Sirach 42:9 - A daughter is a secret cause of wakefulness to a father; And the care for her puts away sleep; In her youth, lest she pass the flower of her age; And when she is married, lest she should be hated:
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Sirach 42:9" mean?
This verse from Sirach 42:9 speaks to the anxieties and constant worry that a father often experiences regarding his daughter. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"A daughter is a secret cause of wakefulness to a father;" This means that a father constantly worries about his daughter, even if he doesn't outwardly express it. This worry keeps him up at night, causing him to lose sleep. It's a "secret" because he might not always reveal the extent of his concern to others.
"And the care for her puts away sleep;" This reinforces the idea that the father's concern for his daughter is so strong that it disrupts his sleep. It's not just a minor worry, but a constant presence that keeps him awake.
"In her youth, lest she pass the flower of her age;" This refers to the father's worry that his daughter might not find a suitable husband during her prime. "The flower of her age" refers to her most desirable or marriageable years. There was societal pressure in those times (and sometimes still is) for women to marry young. A father would worry about his daughter becoming an "old maid" and missing out on marriage and family.
"And when she is married, lest she should be hated:" Even after she is married, the father's anxieties don't end. He worries that his daughter might be unhappy in her marriage, specifically that her husband might mistreat or hate her. This shows a continuing concern for her well-being and happiness even after she has left his immediate care.
In essence, the verse highlights the following:
Perpetual Worry: A father feels a constant sense of responsibility and concern for his daughter's well-being, from her youth to her married life.
Societal Pressures: The verse reflects societal expectations around marriage for women and the pressure on fathers to ensure their daughters are well-provided for and protected.
Fatherly Love: Despite the anxieties, the underlying message is one of deep love and concern. The father's worries stem from his desire for his daughter's happiness and security.
Cultural Context:
It's important to remember that Sirach was written in a patriarchal society where women's status and security were often tied to their relationships with men (fathers and husbands). This context heavily influences the anxieties expressed in the verse.
In modern times, while societal norms have evolved, the underlying sentiment of a father's concern for his daughter's well-being remains relevant, though the specific anxieties might differ. Fathers today might worry about their daughters' careers, safety, and emotional well-being in a world that presents different challenges.
Sirach 42:9 - A daughter is a secret cause of wakefulness to a father; And the care for her puts away sleep; In her youth, lest she pass the flower of her age; And when she is married, lest she should be hated:
What does "Sirach 42:9" mean?
This verse from Sirach 42:9 speaks to the anxieties and constant worry that a father often experiences regarding his daughter. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"A daughter is a secret cause of wakefulness to a father;" This means that a father constantly worries about his daughter, even if he doesn't outwardly express it. This worry keeps him up at night, causing him to lose sleep. It's a "secret" because he might not always reveal the extent of his concern to others.
"And the care for her puts away sleep;" This reinforces the idea that the father's concern for his daughter is so strong that it disrupts his sleep. It's not just a minor worry, but a constant presence that keeps him awake.
"In her youth, lest she pass the flower of her age;" This refers to the father's worry that his daughter might not find a suitable husband during her prime. "The flower of her age" refers to her most desirable or marriageable years. There was societal pressure in those times (and sometimes still is) for women to marry young. A father would worry about his daughter becoming an "old maid" and missing out on marriage and family.
"And when she is married, lest she should be hated:" Even after she is married, the father's anxieties don't end. He worries that his daughter might be unhappy in her marriage, specifically that her husband might mistreat or hate her. This shows a continuing concern for her well-being and happiness even after she has left his immediate care.
In essence, the verse highlights the following:
Perpetual Worry: A father feels a constant sense of responsibility and concern for his daughter's well-being, from her youth to her married life.
Societal Pressures: The verse reflects societal expectations around marriage for women and the pressure on fathers to ensure their daughters are well-provided for and protected.
Fatherly Love: Despite the anxieties, the underlying message is one of deep love and concern. The father's worries stem from his desire for his daughter's happiness and security.
Cultural Context:
It's important to remember that Sirach was written in a patriarchal society where women's status and security were often tied to their relationships with men (fathers and husbands). This context heavily influences the anxieties expressed in the verse.
In modern times, while societal norms have evolved, the underlying sentiment of a father's concern for his daughter's well-being remains relevant, though the specific anxieties might differ. Fathers today might worry about their daughters' careers, safety, and emotional well-being in a world that presents different challenges.