Read & explore together
A final glance honors primeval ancestors and Joseph
These verses name Enoch, Joseph, Shem, Seth and Adam, and briefly state why they are honoured. Each line is short, but each one gives a distinct reason for remembering these people in this passage.
Understanding the passage
Listening in context
Sirach 49:14-16 is a compressed passage made of three short statements. It names Enoch, Joseph, Shem, Seth and Adam, and each verse gives words of honour or distinction for them. The focus here is on exactly what these verses say about each person.
Sirach 49:14–16Main takeaway
This passage honours named ancestors by stating, in a few direct lines, the particular distinction each one has.
Look closely at the words
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Enoch is marked outThe passage begins with a strong claim about Enoch: “No man was created upon the earth like Enoch.”
Explanation
The passage begins with a strong claim about Enoch: “No man was created upon the earth like Enoch.” The verse itself gives the reason for this special statement: “for he was taken up from the earth.” Nothing more is explained here, but the wording clearly sets Enoch apart.
02Joseph is honoured for leadership and supportJoseph is also described as unmatched: “Nor was there a man born like Joseph.” This verse explains his importance in two ways.
Explanation
Joseph is also described as unmatched: “Nor was there a man born like Joseph.” This verse explains his importance in two ways. He was “a leader of his kindred” and “a supporter of the people.” It adds one more sign of honour by saying, “Even his bones were cared for.”
03Shem and Seth are honoured among peopleThe next verse groups Shem and Seth together. It says they “were honored among men.” That tells us they were held in honour in human society.
Explanation
The next verse groups Shem and Seth together. It says they “were honored among men.” That tells us they were held in honour in human society. The verse does not add further detail about them here, but it clearly places them among those who received respect.
04Adam is placed above other living thingsThe final words single out Adam: “above every living thing in the creation was Adam.” In this passage, Adam is given a place of highest distinction in relation to living creatures.
Explanation
The final words single out Adam: “above every living thing in the creation was Adam.” In this passage, Adam is given a place of highest distinction in relation to living creatures. The statement is brief, but it gives Adam a unique standing within creation.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What reason does Sirach give for saying Enoch was unlike anyone created on the earth?
Stay with the exact wording of the verse and identify the explanation joined to Enoch’s name.
02Which words in the passage describe Joseph’s service to others?
Look for the phrases that name Joseph’s role toward his kindred and the people.
03How does the wording about Shem and Seth differ from the wording about Adam?
Notice that Shem and Seth are honoured “among men,” while Adam is described in relation to “every living thing in the creation.”
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Sirach 49:14–16
14No man was created upon the earth like Enoch, for he was taken up from the earth.
15Nor was there a man born like Joseph, a leader of his kindred, a supporter of the people. Even his bones were cared for.
16Shem and Seth were honored among men, but above every living thing in the creation was Adam.