Learn more about Tobit

Introduction to Tobit

The name “Tobit” refers to the central figure of the Book of Tobit, a deuterocanonical/apocryphal book found in the Septuagint and included in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox biblical canons, though not in the Hebrew Bible or most Protestant Bibles. Tobit is portrayed as a devout and charitable Israelite of the tribe of Naphtali who was exiled to Nineveh after the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom of Israel. His life story blends themes of piety, divine providence, familial duty, and angelic intervention, and the book stands as a deeply moral and theological narrative in the broader context of Jewish wisdom literature.

Tobit Pronunciation

“Tobit” is pronounced as TOH-bit, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Tobit in the Bible

The Book of Tobit is not part of the Hebrew Masoretic Text but is found in the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament). It is accepted as canonical in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions and considered apocryphal by most Protestants. The story of Tobit is told in 14 chapters and contains several key characters and themes:

• Tobit’s Background: Tobit is introduced as a righteous Israelite living in exile in Nineveh. Despite his captivity, he remains faithful to the Law of Moses, performing acts of charity such as burying the dead—a dangerous deed under Assyrian rule (Tobit 1:16-18).
• Tobit’s Misfortune: After an act of kindness, Tobit becomes blind due to bird droppings falling into his eyes (Tobit 2:9-10). His blindness and poverty test his faith, leading him to pray for death (Tobit 3:6).
• Parallel Story of Sarah: At the same time, in Media, a young woman named Sarah is plagued by a demon that kills each of her seven husbands on their wedding nights. She also prays for death (Tobit 3:7-15).
• Divine Response and Raphael: God hears both Tobit and Sarah’s prayers and sends the angel Raphael in human form to heal Tobit and deliver Sarah (Tobit 3:16-17).
• Tobias’ Journey: Tobit sends his son Tobias on a journey to retrieve silver he had deposited. Raphael accompanies Tobias, guiding and protecting him. Along the way, Tobias captures a fish whose organs become central to healing both Tobit’s blindness and driving out the demon tormenting Sarah (Tobit 6–8).
• Healing and Resolution: Tobias marries Sarah and returns with her and the money. Using the fish's gall, he heals Tobit’s blindness (Tobit 11:11-13). Raphael reveals his identity and mission before ascending back to heaven (Tobit 12:15-22).

Related Themes and Meanings to Tobit

The Book of Tobit explores numerous theological and moral themes that resonate deeply with Jewish and Christian audiences:

• Faithfulness in Exile: Tobit remains devout despite being surrounded by idolatry and oppression.
• Charity and Righteousness: The narrative emphasizes almsgiving, burial of the dead, and compassion for the poor as true marks of faith (Tobit 4:7-11).
• Family and Marriage: The story celebrates pious family life, the sanctity of marriage, and obedience to parents.
• Divine Providence and Angelic Aid: The involvement of the angel Raphael showcases God's care and direct intervention in human lives.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Tobit

• The Book of Tobit is one of the few biblical narratives where an angel is a main character, interacting closely with humans over an extended period.
• The story of Tobit may have inspired elements of later Christian hagiography, especially tales involving healing and guardian angels.
• Fragments of the Book of Tobit have been found among the Dead Sea Scrolls in both Hebrew and Aramaic, indicating its antiquity and usage among some Jewish communities.
• The fish that Tobias catches becomes a symbol in Christian iconography, representing healing and divine provision.
• The character of Raphael (“God heals”) is one of only three angels named in canonical and deuterocanonical Scripture (along with Michael and Gabriel).

The Legacy of Tobit

Tobit’s story continues to be read for its spiritual insight and moral encouragement. It affirms that even in times of suffering, God is attentive to the prayers of the righteous and works behind the scenes through both natural and supernatural means. In traditions that include Tobit in the biblical canon, it is often cited during discussions on the theology of suffering, intercession of angels, and the rewards of faithful living.