Tobit 6:17 - The demon will smell it, and flee away, and never come again any more. But when you go near to her, both of you rise up, and cry to God who is merciful. He will save you, and have mercy on you. Don’t be afraid, for she was prepared for you from the beginning; and you will save her, and she will go with you. And I suppose that you will have children with her.” When Tobias heard these things, he loved her, and his soul was strongly joined to her.

Generated Verse: Tobit 6:17

What does "Tobit 6:17" mean?


This verse from Tobit 6:17 is a key moment in the narrative, outlining a plan for Tobias to overcome the demonic influence that has prevented Sarah from consummating her previous marriages. Let's break it down:

"The demon will smell it, and flee away, and never come again any more." This refers to a specific ritual to be performed. In the preceding verses, the angel Raphael instructs Tobias to burn the heart and liver of a fish. The burning creates a specific odor that is believed to drive away the demon Asmodeus, who is tormenting Sarah.

"But when you go near to her, both of you rise up, and cry to God who is merciful. He will save you, and have mercy on you." This emphasizes the importance of prayer and faith in God's protection. The couple is instructed to pray together for divine help and deliverance from the demonic influence.

"Don’t be afraid, for she was prepared for you from the beginning; and you will save her, and she will go with you. And I suppose that you will have children with her." This is an assurance of God's plan. It suggests that Sarah's suffering is not random, but rather part of a divine purpose. Tobias is meant to be her rescuer, and their union is preordained. The mention of children is significant, as it speaks to the continuation of their family line and the blessings God will bestow upon them.

"When Tobias heard these things, he loved her, and his soul was strongly joined to her." Hearing Raphael's words of assurance and purpose, Tobias's affection for Sarah deepens. He sees her not just as a woman, but as someone he is destined to be with and protect.

In essence, this verse conveys the following key themes:

Divine Intervention: God is actively involved in the lives of Tobias and Sarah, guiding them through difficult circumstances.
Faith and Prayer: Prayer is essential for seeking God's protection and blessings.
Overcoming Evil: The ritual and prayer offer a way to overcome the demonic forces that threaten their union.
Predestination and Free Will: While there's a sense of divine purpose, the characters still have to actively choose to follow God's plan.
Love and Connection: The connection between Tobias and Sarah is portrayed as something divinely ordained and deeply meaningful.

The verse is pivotal because it gives Tobias hope and confidence to pursue his relationship with Sarah, knowing that God is on their side and that their union is part of a larger divine plan. It provides a framework for understanding their struggles and emphasizes the importance of faith in overcoming obstacles.