Tobit – Chapter 1

Old Testament25 Verses

Chapter Summary

Tobit 1 opens with the words: "Tobias of the tribe and city of Nephtali, (which is in the upper parts of Galilee above Naasson, beyond the way that leadeth to the west,…" The chapter centers on Tobias and Anna. Across its 25 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Tobias of the tribe and city of Nephtali, (which is in the upper parts of Galilee above Naasson, beyond the way that leadeth to the west, having on the right hand the city of Sephet,)

2When he was made captive in the days of Salmanasar king of the Assyrians, even in his captivity, forsook not the way of truth,

3But every day gave all he could get to his brethren his fellow captives, that were of his kindred.

4And when he was younger than any of the tribe of Nephtali, yet did he no childish thing in his work.

5Moreover when all went to the golden calves which Jeroboam king of Israel had made, he alone fled the company of all,

6And went to Jerusalem to the temple of the Lord, and there adored the Lord God of Israel, offering faithfully all his firstfruits, and his tithes,

7So that in the third year he gave all his tithes to the proselytes, and strangers.

8These and such like things did he observe when but a boy according to the law of God.

9But when he was a man, he took to wife Anna of his own tribe, and had a son by her, whom he called after his own name,

10And from his infancy he taught him to fear God, and to abstain from all sin.

11And when by the captivity he with his wife and his son and all his tribe was come to the city of Ninive,

12(When all ate of the meats of the Gentiles) he kept his soul and never was defiled with their meats.

13And because he was mindful of the Lord with all his heart, God gave him favour in the sight of Salmanasar the king.

14And he gave him leave to go whithersoever he would, with liberty to do whatever he had a mind.

15He therefore went to all that were in captivity, and gave them wholesome admonitions.

16And when he was come to Rages a city of the Medes, and had ten talents of silver of that with which he had been honoured by the king:

17And when amongst a great multitude of his kindred, he saw Gabelus in want, who was one of his tribe, taking a note of his hand he gave him the aforesaid sum of money.

18But after a long time, Salmanasar the king being dead, when Sennacherib his son, who reigned in his place, had a hatred for the children of Israel:

19Tobias daily went among all his kindred and comforted them, and distributed to every one as he was able, out of his goods:

20He fed the hungry, and gave clothes to the naked, and was careful to bury the dead, and they that were slain.

21And when king Sennacherib was come back, fleeing from Judea by reason of the slaughter that God had made about him for his blasphemy, and being angry slew many of the children of Israel, Tobias buried their bodies.

22But when it was told the king, he commanded him to be slain, and took away all his substance.

23But Tobias fleeing naked away with his son and with his wife, lay concealed, for many loved him.

24But after forty-five days, the king was killed by his own sons.

25And Tobias returned to his house, and all his substance was restored to him.

Important Verses in Tobit 1

Tobias of the tribe and city of Nephtali, (which is in the upper parts of Galilee above Naasson, beyond the way that leadeth to the west, having on the right hand the city of Sephet,)

Tobit 1:1

And went to Jerusalem to the temple of the Lord, and there adored the Lord God of Israel, offering faithfully all his firstfruits, and his tithes,

Tobit 1:6

And from his infancy he taught him to fear God, and to abstain from all sin.

Tobit 1:10

And because he was mindful of the Lord with all his heart, God gave him favour in the sight of Salmanasar the king.

Tobit 1:13

Historical Context

Tobit belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for jews of the Diaspora, encouraged to remain faithful far from the Temple. Chapter 1 of 14 opens the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 25 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Tobias and Anna, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Tobias of the tribe and city of Nephtali, (which is in the upper parts of Galilee above Naasson, beyond the way that…" The chapter ends with: "And Tobias returned to his house, and all his substance was restored to him. " The wider setting of Tobit is this: Tobit is a deuterocanonical book telling of a devout Israelite exile in Nineveh who suffers blindness, and of his son Tobias, guided on a journey by the archangel Raphael in disguise. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Probably 3rd-2nd century BC.

Who Wrote It

Unknown Jewish author of the Diaspora

When It Was Written

Probably 3rd-2nd century BC

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within family piety, almsgiving, and angelic help. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Tobias of the tribe and city of Nephtali, (which is in the upper parts of Galilee above Naasson, beyond the way that leadeth to the west, having on the right…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

Catholic exegesis reads Tobit 1 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. this deuterocanonical book teaches about guardian angels and prayer (CIC 336). St. Irenaeus and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1265).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.

People in This Chapter

Tobias5 mentionsAnna1 mention

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Tobit Chapter 1, we do so within the living Tradition that has guarded this text for two millennia.

The saints did not treat Scripture as antiquarian literature. St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis de Sales, and countless others used passages such as this to fuel daily conversion. the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love remains a practical lesson for modern disciples.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tobit Chapter 1 about?

Tobit 1 contains 25 verses. It opens with "Tobias of the tribe and city of Nephtali, (which is in the upper parts of Galilee above Naasson, beyond the way that…" and closes with "And Tobias returned to his house, and all his substance was restored to him. ". The book as a whole is edifying narrative (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Tobit 1?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Tobias of the tribe and city of Nephtali, (which is in the upper parts of Galilee above Naasson, beyond the way that leadeth to the west, having on the right hand the city of…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Tobit Chapter 1?

This chapter mentions Tobias, Anna.

Who wrote Tobit and when?

Unknown Jewish author of the Diaspora. Probably 3rd-2nd century BC.

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