and the grease runs down the altar and the smoke rises from the altar, the Lord Most High is pleased.

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.