1. The Beginning of the Biblical Canon and Ben Sira
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Languages
1.3. Canonical Categories
1.4. Intertextual References
1.5. Aim and Structure of the Study

2. Historical Contexts of Ben Sira
2.1. Date and Historical Setting of Ben Sira
2.2. Writing at the Time of Ben Sira
2.3. Writing in the Book of Ben Sira
2.4. Conclusion

3. Greek Prologue to Ben Sira
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Greek Text and Translation
3.3. Analysis
3.4. Key Terms: Law, Prophets, and Writings
3.5. The Prologue and the Question of Canon
3.6. Conclusion

4. Ben Sira 38:24-39:11
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Hebrew Text and Translation
4.3. Greek Text and Translation
4.4. Comparative Analysis
4.5. Sir 38:24-39:11 and the Question of Canon
4.6. Conclusion

5. Ben Sira 44-50: Survey
5.1. Introduction
5.2. Textual Basis
5.3. Comparative Analysis
5.4. Sir 44-50 and the Question of Canon
5.5. Figures and the Question of Quotation
5.6. Conclusion

6. Ben Sira 44-50: Case Studies
6.1. Selection of Case Studies
6.2. Enoch (Sir 44:16; 49:14)
6.3. Judges (Sir 46:11-12)
6.4. Isaiah (Sir 48:17-25)
6.5. Job (Sir 49:9)
6.6. Twelve Prophets (Sir 49:10)
6.7. Conclusion

7. Results
7.1. The Beginning of the Biblical Canon and Ben Sira
7.2. Implications
7.3. Concluding Summary