Travel and Wisdom: An Interpretation of Sirach 31[34],9-12; 39,4; 51,13 in the Jewish and Hellenistic Contexts

This article deals with three passages from the book of Sirach (Sir 31[34],9-11; 39,4; 51,13) that have one idea in common: the sage develops his wisdom in a strange land where he is confronted with experiences and knowledge which are independent of the culture and traditions of Israel. Several non-biblical texts are taken into consideration to shed new light on the idea of travelling in the book of Sirach. On the level of ideas, Plato distinguishes between four kinds of travellers, including those who travel for educational pur poses. Some centuries later Philo deepens the anthro pological and cognitive dimensions of travelling. However, the closest parallels to the terminology of Sir 31[34],9-10; 51,13, especially the use of πλανάω and πολύπειρος, can be found in works of more recent date by Diodorus of Sicily and Plutarch.