Her husband takes his meals among the neighbors: The translation takes his meals (similarly Good News Translation) is extremely doubtful, and we urge translators to stay away from it. New Revised Standard Version offers “loses heart” as a translation in its footnote; Contemporary English Version has “is depressed.” These renderings are much more likely, but not altogether certain. As we understand the Greek, it means “Her husband loses face among his friends” or “Her husband’s reputation [or, standing] in the community dwindles [or, withers away].” We may translate this way with no footnote. On the other hand, the Hebrew of this verse exists, and it is quite clear; it says “Her husband sits among the neighbors.” This may be the safest course for translators; if the Hebrew text is followed, a footnote is needed, which would say “Hebrew sits; Greek loses face.” However, the context seems to indicate that the sighing in the next line arises from the husband’s depression at having to put up with a spiteful wife.

And he cannot help sighing bitterly: This is the reading of one Greek manuscript, but also of the Hebrew. Most Greek manuscripts of this line read, as the Revised Standard Version footnote indicates, “and as he listens he sighs bitterly.” In Greek the difference between these two texts is very slight. We recommend that translators follow Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation for the final line.

An alternative model for this verse which slightly alters Contemporary English Version‘s translation is:

• Her husband is depressed,
and he sighs bitterly
as he visits [or, eats with] his neighbors.

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.