Tobit – Chapter 14

Old Testament17 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And the words of Tobias were ended. And after Tobias was restored to his sight, he lived two and forty years, and saw the children of his…" — so begins Tobit 14. Tobias stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 17 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and justice and care for the poor. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1And the words of Tobias were ended. And after Tobias was restored to his sight, he lived two and forty years, and saw the children of his grandchildren.

2And after he had lived a hundred and two years, he was buried honorably in Ninive.

3For he was six and fifty years old when he lost the sight of his eyes, and sixty when he recovered it again.

4And the rest of his life was in joy, and with great increase of the fear of God he departed in peace.

5And at the hour of his death he called unto him his son Tobias and his children, seven young men, his grandsons, and said to them:

6The destruction of Ninive is at hand: for the word of the Lord must be fulfilled: and our brethren, that are scattered abroad from the land of Israel, shall return to it.

7And all the land thereof that is desert shall be filled with people, and the house of God which is burnt in it, shall again be rebuilt: and all that fear God shall return thither.

8And the Gentiles shall leave their idols, and shall come into Jerusalem, and shall dwell in it.

9And all the kings of the earth shall rejoice in it, adoring the King of Israel.

10Hearken therefore, my children, to your father: serve the Lord in truth, and seek to do the things that please him:

11And command your children that they do justice and almsdeeds, and that they be mindful of God, and bless him at all times in truth, and with all their power.

12And now, children, hear me, and do not stay here: but as soon as you shall bury your mother by me in one sepulchre, without delay direct your steps to depart hence:

13For I see that its iniquity will bring it to destruction.

14And it came to pass that after the death of his mother, Tobias departed out of Ninive with his wife, and children, and children's children, and returned to his father and mother in law.

15And he found them in health in a good old age: and he took care of them, and he closed their eyes: and all the inheritance of Raguel's house came to him: and he saw his children's children to the fifth generation.

16And after he had lived ninety-nine years in the fear of the Lord, with joy they buried him.

17And all his kindred, and all his generation continued in good life, and in holy conversation, so that they were acceptable both to God, and to men, and to all that dwelt in the land.

Important Verses in Tobit 14

And the words of Tobias were ended. And after Tobias was restored to his sight, he lived two and forty years, and saw the children of his grandchildren.

Tobit 14:1

And the rest of his life was in joy, and with great increase of the fear of God he departed in peace.

Tobit 14:4

And command your children that they do justice and almsdeeds, and that they be mindful of God, and bless him at all times in truth, and with all their power.

Tobit 14:11

And all his kindred, and all his generation continued in good life, and in holy conversation, so that they were acceptable both to God, and to men, and to all that dwelt in the land.

Tobit 14:17

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 14 of 14 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 17 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Tobias, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "And the words of Tobias were ended. And after Tobias was restored to his sight, he lived two and forty years, and saw…" The chapter ends with: "And all his kindred, and all his generation continued in good life, and in holy conversation, so that they were…" 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. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Tobit around 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

The literal sense of Tobit 14 presents a concrete episode in the history of family piety, almsgiving, and angelic help. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And the words of Tobias were ended. And after Tobias was restored to his sight, he lived two and forty years, and saw the children of his grandchildren." 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 618). 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.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Prayer and almsgiving rise before God. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Tobit 14 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

Tobias4 mentions

Reflection for Today

As Catholics read Tobit Chapter 14, 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.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1265).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tobit Chapter 14 about?

Tobit 14 contains 17 verses. It opens with "And the words of Tobias were ended. And after Tobias was restored to his sight, he lived two and forty years, and saw…" and closes with "And all his kindred, and all his generation continued in good life, and in holy conversation, so that they were…". The book as a whole is edifying narrative (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Tobit 14?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And the words of Tobias were ended. And after Tobias was restored to his sight, he lived two and forty years, and saw the children of his grandchildren." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Tobit Chapter 14?

This chapter mentions Tobias.

Who wrote Tobit and when?

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

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