Tobit – Chapter 7

Old Testament • 20 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And they went in to Raguel, and Raguel received them with joy." — so begins Tobit 7. The chapter centers on Tobias, Anna and Sarah. Across its 20 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and prayer. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And they went in to Raguel, and Raguel received them with joy.

2And Raguel looking upon Tobias, said to Anna his wife: How like is this young man to my cousin?

3And when he had spoken these words, he said: Whence are ye young men our brethren?

4But they said: We are of the tribe of Nephtali, of the captivity of Ninive.

5And Raguel said to them: Do you know Tobias my brother? And they said: We know him.

6And when he was speaking many good things of him, the angel said to Raguel: Tobias concerning whom thou inquirest is this young man's father.

7And Raguel went to him, and kissed him with tears and weeping upon his neck, said: A blessing be upon thee, my son, because thou art the son of a good and most virtuous man.

8And Anna his wife, and Sara their daughter wept.

9And after they had spoken, Raguel commanded a sheep to be killed, and a feast to be prepared. And when he desired them to sit down to dinner,

10Tobias said: I will not eat nor drink here this day, unless thou first grant me my petition, and promise to give me Sara thy daughter.

11Now when Raguel heard this he was afraid, knowing what had happened to those seven husbands, that went in unto her: and he began to fear lest it might happen to him also in like manner: and as he was in suspense, and gave no answer to his petition,

12The angel said to him: Be not afraid to give her to this man, for to him who feareth God is thy daughter due to be his wife: therefore another could not have her.

13Then Raguel said: I doubt not but God hath regarded my prayers and tears in his sight.

14And I believe he hath therefore made you come to me, that this maid might be married to one of her own kindred, according to the law of Moses: and now doubt not but I will give her to thee.

15And taking the right hand of his daughter, he gave it into the right hand of Tobias, saying: The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob be with you, and may he join you together, and fulfil his blessing in you.

16And taking paper they made a writing of the marriage.

17And afterwards they made merry, blessing God.

18And Raguel called to him Anna his wife, and bade her to prepare another chamber.

19And she brought Sara her daughter in thither, and she wept.

20And she said to her: Be of good cheer, my daughter: the Lord of heaven give thee joy for the trouble thou hast undergone.

Important Verses in Tobit 7

“And they went in to Raguel, and Raguel received them with joy.”

Tobit 7:1

“The angel said to him: Be not afraid to give her to this man, for to him who feareth God is thy daughter due to be his wife: therefore another could not have her.”

Tobit 7:12

“And afterwards they made merry, blessing God.”

Tobit 7:17

“And she said to her: Be of good cheer, my daughter: the Lord of heaven give thee joy for the trouble thou hast undergone. ”

Tobit 7:20

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Tobit was written with jews of the Diaspora, encouraged to remain faithful far from the Temple in view. Chapter 7 of 14 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 20 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Tobias, Anna, Sarah and Abraham appear at the center of the events recorded here. The passage starts with these words: "And they went in to Raguel, and Raguel received them with joy." The chapter ends with: "And she said to her: Be of good cheer, my daughter: the Lord of heaven give thee joy for the trouble thou hast…" 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

In this 20-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of family piety, almsgiving, and angelic help. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And they went in to Raguel, and Raguel received them with joy." 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 721). 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.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.

People in This Chapter

Tobias5 mentionsAnna3 mentionsSarah3 mentionsAbraham1 mentionIsaac1 mentionJacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Tobit Chapter 7, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of family piety, almsgiving, and angelic help.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Tobit Chapter 7 supports that call by drawing attention to humility before the mystery of God within the wider message that Prayer and almsgiving rise before God.

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

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tobit Chapter 7 about?

Tobit 7 contains 20 verses. It opens with "And they went in to Raguel, and Raguel received them with joy." and closes with "And she said to her: Be of good cheer, my daughter: the Lord of heaven give thee joy for the trouble thou hast…". The book as a whole is edifying narrative (deuterocanonical).

What is a key verse in Tobit 7?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And they went in to Raguel, and Raguel received them with joy." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Tobit Chapter 7?

This chapter mentions Tobias, Anna, Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, among others.

Who wrote Tobit and when?

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

Related Chapters

Luke 20Shares people and themes with this chapterGenesis 25Shares people and themes with this chapterExodus 2Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer for the Family🙏Novena to the Holy Family🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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