The judges also, with their respective names: The judges were not the kind of judge that most modern societies have, although they did at times decide cases. They were strong political leaders who at critical times in Israel’s early history led the people to victory over their surrounding enemies. However, translators may use the term that they picked for judges in the book by that name. A footnote would be helpful at this point explaining the true role of these special leaders. With their respective names is literally “each in his name.” Good News Translation has “each of them famous in their own right” (also Traduction œcuménique de la Bible), which is a good rendering. New English Bible is similar with “name after famous name.”

Those whose hearts did not fall into idolatry and who did not turn away from the Lord: Here it is possible to say simply “who did not abandon the Lord in order to worship idols.”

May their memory be blessed!: Compare 45.1. Possible approaches are “Let us honor their memory” and “May they be remembered and honored always.” This line belongs in verse 11; the verse number is misplaced in Good News Translation.

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.