Tobit 4:17 - Pour out your bread on the burial of the just, and give nothing to sinners.
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What does "Tobit 4:17" mean?
The verse "Pour out your bread on the burial of the just, and give nothing to sinners" from Tobit 4:17 is a somewhat controversial and often misinterpreted statement. Let's break down its possible meanings and interpretations:
Understanding the Context:
Book of Tobit: The Book of Tobit is part of the deuterocanonical (or apocryphal) books of the Old Testament. These books are included in the Catholic and Orthodox biblical canons, but not in the Protestant canon.
Tobit's Advice: In this chapter, Tobit is giving his son, Tobias, a series of moral and practical instructions for living a good and righteous life.
Possible Interpretations:
1. Almsgiving and Burial Rites:
"Pour out your bread on the burial of the just": This likely refers to providing food and sustenance ( symbolized by "bread") for those who are mourning the death of a righteous person. It could be interpreted as providing hospitality, support, and comfort to the bereaved family and community. The act of sharing food during a burial was a common practice in many cultures. It's an act of charity and honoring the deceased by supporting those left behind.
"Give nothing to sinners": This is the more difficult part of the verse. It's important to understand that this doesn't necessarily advocate for complete and utter neglect of those who have sinned. Some interpretations suggest the phrase is about refusing to enable sinners to continue down the wrong path. This could mean:
Not giving resources that would be used for sinful activities (e.g., funding illicit businesses).
Not supporting or rewarding wickedness.
Prioritizing helping those who are trying to live righteously.
2. Focus on the Righteous and Discernment:
The verse may be emphasizing the importance of prioritizing support for those who are righteous and living according to God's law. It encourages discernment in giving, suggesting that resources should be directed towards those who will use them to further good, rather than to enable or encourage sin.
3. Avoiding Scandal and Supporting Moral Behavior:
Giving to "sinners" in a way that is perceived as condoning or supporting their behavior could create scandal or undermine the pursuit of righteousness. The verse might be advising against actions that could be misinterpreted as approval of sin.
Important Considerations and Cautions:
Balance with Other Teachings: It's crucial to interpret this verse in light of other biblical teachings about love, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus emphasized love for one's neighbor, even enemies. The verse shouldn't be used to justify hatred or indifference toward those who have sinned.
Context is Key: The verse needs to be considered within the specific context of Tobit's advice to his son.
Potential for Misinterpretation: This verse is easily misinterpreted to justify a harsh or judgmental attitude. It's vital to approach it with humility and a desire to understand its intended meaning in light of the broader Christian message.
"Sinners" as a Broad Term: The term "sinners" is broad. The verse is likely not advocating complete abandonment of anyone who has ever made a mistake. Instead, it probably means those who are deliberately and habitually engaged in unrepentant wickedness.
In Summary:
The verse "Pour out your bread on the burial of the just, and give nothing to sinners" likely advises prioritizing support for the righteous, providing comfort to the bereaved, and being discerning in giving to ensure that resources are used to promote good rather than enable sin. However, it should not be interpreted as a license to hate or abandon those who have sinned, but rather understood in the context of broader teachings about love, compassion, and forgiveness. It calls for wise stewardship of resources and a focus on supporting righteous behavior.
Tobit 4:17 - Pour out your bread on the burial of the just, and give nothing to sinners.
What does "Tobit 4:17" mean?
The verse "Pour out your bread on the burial of the just, and give nothing to sinners" from Tobit 4:17 is a somewhat controversial and often misinterpreted statement. Let's break down its possible meanings and interpretations:
Understanding the Context:
Book of Tobit: The Book of Tobit is part of the deuterocanonical (or apocryphal) books of the Old Testament. These books are included in the Catholic and Orthodox biblical canons, but not in the Protestant canon.
Tobit's Advice: In this chapter, Tobit is giving his son, Tobias, a series of moral and practical instructions for living a good and righteous life.
Possible Interpretations:
1. Almsgiving and Burial Rites:
"Pour out your bread on the burial of the just": This likely refers to providing food and sustenance ( symbolized by "bread") for those who are mourning the death of a righteous person. It could be interpreted as providing hospitality, support, and comfort to the bereaved family and community. The act of sharing food during a burial was a common practice in many cultures. It's an act of charity and honoring the deceased by supporting those left behind.
"Give nothing to sinners": This is the more difficult part of the verse. It's important to understand that this doesn't necessarily advocate for complete and utter neglect of those who have sinned. Some interpretations suggest the phrase is about refusing to enable sinners to continue down the wrong path. This could mean:
Not giving resources that would be used for sinful activities (e.g., funding illicit businesses).
Not supporting or rewarding wickedness.
Prioritizing helping those who are trying to live righteously.
2. Focus on the Righteous and Discernment:
The verse may be emphasizing the importance of prioritizing support for those who are righteous and living according to God's law. It encourages discernment in giving, suggesting that resources should be directed towards those who will use them to further good, rather than to enable or encourage sin.
3. Avoiding Scandal and Supporting Moral Behavior:
Giving to "sinners" in a way that is perceived as condoning or supporting their behavior could create scandal or undermine the pursuit of righteousness. The verse might be advising against actions that could be misinterpreted as approval of sin.
Important Considerations and Cautions:
Balance with Other Teachings: It's crucial to interpret this verse in light of other biblical teachings about love, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus emphasized love for one's neighbor, even enemies. The verse shouldn't be used to justify hatred or indifference toward those who have sinned.
Context is Key: The verse needs to be considered within the specific context of Tobit's advice to his son.
Potential for Misinterpretation: This verse is easily misinterpreted to justify a harsh or judgmental attitude. It's vital to approach it with humility and a desire to understand its intended meaning in light of the broader Christian message.
"Sinners" as a Broad Term: The term "sinners" is broad. The verse is likely not advocating complete abandonment of anyone who has ever made a mistake. Instead, it probably means those who are deliberately and habitually engaged in unrepentant wickedness.
In Summary:
The verse "Pour out your bread on the burial of the just, and give nothing to sinners" likely advises prioritizing support for the righteous, providing comfort to the bereaved, and being discerning in giving to ensure that resources are used to promote good rather than enable sin. However, it should not be interpreted as a license to hate or abandon those who have sinned, but rather understood in the context of broader teachings about love, compassion, and forgiveness. It calls for wise stewardship of resources and a focus on supporting righteous behavior.