In his majesty he amasses the clouds: Majesty here may be taken to mean “power” (Good News Translation) or “mighty power” (New English Bible), which is even better. The Greek word translated amasses literally means “strengthens.” For this line New Revised Standard Version says “In his majesty he gives the clouds their strength.” Another possible model is “His mighty power gives the clouds their strength.” In the context of verses 13-16 it should be clear that the strength of the clouds refers to their threatening potential.

And the hailstones are broken in pieces: This is a way of referring to the production of hail, which is already in pieces when it falls. It would be permissible to say “and hailstones come shattering [or, falling] down.”

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.