This verse from Tobit 8:6 is a prayer spoken by Tobit's son, Tobias, after he marries Sarah. It reflects the Jewish understanding of creation and marriage as ordained by God, and the specific roles God intended within that union. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"You made Adam, and gave him Eve his wife for a helper and support." This refers to the creation story in Genesis, specifically the creation of Adam and Eve. It acknowledges God as the creator of humanity and the institution of marriage. Eve is presented not merely as a companion, but as a "helper and support" for Adam, highlighting her important role in his life and well-being.
"From them came the seed of men." This emphasizes the understanding that all of humanity descends from Adam and Eve. It reinforces the idea that marriage is essential for procreation and the continuation of the human race.
"You said, it is not good that the man should be alone." This echoes God's statement in Genesis 2:18. It acknowledges that humans are created for companionship and that solitude is not the ideal state for them.
"Let us make him a helper like him." This alludes again to Genesis 2:18. The idea of a "helper like him" suggests a partner who is both complementary and compatible, capable of sharing life's burdens and joys.
In essence, the verse expresses:
Gratitude to God: Tobias thanks God for creating humanity and for establishing marriage.
The purpose of marriage: It emphasizes that marriage is intended for companionship, mutual support, and procreation.
The divine origin of marriage: It highlights the idea that marriage is not merely a human invention but an institution established by God.
In the context of the Book of Tobit, this prayer also serves as a plea to God to bless Tobias's marriage to Sarah and to protect them from evil. Sarah has been married seven times before, and each of her previous husbands has been killed by a demon on their wedding night. Tobias is asking God for his blessing and protection, drawing upon the established foundation of marriage as created by God.
This verse from Tobit 8:6 is a prayer spoken by Tobit's son, Tobias, after he marries Sarah. It reflects the Jewish understanding of creation and marriage as ordained by God, and the specific roles God intended within that union. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
"You made Adam, and gave him Eve his wife for a helper and support." This refers to the creation story in Genesis, specifically the creation of Adam and Eve. It acknowledges God as the creator of humanity and the institution of marriage. Eve is presented not merely as a companion, but as a "helper and support" for Adam, highlighting her important role in his life and well-being.
"From them came the seed of men." This emphasizes the understanding that all of humanity descends from Adam and Eve. It reinforces the idea that marriage is essential for procreation and the continuation of the human race.
"You said, it is not good that the man should be alone." This echoes God's statement in Genesis 2:18. It acknowledges that humans are created for companionship and that solitude is not the ideal state for them.
"Let us make him a helper like him." This alludes again to Genesis 2:18. The idea of a "helper like him" suggests a partner who is both complementary and compatible, capable of sharing life's burdens and joys.
In essence, the verse expresses:
Gratitude to God: Tobias thanks God for creating humanity and for establishing marriage.
The purpose of marriage: It emphasizes that marriage is intended for companionship, mutual support, and procreation.
The divine origin of marriage: It highlights the idea that marriage is not merely a human invention but an institution established by God.
In the context of the Book of Tobit, this prayer also serves as a plea to God to bless Tobias's marriage to Sarah and to protect them from evil. Sarah has been married seven times before, and each of her previous husbands has been killed by a demon on their wedding night. Tobias is asking God for his blessing and protection, drawing upon the established foundation of marriage as created by God.
