Tobit 5:17 - But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, “Why have you sent away our child? Isn’t he the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us?
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What does "Tobit 5:17" mean?
This verse from Tobit 5:17 reveals Anna's deep distress and the special place Tobias held in their lives. Let's break it down:
"But Anna his mother wept...": This immediately establishes Anna's strong emotional reaction. Sending Tobias away on a journey causes her great sorrow. We need to consider that journeys were dangerous at the time, and she's worried for her son's safety.
"...and said to Tobit, “Why have you sent away our child?": She questions Tobit's decision. This likely implies that Anna either wasn't consulted beforehand or she disagreed with the plan from the outset.
"Isn’t he the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us?": This is the core of the verse's meaning. "Staff of our hand" is a metaphorical expression.
"Staff": A staff provides support, stability, and guidance. Anna sees Tobias as their support system in old age. He is someone they rely on.
"In going in and out before us": This refers to his daily activities and presence in their lives. He is the one who moves around on their behalf, handling tasks they can no longer easily do themselves. He is active, present, and assists them in their needs, as opposed to their being completely alone and without assistance.
Overall Meaning:
Anna is grieving Tobias' departure because he is much more than just their son; he is their primary caretaker, their source of comfort, and their link to the outside world. Sending him away feels like losing their support, security, and a vital part of their daily life. Her grief reveals their vulnerability as an elderly couple and highlights Tobias' importance to them. It also foreshadows the challenges they may face in his absence. It emphasizes how much they are going to miss him, and how much they rely on him in the face of dangers and uncertainties.
Tobit 5:17 - But Anna his mother wept, and said to Tobit, “Why have you sent away our child? Isn’t he the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us?
What does "Tobit 5:17" mean?
This verse from Tobit 5:17 reveals Anna's deep distress and the special place Tobias held in their lives. Let's break it down:
"But Anna his mother wept...": This immediately establishes Anna's strong emotional reaction. Sending Tobias away on a journey causes her great sorrow. We need to consider that journeys were dangerous at the time, and she's worried for her son's safety.
"...and said to Tobit, “Why have you sent away our child?": She questions Tobit's decision. This likely implies that Anna either wasn't consulted beforehand or she disagreed with the plan from the outset.
"Isn’t he the staff of our hand, in going in and out before us?": This is the core of the verse's meaning. "Staff of our hand" is a metaphorical expression.
"Staff": A staff provides support, stability, and guidance. Anna sees Tobias as their support system in old age. He is someone they rely on.
"In going in and out before us": This refers to his daily activities and presence in their lives. He is the one who moves around on their behalf, handling tasks they can no longer easily do themselves. He is active, present, and assists them in their needs, as opposed to their being completely alone and without assistance.
Overall Meaning:
Anna is grieving Tobias' departure because he is much more than just their son; he is their primary caretaker, their source of comfort, and their link to the outside world. Sending him away feels like losing their support, security, and a vital part of their daily life. Her grief reveals their vulnerability as an elderly couple and highlights Tobias' importance to them. It also foreshadows the challenges they may face in his absence. It emphasizes how much they are going to miss him, and how much they rely on him in the face of dangers and uncertainties.