Tobit 8:15 - Then Raguel blessed God, saying, “Blessed are you, O God, with all pure and holy blessing! Let your saints bless you, and all your creatures! Let all your angels and your elect bless you forever!

Generated Verse: Tobit 8:15

What does "Tobit 8:15" mean?


This verse from Tobit 8:15 is a hymn of praise to God, expressing gratitude and adoration. Let's break down its meaning:

"Then Raguel blessed God..." This indicates that Raguel, Sarah's father, is expressing his thankfulness and praise to God. This follows a significant event, likely the successful and safe marriage of his daughter to Tobias.

"...saying, “Blessed are you, O God, with all pure and holy blessing!" This is the core statement of the verse. To "bless God" doesn't mean to bestow a blessing upon God (who is the source of all blessings). Instead, it means to acknowledge God's inherent blessedness, holiness, and worthiness of praise. The phrase "with all pure and holy blessing" emphasizes the complete and untainted nature of God's blessedness.

"Let your saints bless you, and all your creatures!" This is a call for all of God's faithful followers (saints) and all of creation to join in the praise of God. "Saints" here refers to those who are dedicated to and sanctified by God. The inclusion of "all your creatures" indicates that everything in existence, from the smallest insect to the largest whale, should acknowledge and glorify God through its very being.

"Let all your angels and your elect bless you forever!" This expands the call to praise to the heavenly realm. Angels, as God's messengers and servants, are included. "Elect" refers to those chosen by God for a special purpose or salvation. The word "forever" indicates the eternal and unending nature of this praise.

In summary, the verse expresses profound gratitude and adoration to God. It's a call for universal praise, encompassing the earthly realm (saints and creatures) and the heavenly realm (angels and the elect). It acknowledges God's perfect holiness and blessedness and expresses the desire for this praise to continue eternally.

The context of the verse is also important. Raguel's blessing comes after a perilous night for Tobias and Sarah. The demon Asmodeus, who had killed Sarah's previous seven husbands, has been driven away. Raguel is overflowing with relief, joy, and gratitude for God's protection and blessing upon his daughter and her new husband. This makes the verse even more powerful and heartfelt.

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