If he lives long, he will leave a name greater than a thousand: There is no reason Good News Translation could not include greater than a thousand by saying “If he lives to old age, he will die more respected than thousands of others.” Greater, by the way, is only implied; the Greek says literally “If he lives long, he will leave a name than thousands.”

And if he goes to rest, it is enough for him: This line is not clear. Does if he goes to rest mean “if he dies young” or “if he dies before becoming famous” or “when he does die?” Further, the Greek of the final clause (it is enough for him) is textually uncertain and unclear in meaning. For this verse we suggest something like the following, which may even be what ben Sira meant, but if it isn’t, it’s not far off, and he would surely not disagree with it:

• If he lives to old age, he will die more respected than thousands of others. But whenever he dies, his reputation will be his reward. *
* his reputation will be his reward; Greek unclear.

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.