Sirach 15:1 - He that fears the Lord will do this; And he that has possession of the law will obtain her.
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What does "Sirach 15:1" mean?
Sirach 15:1, "He that fears the Lord will do this; And he that has possession of the law will obtain her," is a verse rich in meaning and rooted in the Wisdom tradition of the Old Testament (or the Deuterocanonical books). Let's break it down:
"He that fears the Lord will do this..." This is the foundation. "Fear of the Lord" in the Old Testament doesn't mean being terrified. It signifies reverence, respect, awe, and a commitment to obeying God's will. It's a recognition of God's power, holiness, and authority. "This" refers back to the teachings and exhortations presented in the previous chapters of Sirach, but generally encompasses living a righteous and wise life according to God's commands. To truly fear (revere) the Lord leads to action, to actively living according to His will.
"And he that has possession of the law will obtain her." This part is where the interpretation becomes more nuanced.
"The Law" generally refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). It contains God's laws and commandments given to Moses, and serves as a guide for righteous living. "Possession" in this context goes beyond simply owning a scroll or having the law physically present. It signifies understanding, internalizing, and actively living by the principles of the Law. It's about allowing the Law to shape one's character and actions.
"Her" most likely refers to Wisdom. In the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament (like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Sirach), Wisdom is often personified as a woman, a beautiful and desirable figure. She is seen as a gift from God, essential for living a good and fulfilling life.
Therefore, the entire verse can be understood as follows:
If you truly revere God and strive to live according to His will (as revealed in the Law), you will be guided towards and ultimately gain Wisdom. It highlights the connection between obedience to God's law and the acquisition of Wisdom.
Alternative Interpretations and Nuances:
"Obtain her" as a Marriage Metaphor: Some interpretations see "obtain her" as a metaphor for marriage. Just as a man takes a wife, so too does the one who embraces the Law "marry" or intimately connect with Wisdom. This implies a deep and lasting relationship.
Progressive Understanding: The verse also suggests a progression. First comes the fear of the Lord (reverence and obedience), then the understanding and application of the Law, and finally, the attainment of Wisdom.
Law as a Path to Wisdom: The Law isn't seen as an end in itself, but as a path or a tool to arrive at true Wisdom. It's through striving to live righteously that one opens themselves to receive the gift of Wisdom.
In Summary:
Sirach 15:1 emphasizes that true reverence for God, manifested through understanding and obeying His Law, is the key to acquiring Wisdom. Wisdom is portrayed as a desirable and valuable possession that enriches life and guides one toward a virtuous and fulfilling existence. The verse highlights the inseparability of faith, obedience, and the pursuit of Wisdom.
Sirach 15:1 - He that fears the Lord will do this; And he that has possession of the law will obtain her.
What does "Sirach 15:1" mean?
Sirach 15:1, "He that fears the Lord will do this; And he that has possession of the law will obtain her," is a verse rich in meaning and rooted in the Wisdom tradition of the Old Testament (or the Deuterocanonical books). Let's break it down:
"He that fears the Lord will do this..." This is the foundation. "Fear of the Lord" in the Old Testament doesn't mean being terrified. It signifies reverence, respect, awe, and a commitment to obeying God's will. It's a recognition of God's power, holiness, and authority. "This" refers back to the teachings and exhortations presented in the previous chapters of Sirach, but generally encompasses living a righteous and wise life according to God's commands. To truly fear (revere) the Lord leads to action, to actively living according to His will.
"And he that has possession of the law will obtain her." This part is where the interpretation becomes more nuanced.
"The Law" generally refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). It contains God's laws and commandments given to Moses, and serves as a guide for righteous living. "Possession" in this context goes beyond simply owning a scroll or having the law physically present. It signifies understanding, internalizing, and actively living by the principles of the Law. It's about allowing the Law to shape one's character and actions.
"Her" most likely refers to Wisdom. In the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament (like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Sirach), Wisdom is often personified as a woman, a beautiful and desirable figure. She is seen as a gift from God, essential for living a good and fulfilling life.
Therefore, the entire verse can be understood as follows:
If you truly revere God and strive to live according to His will (as revealed in the Law), you will be guided towards and ultimately gain Wisdom. It highlights the connection between obedience to God's law and the acquisition of Wisdom.
Alternative Interpretations and Nuances:
"Obtain her" as a Marriage Metaphor: Some interpretations see "obtain her" as a metaphor for marriage. Just as a man takes a wife, so too does the one who embraces the Law "marry" or intimately connect with Wisdom. This implies a deep and lasting relationship.
Progressive Understanding: The verse also suggests a progression. First comes the fear of the Lord (reverence and obedience), then the understanding and application of the Law, and finally, the attainment of Wisdom.
Law as a Path to Wisdom: The Law isn't seen as an end in itself, but as a path or a tool to arrive at true Wisdom. It's through striving to live righteously that one opens themselves to receive the gift of Wisdom.
In Summary:
Sirach 15:1 emphasizes that true reverence for God, manifested through understanding and obeying His Law, is the key to acquiring Wisdom. Wisdom is portrayed as a desirable and valuable possession that enriches life and guides one toward a virtuous and fulfilling existence. The verse highlights the inseparability of faith, obedience, and the pursuit of Wisdom.