Translation comparison

Sirach 19:27 in 1 translation

Every translation here words this verse identically, which is itself worth knowing — there is no interpretive fork to weigh.

Read with nearby context Open chapter 19

Early modern English

Seventeenth-century wording and sentence shape. Familiar, rhythmic, and the version most quotations you have heard are taken from.

King James Version

KJV

Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be aware.

1611 / 1769 · Public domain · The Authorised Version, revised to the 1769 Blayney text. Includes the Apocrypha as printed in 1611.

The verses either side

King James text. A comparison is easier to judge when you can see the sentence the verse sits inside.

26There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly; but inwardly he is full of deceit,

27Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known, he will do thee a mischief before thou be aware.

28And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he findeth opportunity he will do evil.

Not shown for this verse: American Standard Version, Darby Bible, Young's Literal Translation, World English Bible, Open English Bible (US), Open English Bible (Commonwealth), Bible in Basic English. Most modern translations do not include the Apocrypha.