Tobit 1:16 - In the days of Enemessar, I did many alms deeds to my kindred: I gave my bread to the hungry,

Generated Verse: Tobit 1:16

What does "Tobit 1:16" mean?


This verse, Tobit 1:16, from the Book of Tobit (found in the Deuterocanonical or Apocryphal books of the Bible), tells us about Tobit's righteous and charitable actions during the reign of King Enemessar (likely a variant of Shalmaneser, a king of Assyria). Let's break it down:

"In the days of Enemessar...": This establishes the time period. Tobit is living as an exile in Assyria under the rule of King Enemessar/Shalmaneser. This was a period of great hardship and persecution for the Israelites.

"...I did many alms deeds to my kindred...": This indicates Tobit was actively practicing charity ("alms deeds"). More specifically, his charity was directed towards his "kindred," meaning his fellow Israelites. He was prioritizing helping those within his own community, who were likely suffering alongside him in exile.

"...I gave my bread to the hungry...": This gives a specific example of his alms deeds. He wasn't just giving money or possessions; he was giving his own food ("bread"). This emphasizes his selflessness and willingness to share even when resources were scarce.

In Summary:

The verse highlights Tobit's piety and ethical behavior even during a difficult time. He is presented as a righteous man who cared for his community and practiced charity, especially feeding the hungry among his people. This sets the stage for the rest of the Book of Tobit, which further explores themes of faith, righteousness, and divine providence in the face of adversity. It serves as an example of how to maintain faith and morality even in exile. It shows that despite the hardship of their situation, Tobit continued to live according to God's laws and care for his community.