Sirach 1:12 kjva — The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life.

King James Version with Apocrypha

"The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life."

— Sirach 1:12, King James Version with Apocrypha

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Sirach 1:12 in Other Translations

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DRB
“The fear of the Lord shall delight the heart, and shall give joy, and gladness, and length of days.”
Douay-Rheims Bible · Read this chapter in DRB

Sirach 1 — Context

He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her out upon all his works.

She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath given her to them that love him.

The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing.

The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life.

Whoso feareth the Lord, it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death.

To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb.

She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she shall continue with their seed.

Sirach 1:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

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What does Sirach 1:12 say?

Sirach 1:12 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life.”

Where is Sirach 1:12 in the Bible?

Sirach 1:12 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of Sirach, chapter 1, verse 12.

Who wrote Sirach?

Sirach is traditionally attributed to Jesus ben Sira of Jerusalem (Greek translation by his grandson). Also known as Ecclesiasticus ("the church book"). The grandson's prologue dates the Greek translation to Egypt c. 132 BC. Significant Hebrew portions survive in the Cairo Geniza and at Masada. It was written c. 180 BC (Hebrew original); c. 132 BC (Greek translation).

What is the book of Sirach about?

Sirach is the longest wisdom book in the broader canon — fifty-one chapters of proverbs, hymns, and reflections on the fear of the Lord. Ben Sira touches every corner of life: speech and silence, business and friendship, family and discipline, table manners and grief. The book closes with the "Praise of the Fathers" (chs. 44–50), a hymnic survey of Israel's heroes from Enoch to the high priest Simon — a forerunner of Hebrews 11.

What are the major themes of Sirach?

Sirach explores themes including Fear of the Lord, Wisdom, Ethics, Friendship, Heroes of Faith. These themes shape the meaning and context of Sirach 1:12.

What translation should I read Sirach 1:12 in?

Sirach 1:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.

How can I memorize Sirach 1:12?

Sirach 1:12 reads (KJVA): “The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.

Sirach 1:12 kjva — The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy, and gladness, and a long life.

Read in Another Translation

Sirach 1:12 in Other Translations

Sirach 1 — Context

Sirach 1:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

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