Leaders of the people in their deliberations and in understanding of learning for the people, wise in their words of instruction: This verse is difficult in Greek and uncertain in Hebrew. We suggest that translators ignore both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation and work with the following model, which reflects the understanding of the verse found in New Revised Standard Version and New English Bible:

• Some knew their people’s history well,
governed them with good advice,
and taught them with wise words.

This translation reverses lines 1 and 2. “History” could be translated “traditions,” “ways,” or even “law” (New English Bible). The Greek word for “history” refers to a body of learning; New Revised Standard Version says “lore.”

Good News Translation adds a fourth line from the Hebrew, which is not found in the Greek. We suggest that translators omit this line. No footnote is needed.

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.