Tobit 1:11 - but I kept myself from eating,

Generated Verse: Tobit 1:11

What does "Tobit 1:11" mean?


The verse "but I kept myself from eating" in Tobit 1:11 likely refers to Tobit observing Jewish dietary laws and customs, specifically during a time of potential defilement. Here's a breakdown of possible interpretations:

Maintaining ritual purity: During this period (likely during his exile in Nineveh), Tobit, as a devout Jew, would have been concerned about maintaining ritual purity. This means avoiding food prepared by Gentiles, which was often considered unclean or offered to idols. By "keeping himself from eating," he likely meant refusing to partake in food that he suspected was not prepared according to Jewish law.

Refusing food offered to idols: It's possible that Tobit worked in a context where food was regularly offered to pagan idols. To maintain his faithfulness to God, he would have abstained from such food.

Possible reference to a fast: Although it's less likely, the phrase "keeping myself from eating" could be interpreted as a personal act of fasting, perhaps as an expression of his devotion or a plea to God in difficult times. However, the context of the surrounding verses does not strongly support this interpretation.

In summary, the most probable understanding of Tobit 1:11 is that Tobit actively avoided eating food that he believed would compromise his religious purity and adherence to Jewish dietary laws while living among Gentiles in a foreign land.

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