Sirach 6:33 kjva — If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,

King James Version with Apocrypha

“If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,”

— Sirach 6:33, King James Version with Apocrypha

What does this verse mean?

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Sirach 6:33 in Other Translations

1 version All translations

Sirach 6 — Context

30

For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.

31

Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour, and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.

32

My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.

33

If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,

34

Stand in the multitude of the elders; and cleave unto him that is wise.

35

Be willing to hear every godly discourse; and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.

36

And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.

Sirach 6:33 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Sirach 6:33 say?
Sirach 6:33 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,”
Where is Sirach 6:33 in the Bible?
Sirach 6:33 is found in the Apocrypha, in the book of Sirach, chapter 6, verse 33.
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 6:33.
What translation should I read Sirach 6:33 in?
Sirach 6:33 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 6:33?
Sirach 6:33 reads (KJVA): “If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise,” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

© 2026 GodsGoodBookVersion 2.1.1