Tobit – Chapter 11

Old Testament21 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 11 of Tobit begins: "And as they were returning they came to Charan, which is in the midway to Ninive, the eleventh day." The chapter centers on Tobias, Raphael and Anna. Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's protection and deliverance. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And as they were returning they came to Charan, which is in the midway to Ninive, the eleventh day.

2And the angel said: Brother Tobias, thou knowest how thou didst leave thy father.

3If it please thee therefore, let us go before, and let the family follow softly after us, together with thy wife, and with the beasts.

4And as this their going pleased him, Raphael said to Tobias: Take with thee of the gall of the fish, for it will be necessary. So Tobias took some of that gall and departed.

5But Anna sat beside the way daily, on the top of a hill, from whence she might see afar off.

6And while she watched his coming from that place, she saw him afar off, and presently perceived it was her son coming: and returning she told her husband, saying: Behold thy son cometh.

7And Raphael said to Tobias: As soon as thou shalt come into thy house, forthwith adore the Lord thy God: and giving thanks to him, go to thy father, and kiss him.

8And immediately anoint his eyes with this gall of the fish, which thou carriest with thee. For be assured that his eyes shall be presently opened, and thy father shall see the light of heaven, and shall rejoice in the sight of thee.

9Then the dog, which had been with them in the way, ran before, and coming as if he had brought the news, shewed his joy by his fawning and wagging his tail.

10And his father that was blind, rising up, began to run stumbling with his feet: and giving a servant his hand, went to meet his son.

11And receiving him kissed him, as did also his wife, and they began to weep for joy.

12And when they had adored God, and given him thanks, they sat down together.

13Then Tobias taking of the gall of the fish, anointed his father's eyes.

14And he stayed about half an hour: and a white skin began to come out of his eyes, like the skin of an egg.

15And Tobias took hold of it, and drew it from his eyes, and recovered his sight.

16And they glorified God, both he and his wife and all that knew him.

17And Tobias said: I bless thee, O Lord God of Israel, because thou hast chastised me, and thou hast saved me and behold I see Tobias my son.

18And after seven days Sara his son's wife and all the family arrived safe, and the cattle, and the camels, and an abundance of money of his wife's: and that money also which he had received of Gabelus,

19And he told his parents all the benefits of God, which he had done to him by the man that conducted him.

20And Achior and Nabath the kinsmen of Tobias came, rejoicing for Tobias, and congratulating with him for all the good things that God had done for him.

21And for seven days they feasted and rejoiced all with great joy.

Important Verses in Tobit 11

And as they were returning they came to Charan, which is in the midway to Ninive, the eleventh day.

Tobit 11:1

And Raphael said to Tobias: As soon as thou shalt come into thy house, forthwith adore the Lord thy God: and giving thanks to him, go to thy father, and kiss him.

Tobit 11:7

And when they had adored God, and given him thanks, they sat down together.

Tobit 11:12

And Tobias said: I bless thee, O Lord God of Israel, because thou hast chastised me, and thou hast saved me and behold I see Tobias my son.

Tobit 11:17

Historical Context

Tobit addresses jews of the Diaspora, encouraged to remain faithful far from the Temple within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 11 of 14 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Tobias, Raphael, Anna and Sarah appear at the center of the events recorded here. It opens with the line: "And as they were returning they came to Charan, which is in the midway to Ninive, the eleventh day." The chapter ends with: "And for seven days they feasted and rejoiced all with great joy. " 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. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: 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: "And as they were returning they came to Charan, which is in the midway to Ninive, the eleventh day." The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 385). Here, this deuterocanonical book teaches about guardian angels and prayer (CIC 336). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

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.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • Christ is the Divine Physician who heals both body and soul.

People in This Chapter

Tobias10 mentionsRaphael2 mentionsAnna1 mentionSarah1 mention

Reflection for Today

Tobit Chapter 11 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. this deuterocanonical book teaches about guardian angels and prayer (CIC 336). Here the believer is invited to ponder perseverance through trial.

May your reading of Tobit Chapter 11 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how Prayer and almsgiving rise before God applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tobit Chapter 11 about?

Tobit 11 contains 21 verses. It opens with "And as they were returning they came to Charan, which is in the midway to Ninive, the eleventh day." and closes with "And for seven days they feasted and rejoiced all with great joy. ". The book as a whole is edifying narrative (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Tobit 11?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And as they were returning they came to Charan, which is in the midway to Ninive, the eleventh day." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Tobit Chapter 11?

This chapter mentions Tobias, Raphael, Anna, Sarah.

Who wrote Tobit and when?

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

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