Tobit 12:6 - Then he called them both privily, and said to them, “Bless God, and give him thanks, and magnify him, and give him thanks in the sight of all that live, for the things which he has done with you. It is good to bless God and exalt his name, showing forth with honor the works of God. Don’t be slack to give him thanks.

Generated Verse: Tobit 12:6

What does "Tobit 12:6" mean?


Tobit 12:6 is part of the angel Raphael's farewell address to Tobit and Tobias after he has revealed his true identity and purpose. Let's break down the verse:

"Then he called them both privily..." This means Raphael pulled Tobit and Tobias aside in private, away from any potential eavesdroppers. This is significant as he is about to impart crucial instructions.

"...and said to them, “Bless God, and give him thanks, and magnify him, and give him thanks in the sight of all that live, for the things which he has done with you." This is the heart of the message. Raphael is instructing them to:

Bless God: To acknowledge and praise God's goodness and holiness.
Give him thanks: To express gratitude for the specific blessings they have received, which include Tobias's healing, Sarah's deliverance, and the recovery of Tobit's sight.
Magnify him: To exalt God's greatness and power, making his name known and revered.
...in the sight of all that live: This emphasizes that their gratitude should be public and a testimony to God's work. They are to share their story of God's intervention with others.

"It is good to bless God and exalt his name, showing forth with honor the works of God." This reinforces the importance of praising God and sharing his deeds. "Showing forth with honor the works of God" suggests that they should tell their story in a way that reflects God's glory and majesty.

"Don’t be slack to give him thanks." This is a direct command to remain diligent and consistent in their thankfulness. They should not become complacent or forgetful of God's blessings. Gratitude should be an ongoing practice.

In essence, Tobit 12:6 is a call to public and consistent gratitude towards God for his blessings. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's goodness, sharing one's testimony, and maintaining a thankful attitude. Raphael is urging Tobit and Tobias to be living examples of God's power and mercy, inspiring others to also turn to him in gratitude and praise.

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