Tobit 3:14 - You know, Lord, that I am pure from all sin with man,

Generated Verse: Tobit 3:14

What does "Tobit 3:14" mean?


The verse "You know, Lord, that I am pure from all sin with man," from Tobit 3:14 is a complex and often debated statement. It's crucial to understand it within the context of the entire Book of Tobit and the time it was written. Here's a breakdown of possible interpretations:

Context is Key: This verse is spoken by Sarah, a woman who has been widowed seven times. Each time she married, her husband died on their wedding night, killed by a demon named Asmodeus. She is in deep despair and has been unjustly accused by a servant of being responsible for the deaths.

Not a Claim of Absolute Sinlessness: It's extremely unlikely that Sarah is claiming to be entirely without sin in the general sense. The Bible teaches that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). To suggest otherwise would be inconsistent with common Jewish and Christian doctrine.

Focus on Chastity and Moral Purity: More likely, Sarah is asserting her innocence regarding the specific accusations leveled against her and her fidelity to the law. She is likely emphasizing that she has not engaged in immoral behavior with other men or in the affairs that have befallen her.

Defense Against Accusations: The key here is to understand that Sarah is likely defending herself against the unjust accusation that she is somehow responsible for the deaths of her husbands. She is protesting her innocence and perhaps implying that the deaths are due to a spiritual attack, not any fault of her own.

Desperation and Plea for Vindication: Sarah's prayer is born out of profound despair. She feels unjustly persecuted and pleads to God to vindicate her. This statement, while seemingly bold, is a cry for help and a declaration of her integrity in the face of immense suffering. It's important to look at it in light of her vulnerability.

Not a Theological Statement: The Book of Tobit is not primarily a theological treatise. It's a narrative with moral and spiritual lessons. Sarah's words are those of a specific character in a specific situation, not a universal theological declaration.

In summary, the most probable interpretation is that Sarah is asserting her innocence and moral purity specifically concerning the accusations leveled against her and any sexual misconduct and appealing to God to vindicate her in her desperate situation. It's not a claim of general sinlessness but a plea for justice and an assertion of her blamelessness in the face of extreme adversity.

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