Sirach 4:10 - Be as a father to the fatherless, And instead of a husband to their mother: So will you be as a son of the Most High, And he will love you more than your mother does.
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What does "Sirach 4:10" mean?
This verse from Sirach 4:10 is a powerful call to compassion and active responsibility towards vulnerable members of society, specifically the fatherless and their mothers. Let's break it down:
"Be as a father to the fatherless...": This is a direct instruction to step into the role of a caring and supportive father figure for those who have lost their fathers. This doesn't necessarily mean legal adoption, but rather providing guidance, protection, and mentorship, filling the emotional and practical void left by the absent father.
"...And instead of a husband to their mother...": This phrase is more nuanced and doesn't imply romantic involvement. It means to provide for the mother in a way that a supportive husband would, ensuring her security and well-being. This could involve helping her financially, offering practical assistance around the house, providing emotional support, and advocating for her needs without overstepping boundaries.
"So will you be as a son of the Most High...": This is the promise associated with acting compassionately. By taking care of the vulnerable, one demonstrates the values that God embodies. Therefore, it suggests a spiritual adoption of sorts, aligning oneself with God's nature.
"...And he will love you more than your mother does.": This is a hyperbolic statement emphasizing the depth of God's love and reward for those who show compassion. It suggests that God's love is greater and more profound than any earthly love, even that of a mother. This does not devalue a mother's love, but elevates the love and reward that God offers those who are righteous.
In summary, the verse is a plea for social responsibility and emphasizes that acts of kindness and compassion towards the most vulnerable members of society are pleasing to God and bring divine reward. It emphasizes a life lived in imitation of God's love.
Sirach 4:10 - Be as a father to the fatherless, And instead of a husband to their mother: So will you be as a son of the Most High, And he will love you more than your mother does.
What does "Sirach 4:10" mean?
This verse from Sirach 4:10 is a powerful call to compassion and active responsibility towards vulnerable members of society, specifically the fatherless and their mothers. Let's break it down:
"Be as a father to the fatherless...": This is a direct instruction to step into the role of a caring and supportive father figure for those who have lost their fathers. This doesn't necessarily mean legal adoption, but rather providing guidance, protection, and mentorship, filling the emotional and practical void left by the absent father.
"...And instead of a husband to their mother...": This phrase is more nuanced and doesn't imply romantic involvement. It means to provide for the mother in a way that a supportive husband would, ensuring her security and well-being. This could involve helping her financially, offering practical assistance around the house, providing emotional support, and advocating for her needs without overstepping boundaries.
"So will you be as a son of the Most High...": This is the promise associated with acting compassionately. By taking care of the vulnerable, one demonstrates the values that God embodies. Therefore, it suggests a spiritual adoption of sorts, aligning oneself with God's nature.
"...And he will love you more than your mother does.": This is a hyperbolic statement emphasizing the depth of God's love and reward for those who show compassion. It suggests that God's love is greater and more profound than any earthly love, even that of a mother. This does not devalue a mother's love, but elevates the love and reward that God offers those who are righteous.
In summary, the verse is a plea for social responsibility and emphasizes that acts of kindness and compassion towards the most vulnerable members of society are pleasing to God and bring divine reward. It emphasizes a life lived in imitation of God's love.