Tobit

About this text

A narrative about Tobit, a righteous Israelite in exile, and his son Tobias who journeys with the angel Raphael in disguise. A story of faith, healing, and God's providence.

Significance

Beloved in Catholic and Orthodox traditions. A beautiful story of faithfulness in exile.

Key excerpts

"Prayer with fasting is good, but better than both is almsgiving with righteousness."

"Do to no one what you yourself dislike."

"Raphael said: I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord."

Scripture cross-references

• Matthew 7:12 — The Golden Rule — Tobit states the negative form
• Revelation 8:2 — Seven angels before God — Raphael identifies himself as one
• Matthew 6:1-4 — Almsgiving in secret — the same ethic

Continue exploring

This text is one of 10 in the Apocrypha / Deuterocanonical Books category, and one of 62 across the entire library.