This verse from Tobit 6:11 is referring to Sarah, the woman Tobias is being instructed to marry. Let's break down what it means:
"For her inheritance belongs to you..." This implies Sarah is an only child or has no brothers. Therefore, upon her parents' death, the family property and wealth would legally belong to her. Because Tobias is instructed to marry her, this inheritance will ultimately become his responsibility to manage and benefit from. This highlights the importance of maintaining the family's land and lineage within their tribe.
"...and you only are of her kindred." This is a crucial point. It means Tobias is the closest male relative eligible to marry Sarah. "Kindred" refers to family and blood relations. Marrying within the family, specifically with someone of close relation like a cousin, was practiced in some ancient cultures to keep the inheritance within the tribe and prevent the family's wealth from passing into the hands of outsiders. While the text doesn't explicitly state the exact relationship, this verse strongly implies a familial connection that makes Tobias the appropriate choice according to their customs and laws.
In essence, this verse highlights two key reasons why Tobias is being instructed to marry Sarah:
1. To secure the family inheritance: By marrying Sarah, Tobias ensures the family property stays within their line.
2. To adhere to the custom of marrying within the family: As Sarah's closest male relative, Tobias is the most suitable candidate to maintain the purity of the bloodline and keep the wealth within the family.
This verse emphasizes the importance of family, inheritance, and adherence to cultural and religious laws within the context of the Book of Tobit.
This verse from Tobit 6:11 is referring to Sarah, the woman Tobias is being instructed to marry. Let's break down what it means:
"For her inheritance belongs to you..." This implies Sarah is an only child or has no brothers. Therefore, upon her parents' death, the family property and wealth would legally belong to her. Because Tobias is instructed to marry her, this inheritance will ultimately become his responsibility to manage and benefit from. This highlights the importance of maintaining the family's land and lineage within their tribe.
"...and you only are of her kindred." This is a crucial point. It means Tobias is the closest male relative eligible to marry Sarah. "Kindred" refers to family and blood relations. Marrying within the family, specifically with someone of close relation like a cousin, was practiced in some ancient cultures to keep the inheritance within the tribe and prevent the family's wealth from passing into the hands of outsiders. While the text doesn't explicitly state the exact relationship, this verse strongly implies a familial connection that makes Tobias the appropriate choice according to their customs and laws.
In essence, this verse highlights two key reasons why Tobias is being instructed to marry Sarah:
1. To secure the family inheritance: By marrying Sarah, Tobias ensures the family property stays within their line.
2. To adhere to the custom of marrying within the family: As Sarah's closest male relative, Tobias is the most suitable candidate to maintain the purity of the bloodline and keep the wealth within the family.
This verse emphasizes the importance of family, inheritance, and adherence to cultural and religious laws within the context of the Book of Tobit.
