Tobit 2:14 - But she said, “It has been given to me for a gift more than the wages.” I didn’t believe her, and I asked her to return it to the owners; and I was ashamed of her. But she answered and said to me, “Where are your alms and your righteous deeds? Behold, you and all your works are known.”
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What does "Tobit 2:14" mean?
This verse from Tobit 2:14 is rich with meaning, hinting at themes of honesty, humility, and divine knowledge. Let's break it down:
"But she said, “It has been given to me for a gift more than the wages.”" This is Tobit's wife, Anna, speaking. She has apparently received something – most likely a kid (a young goat or lamb, as indicated by the preceding verse) – that she believes is a gift exceeding its actual worth. She doesn't feel it was merely adequate compensation for her labor. This implies she believes a blessing or favor is attached to it.
"I didn’t believe her, and I asked her to return it to the owners; and I was ashamed of her." Tobit, known for his righteousness, is skeptical. He sees the situation in a straightforward way: she's likely been overpaid or received something unjustly. He prioritizes honesty and fairness, even to the point of embarrassment that his wife might be perceived as accepting something she's not entitled to. His concern is understandable, rooted in his devout nature.
"But she answered and said to me, “Where are your alms and your righteous deeds? Behold, you and all your works are known.”" This is the crux of the verse. Anna's response is sharp and challenging. She directly confronts Tobit's perceived arrogance and self-righteousness.
"Where are your alms and your righteous deeds?" This is a pointed question. Tobit is known for his generosity and piety (burying the dead of his own people, for example). Anna implies that if Tobit is so concerned about small acts of potential injustice, he should also examine the motivation behind his own acts of charity. Is he truly selfless, or does he perhaps seek recognition or reward for his goodness?
"Behold, you and all your works are known." This is a crucial statement. It implies a divine perspective – that God sees everything, including Tobit's heart and intentions. It serves as a reminder that outward piety is not enough; inner purity and humility are also essential. Anna suggests that God, knowing Tobit's heart, may have allowed her to receive this gift as a test or a lesson for him.
In Summary, the verse highlights:
The challenge of maintaining true righteousness: It's easy to focus on outward actions and miss the importance of inner motives.
The value of humility: Tobit, a righteous man, is called out for a moment of potential self-righteousness.
The existence of a divine perspective: Anna's words suggest that God sees beyond outward appearances and judges hearts.
The potential for blessing beyond mere payment: Anna perceives the gift as something more than its material worth, possibly suggesting a divine blessing or sign.
The importance of trusting in God's providence: The question that arises is should Tobit trust that the gift given to Anna may be from God, or does he insist on what he perceives to be true and honest.
This brief exchange serves as a powerful reminder that true piety encompasses both outward actions and inward integrity, and that we should always examine our own motives with humility. It's a lesson about the complexities of righteousness and the importance of divine judgment.
Tobit 2:14 - But she said, “It has been given to me for a gift more than the wages.” I didn’t believe her, and I asked her to return it to the owners; and I was ashamed of her. But she answered and said to me, “Where are your alms and your righteous deeds? Behold, you and all your works are known.”
What does "Tobit 2:14" mean?
This verse from Tobit 2:14 is rich with meaning, hinting at themes of honesty, humility, and divine knowledge. Let's break it down:
"But she said, “It has been given to me for a gift more than the wages.”" This is Tobit's wife, Anna, speaking. She has apparently received something – most likely a kid (a young goat or lamb, as indicated by the preceding verse) – that she believes is a gift exceeding its actual worth. She doesn't feel it was merely adequate compensation for her labor. This implies she believes a blessing or favor is attached to it.
"I didn’t believe her, and I asked her to return it to the owners; and I was ashamed of her." Tobit, known for his righteousness, is skeptical. He sees the situation in a straightforward way: she's likely been overpaid or received something unjustly. He prioritizes honesty and fairness, even to the point of embarrassment that his wife might be perceived as accepting something she's not entitled to. His concern is understandable, rooted in his devout nature.
"But she answered and said to me, “Where are your alms and your righteous deeds? Behold, you and all your works are known.”" This is the crux of the verse. Anna's response is sharp and challenging. She directly confronts Tobit's perceived arrogance and self-righteousness.
"Where are your alms and your righteous deeds?" This is a pointed question. Tobit is known for his generosity and piety (burying the dead of his own people, for example). Anna implies that if Tobit is so concerned about small acts of potential injustice, he should also examine the motivation behind his own acts of charity. Is he truly selfless, or does he perhaps seek recognition or reward for his goodness?
"Behold, you and all your works are known." This is a crucial statement. It implies a divine perspective – that God sees everything, including Tobit's heart and intentions. It serves as a reminder that outward piety is not enough; inner purity and humility are also essential. Anna suggests that God, knowing Tobit's heart, may have allowed her to receive this gift as a test or a lesson for him.
In Summary, the verse highlights:
The challenge of maintaining true righteousness: It's easy to focus on outward actions and miss the importance of inner motives.
The value of humility: Tobit, a righteous man, is called out for a moment of potential self-righteousness.
The existence of a divine perspective: Anna's words suggest that God sees beyond outward appearances and judges hearts.
The potential for blessing beyond mere payment: Anna perceives the gift as something more than its material worth, possibly suggesting a divine blessing or sign.
The importance of trusting in God's providence: The question that arises is should Tobit trust that the gift given to Anna may be from God, or does he insist on what he perceives to be true and honest.
This brief exchange serves as a powerful reminder that true piety encompasses both outward actions and inward integrity, and that we should always examine our own motives with humility. It's a lesson about the complexities of righteousness and the importance of divine judgment.