And they bowed down in worship a second time: Good News Translation connects this verse to the previous one as a continuation of the sentence there. We could also start a new sentence here by saying “The people were lying prostrate on the ground again….” The translation should not leave the impression that Simon gives the blessing and then the people bow. The people are bowed while Simon gives the benediction. Second time refers back to verse 17.

To receive the blessing from the Most High may be rendered “to receive the Most High’s blessing [or, forgiveness]” or “so that the Most High might bless [or, forgive] them.”

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.