Old Testament

New Testament

Tobit 6:12-22 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

12. All his livelihood is dependent upon you, and you ought to take her to yourself in marriage.

13. Therefore, ask for her from her father, and he will give her to you as wife."

14. Then Tobias responded, and he said: "I hear that she has been given to seven husbands, and they passed away. But I have even heard this: that a demon killed them.

15. Therefore, I am afraid, lest this may happen to me also. And since I am the only child of my parents, I might send their old age with sorrow to the grave."

16. Then the Angel Raphael said to him: "Listen to me, and I will reveal to you who they are, over whom the demon can prevail.

17. For example, those who receive marriage in such manner as to exclude God from themselves and from their mind, and in such a manner as to empty themselves to their lust, like the horse and mule, which have no understanding, over them the demon has power.

18. But you, when you will have accepted her, enter the bedroom and for three days keep yourself continent from her, and empty yourself to nothing other than prayers with her.

19. Moreover, on that night, burn the liver of the fish like incense, and the demon will be put to flight.

20. In truth, on the second night, you will become ready to receive a physical union like that of the holy Patriarchs.

21. And then, on the third night, you will obtain a blessing, so that healthy children may be procreated from you both.

22. And so, the third night having been accomplished, you will receive the virgin with the fear of the Lord, led more by love of children than by physical desire, so that, as the offspring of Abraham, you will then obtain a blessing in children.

Read complete chapter Tobit 6