Tobit 5:14 - But tell me, what wages shall I give you? A drachma a day, and those things that be necessary for you, as to my son?

Generated Verse: Tobit 5:14

What does "Tobit 5:14" mean?


This verse is from the Book of Tobit, a deuterocanonical book of the Old Testament. It's spoken by Tobit, who is blind and looking for a reliable guide for his son, Tobias, on a long and dangerous journey to Media.

Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:

"But tell me, what wages shall I give you?": Tobit is asking Azarias (who is actually the angel Raphael in disguise) what he wants to be paid for his services as a guide. Tobit is being responsible and wants to agree on a fair wage upfront.

"A drachma a day...": A drachma was a common silver coin used as currency in that time and place. A drachma a day was considered a reasonable daily wage for a laborer or worker. It represents a fair, standard payment for the job.

"...and those things that be necessary for you, as to my son?": This is the key part. It means Tobit is not only offering a daily wage but is also promising to provide Azarias with everything he needs during the journey, just as he would provide for his own son, Tobias. This includes:

Food and Drink: Azarias wouldn't have to worry about going hungry or thirsty.
Shelter (of some kind): Tobit would ensure he had a place to sleep, even if it was simple.
Protection: In essence, Tobit is promising to look after Azarias's well-being as if he were family.

In summary, the verse means:

Tobit is offering Azarias a fair daily wage plus a guarantee that he will be taken care of and provided for throughout the journey as if he were a member of Tobit's family. This emphasizes Tobit's generosity, his desire to find a trustworthy and reliable guide for his son, and his willingness to treat that guide well. He's trying to create a relationship of trust and mutual benefit.

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