Sirach 7:31 - Fear the Lord, and glorify the priest; And give him his portion, even as it is commanded you; The first fruits, and the trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, And the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first fruits of holy things.
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What does "Sirach 7:31" mean?
Sirach 7:31, from the apocryphal book of Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus), is a straightforward instruction about the appropriate relationship between the people and the priesthood, emphasizing reverence and material support. Let's break down the verse:
"Fear the Lord, and glorify the priest": This isn't about fearing the priest himself, but rather respecting the office and role that the priest holds as a representative of God. The phrase "glorify the priest" means to honor and esteem him. It's a call to recognize the spiritual authority invested in the priestly role.
"And give him his portion, even as it is commanded you": This establishes that the priest is entitled to receive support from the people. The phrase "even as it is commanded you" suggests that this obligation is outlined in previous religious law or tradition (likely referencing the Old Testament laws regarding priestly support).
"The first fruits, and the trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, And the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first fruits of holy things": This lists specific types of offerings and gifts that were to be given to the priest as his due. These are all terms from the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and likely, a similar tradition during the time the Book of Sirach was written.
First fruits: The initial harvest of crops, given to God (and by extension, the priests who served in the temple) as a recognition of God's blessing and provision.
Trespass offering (or guilt offering): A sacrifice offered to atone for unintentional sins or violations of sacred property. The priest received a portion of this offering.
Gift of the shoulders: A specific part of certain sacrificial animals (likely the shoulder) that was designated for the priest.
Sacrifice of sanctification (or peace offering): Sacrifices that could be offered for various reasons, including thanksgiving, vows, or fellowship. A portion of these also went to the priest.
First fruits of holy things: This likely refers to the choicest or best portions of items dedicated to religious purposes, again given to the priests.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Respect God and honor the priest who represents Him. Support the priest financially by giving him the portions of offerings and first fruits that are due to him, according to religious law. This provides for his livelihood and enables him to fulfill his priestly duties.
Key Themes and Interpretations:
Support for the Priesthood: The verse is a clear call for the laity to support the clergy materially. This ensures the priests can dedicate themselves to religious duties without having to worry about providing for their basic needs.
Reverence for Religious Authority: It underscores the importance of respecting and valuing the roles of religious leaders.
Connection to Old Testament Law: The verse draws upon the sacrificial system and laws of the Old Testament, placing it within a broader tradition of religious practice.
Practical Theology: Sirach is often characterized by its practical advice for living a virtuous and righteous life. This verse fits that pattern by providing specific guidance on how to properly relate to religious authorities.
In modern context, while the specific offerings may no longer be relevant, the principle of supporting religious leaders and respecting their role remains a relevant theme. The verse can be interpreted as a reminder to value and support those who serve in religious capacities.
Sirach 7:31 - Fear the Lord, and glorify the priest; And give him his portion, even as it is commanded you; The first fruits, and the trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, And the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first fruits of holy things.
What does "Sirach 7:31" mean?
Sirach 7:31, from the apocryphal book of Sirach (also known as Ecclesiasticus), is a straightforward instruction about the appropriate relationship between the people and the priesthood, emphasizing reverence and material support. Let's break down the verse:
"Fear the Lord, and glorify the priest": This isn't about fearing the priest himself, but rather respecting the office and role that the priest holds as a representative of God. The phrase "glorify the priest" means to honor and esteem him. It's a call to recognize the spiritual authority invested in the priestly role.
"And give him his portion, even as it is commanded you": This establishes that the priest is entitled to receive support from the people. The phrase "even as it is commanded you" suggests that this obligation is outlined in previous religious law or tradition (likely referencing the Old Testament laws regarding priestly support).
"The first fruits, and the trespass offering, and the gift of the shoulders, And the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first fruits of holy things": This lists specific types of offerings and gifts that were to be given to the priest as his due. These are all terms from the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and likely, a similar tradition during the time the Book of Sirach was written.
First fruits: The initial harvest of crops, given to God (and by extension, the priests who served in the temple) as a recognition of God's blessing and provision.
Trespass offering (or guilt offering): A sacrifice offered to atone for unintentional sins or violations of sacred property. The priest received a portion of this offering.
Gift of the shoulders: A specific part of certain sacrificial animals (likely the shoulder) that was designated for the priest.
Sacrifice of sanctification (or peace offering): Sacrifices that could be offered for various reasons, including thanksgiving, vows, or fellowship. A portion of these also went to the priest.
First fruits of holy things: This likely refers to the choicest or best portions of items dedicated to religious purposes, again given to the priests.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Respect God and honor the priest who represents Him. Support the priest financially by giving him the portions of offerings and first fruits that are due to him, according to religious law. This provides for his livelihood and enables him to fulfill his priestly duties.
Key Themes and Interpretations:
Support for the Priesthood: The verse is a clear call for the laity to support the clergy materially. This ensures the priests can dedicate themselves to religious duties without having to worry about providing for their basic needs.
Reverence for Religious Authority: It underscores the importance of respecting and valuing the roles of religious leaders.
Connection to Old Testament Law: The verse draws upon the sacrificial system and laws of the Old Testament, placing it within a broader tradition of religious practice.
Practical Theology: Sirach is often characterized by its practical advice for living a virtuous and righteous life. This verse fits that pattern by providing specific guidance on how to properly relate to religious authorities.
In modern context, while the specific offerings may no longer be relevant, the principle of supporting religious leaders and respecting their role remains a relevant theme. The verse can be interpreted as a reminder to value and support those who serve in religious capacities.