Tobit: A Comparison

[patrick457]

The thing about the book of Tobit is that it exists in different versions.

Fragments of Tobit were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. Cave 4 in Qumran yielded remains of four Aramaic (4Q196-99) and one Hebrew (4Q200) manuscripts of the book, of which two scrolls - the papyrus Tob[sup]a[/sup] (196) and the leather Tob[sup]b[/sup] - have yielded copious extracts. Tob[sup]a[/sup], Tob[sup]c[/sup], and Tob[sup]d[/sup] are paleographically dated to the 1st century BC, with Tob[sup]b[/sup] and the Hebrew Tob[sup]e[/sup] dating from the turn of the era (30 BC-AD 20). The translation of a composite Aramaic text is followed separately by that of the Hebrew fragments. The Aramaic and the Hebrew overlap only in 14:1-2. Of the two, the Aramaic, represented by older and more numerous manuscripts, is likely to be the original language of composition.

There are in total two Greek recensions: the shorter form, called Greek I (G1) by Robert Hanhart in his edition of the Septuagint and found in Codex Vaticanus, Alexandrinus, Venetus, Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 1594 and most cursive manuscripts, is the preferred text before the mid-20th century and thus was the source text for most older English translations of Tobit such as in the KJV and the RSV. The Greek II (G2) version, which is 1700 words longer, is found in Codex Sinaiticus and partially in cursive manuscript 319 and the 6th-century Papyrus Oxyrhynchus 1076[sup]3[/sup], as well as being the source for Vetus Latina translations. The text of G2 closely aligns with the Hebrew and Aramaic fragments from Qumran, and thus, is presently deemed by most scholars to be the more original of the two Greek texts. It is the version used by most modern English translations since 1966 (for example, the NAB).

A secondary version of note is the Vulgate Tobit. The Latin text by St. Jerome is essentially a translation (or to be more exact, a paraphrase) of a translation: this particular version was famously made from an Aramaic text which St. Jerome had translated into Hebrew first before it was translated into Latin, because he did not know Aramaic. It goes without saying that this is the source text of the Douai-Rheims Tobit.

Here we’ll compare these four texts via translations, mostly just for fun, although from time and again we’ll stumble upon some interesting differences between these four texts. So to give credit where credit is due, the translation of DSS Tobit derives from Geza Vermes’ The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English, the translations for Greek I and II are that of the New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS), and the Vulgate version is from the Douai-Rheims Challoner.

 

[patrick457]

4Q196, Fr. 2
(Tobit 1:19-2:2)
…
(i, 19) [one o]f the men of Nineveh, and he informed the kin[g about me, th]at I was bury[ing them (the murdered Jews) and] I hid myself. When I learned that he knew of me [and sought to kil]l [me], I was frightened and fled. (20) …[al]l that I possessed and nothing was left to me … a[part from Hanna]h my wife and Tobiah my son. (21) But not f[orty] days passed [before two of] his (Sennacherib’s) [sons killed him] and they fled to the mountains of Ararat. Then [Esarhaddo]n became king [and he] appointed Ahikar, the son of my brother Anael, over all the ac[count]s [of the kingdom. And he was in ch]arge of all the royal treasury accounts. (22) And Ahikar intervened for me … [And Ahi]kar my brother was the cupbearer, the guardian of the signet ring and the accountant under Sennacherib, king of Assyria, and Esarhaddon reappointed him. Now he was the son of my brother, of my father’s house and of my family.

(ii, 1) And in the days of [ki]ng Esarhaddon, when I returned to my home and Hannah my wife and Tobiah my son were restored to me, on the day of the Festival of Wee[ks, I] had an excellent meal and I reclined to [ea]t. (2) And they put a table in front of me and I saw the many delicacies placed on it, [and I] said to Tobiah my son, My son, go and bring all those our brot[hers whom you] can find … my son, go and bring (them). Let him be brought (here) and eat [together] with me. And behold I …

Greek II (NETS)

(1:16) In the days of Enemessaros I performed many acts of charity for my kindred, those of my race. (17) I would give my bread to the hungry and clothing to the naked, and if I saw anyone of my people dead and cast out behind the wall of Nineue, I would bury him. (18) And if Sennachereim killed anyone, when he came fleeing from Judea in the days of judgment which the king of heaven executed upon him because of the blasphemies which he blasphemed, I buried him. For in his anger he killed many of the sons of Israel, but I would steal their bodies and bury them. And Sennachereim sought them, but he could not find them. (19) Then a certain one of the people of Nineue went and informed the king about me, that I bury them; so I hid myself. But when I discovered that the king knew about me and that I was being sought out to be put to death, I was afraid and ran away. (20) Then everything that belonged to me was seized, and nothing was left to me that was not taken into the royal treasury, except Hanna my wife and Tobias my son.
(21) But forty days did not pass before two of his sons killed him, and they fled into the mountains of Ararat. Then Sacherdonos his son became king after him. And he appointed Achiacharos son of Hanael my brother over all the accounts of his kingdom, and he had authority over all the administration. (22) Then Achiacharos interceded for me, and I returned into Nineue. For Achiacharos was chief cupbearer and keeper of the signet and in charge of administration and accounts unrder Senachereim, the king of the Assyrians, and Sacherdonos appointed him second to himself. Now he was my nephew and from my kinsfolk.

(2:1) Then during the reign of King Sarchedonos I returned home, and my wife Hanna and Tobias my son were given back to me. And at our feast of Pentecost, which is the holy feast of weeks, there was a good dinner for me, and I reclined to have dinner. (2) And the table was set for me, and many fine foods were set before me. Then I said to Tobias my son, “My child, go, and bring whatever poor person of our kindred you may find among the Nineuite exiles, who is mindful with his whole heart, and he will eat together with me. And see, I shall wait for you, my child, until you come.”

 

[patrick457]

Greek I (NETS)

(1:16) Now in the days of Enemessaros I performed many acts of charity for my kindred. (17) I would give my bread to the hungry and clothing to the naked, and if I saw anyone of my race dead and cast out behind the wall of Nineue, I would bury him. (18) And if Sennachereim the king killed anyone, when he came fleeing from Judea, I buried them by stealth. For he killed many in his anger. And the bodies were sought by the king, but they were not found. (19) But one of the people of Nineue went and informed the king about me, that I bury them; so I hid myself. But discovering that I was being sought out to be put to death, I fled in fear. (20) Then all my belongings were seized, and nothing was left to me except Hanna my wife and Tobias my son.
(21) But fifty days did not pass before two of his sons killed him, and they fled into the mountains of Ararat. Then Sacherdonos his son became king in place of him. And he appointed Achiacharos son of Hanael my brother over all the accounts of his kingdom and over all the administration. (22) And Achiacharos interceded for me, and I came into Nineue. Now Achiacharos was cupbearer and keeper of the signet and in charge of administration and accounts, and Sacherdonos appointed him second to himself. Now he was my nephew.

(2:1) When I returned home and Hanna my wife and Tobias my son were given back to me at the feast of Pentecost, which is the holy feast of seven weeks, there was a good dinner for me, and I reclined to eat. (2) And I saw many foods, so I said to my son, “Go, and bring whatever person of our kindred you may find who is mindful of the Lord, and behold, I shall wait for you.”

Vulgate (Challoner)

(1:19) Tobias daily went among all his kindred, and comforted them, and distributed to every one as he was able, out of his goods: (20) He fed the hungry, and gave clothes to the naked, and was careful to bury the dead, and they that were slain.

(21) And when king Sennacherib was come back, fleeing from Judea by reason of the slaughter that God had made about him for his blasphemy, and being angry slew many of the children of Israel, Tobias buried their bodies. (22) But when it was told the king, he commanded him to be slain, and took away all his substance. (23) But Tobias fleeing naked away with his son and with his wife, lay concealed, for many loved him. (24) But after forty-five days, the king was killed by his own sons. (25) And Tobias returned to his house, and all his substance was restored to him.

(2:1) But after this, when there was a festival of the Lord, and a good dinner was prepared in Tobias’s house, (2) He said to his son: Go, and bring some of our tribe that fear God, to feast with us.

The differences:

1:21 “not forty days” (Aramaic, Greek II); “not fifty days” (Greek I); “forty-five days” (Vulgate)
1:22 “He was the son of my brother, of my father’s house and of my family” (Aramaic); “He was my nephew and of my kindred” (ἦν δὲ ἐξάδελφός μου καὶ ἐκ τῆς συγγενείας μου; Greek II); “he was my nephew” (ἦν δὲ ἐξάδελφός μου; Greek I)
2:1 “On the day of the Festival of Weeks” (Aramaic); “at our feast of Pentecost, which is the holy feast of weeks” (Greek II); “at the feast of Pentecost, which is the holy feast of seven weeks” (Greek I); “a festival of the Lord” (Vulgate)

All in all, Greek I is more brief than the Aramaic-Greek II text, and the Vulgate version even more so. Note how all the references to Ahikar and his pleading for Tobit’s case have disappeared in the Latin; he is merely said to have “[laid] concealed, for many loved him.”

 

[Jerry-Jet]

Since the longer edition of Tobit might be more accurate than the shorter form used in the RSV–is that an argument against the RSV-CE2 so beloved by many here?

 

[patrick457]

Since the longer edition of Tobit might be more accurate than the shorter form used in the RSV–is that an argument against the RSV-CE2 so beloved by many here?

I don’t see why it would be an argument. Granted, Greek I is the version attested in most Greek manuscripts while Greek II was attested only in its full form in Codex Sinaiticus before the DSS were discovered (so it was originally considered a ‘minority’ text), and the RSV Apocrypha originally came out in 1957, five years after Cave 4 was discovered and just a year after the first report on the work that was being done by the international team on the fragments discovered therein was published. What I know is that the NRSV translates from the Greek II text, and so does the NAB and the NJB. Greek I was of course originally a favorite, both due to its wide attestation as well as the scholarly cliche of lectio brevior (i.e. shorter reading is better), until the Qumran Tobit blew all that away.

There were actually quite a lot of Hebrew and Aramaic Tobits known even before the Tobit fragments were found, but all of these date from the Middle Ages. To make things more confusing, there is actually a Greek III text, which combines the texts of G1 and G2 (to be more specific, Tobit 6:9-12:22 is G2 while the rest is G1).

Now the Vulgate version in chapter 1 as you can see very much reads like a highly-compressed version of the story, much more so than Greek I. (Also note how the “I” sections of the story in Greek and Aramaic are in the simple third person in the Latin.) In most other sections, you have these little ‘additions’ and variants to the text. At the extreme you’ll feel as if you’re reading different books.

BTW, a guy named Vincent Skemp have written a monograph on the subject entitled The Vulgate of Tobit compared with other ancient witnesses. I don’t have it (only heard of it), but anyone who is interested and could get their hands on it (i.e. willing to dish out some bucks for a copy) is encouraged to do so. Oh, and the Ethiopian translation of Tobit (from the Greek), described here by Stephen Ryan also seems rather interesting, but I don’t have access to a full translation of that version.

 

[hazcompat]

Is this “paraphrasing” common throughout the D-R bible?

Peace

 

[patrick457]

Is this “paraphrasing” common throughout the D-R bible?

Peace

No, the source text (Vulgate Tobit) is the one that should be ‘blamed’ here. As mentioned, Jerome managed to get a copy of a version of Tobit in Aramaic; the problem was that he wasn’t very proficient in Aramaic as he was with biblical Hebrew. So what he did was he got someone fluent in both languages to translate the Aramaic text into Hebrew for him while he simultaneously translated this Hebrew translation into Latin, which he dictated to a secretary; he finally managed to complete it after a single day. That being said, it seems that Jerome had also made some use of Vetus Latina translations of Tobit during the course of translation.

 

[patrick457]

4Q196, fr. 6
(3:9-15)
(iii, 9) …[Go] after them (after her seven deceased husbands) and let us n[ot] see a son [or a daughter] of yours [ever.] (10) … [and she cried and went] up to the upper room of [her father’s] house … [may I not hear] again [such a dis]graceful thing in my life. And … (11) against … May thy holy [and glorious] name [be blessed for all et[ernity. And] may [all thy works] bless [thee]. (12) [And now I have turned] my face [to]wards thee and I have [li]fted my eyes. (13) Say that I should depart from [the earth] … (14) [Thou, O Lord, kn]owest that I myself am pure o[f a]ll impurity [of man.
(15) And I have not de]filed [my] nam[e and the name of my father in all the land of our captivity. I am [the on]ly child [of my father] and he has no other son who would inherit from him. Nei[ther has he] a brother or a relation [for whom I] should [keep my]self, or a son f[or whom I should b]e a wife. Already seve[n] of my [husbands] have per[ished]…

Greek II (NETS)
(3:7) On that day, it happened to Sarra daughter of Ragouel at Ecbatana in Media that she also heard reproaches from one of her father’s maids. (8) For she had been given to seven husbands, and Asmodaios the wicked demon had killed them before they had been with her as is prescribed for wives. So the maid said to her, “You are the one who kills your husbands! Behold, already you have been given to seven husbands, and you have not borne the name of one of them. (9) Why do you beat us concerning your husbands? Because they are dead? Go with them! And may we never see a son or a daughter of yours!”

(10) On that day she was grieved in spirit and wept. And going up into the upper room of her father, she wished to hang herself. But she thought again and said, “Never may they reproach my father and say to him, ‘You had only one beloved daughter, but she hanged herself because of her troubles.’ And I shall bring down my father’s old age with gried into Hades. It is better for me not to hang myself, but to pray the Lord that I may die and no longer hear reproaches in my life.” (11) At that same time, stretching out her hands toward the window, she prayed and said,

“Blessed are you, merciful God!
And blessed is your name forever,
and let all your works praise you forever.
(12) And now my face is toward you,
and I lift up my eyes.
(13) Command that I be set free from the earth
And that I hear reproaches no more.
(14) You know, O Master, that I am pure
from all impurity with a man
(15) and that I did not defile my name
or my father’s name in the land of my captivity.
I am my father’s only begotten,
and he has no other child to be his heir,
nor has he a near kinsman or other relative
that I should keep myself as wife for him.
Seven of mine have already died.
So why should I still live?
But if it does not please you to kill me,
O Lord, hear now my reproach.”

(16) At that very moment, the prayer of both was heard in the presence of the glory of God. (17) And Raphael was sent to heal the two: Tobith, by removing the white films from his eyes so that he might see with his eyes the light of God, and Sarra daughter of Ragouel, by giving her to Tobias son of Tobith as wife and by freeing Asmodaios the wicked demon from her, because Tobias had the right to inherit her before all others who desired to have her. At that moment Tobith returned from the courtyard into his house, and Sarra daughter of Ragouel also came down herself from the upper room.

 

[patrick457]

Greek I
(3:7) On the same day, it happened to Sarra daughter of Ragouel at Ecbatana in Media that she also was reproached by her father’s maids, (8) because she had been given to seven husbands, and Asmodaus the wicked demon had killed them before they had been with her as is the case with wives. So the maids said to her, “Do you not know you strangle your husbands? Already you had seven and had no advantage from one of them. (9) Why do you beat us? If they are dead, go with them! May we never see a son or a daughter of yours!”

(10) Hearing these things, she was so deeply grieved that she thought to hang herself. But she said, “I am my father’s only one; if I do this, it will be a disgrace to him, and I shall bring down his old age with sorrow into Hades.” (11) So she prayed toward the window and said,

“Blessed are you, O Lord my God!
And blessed is your holy and honored name forever.
Let all your works praise you forever.
(12) And now, O Lord, I have turned
my eyes and my face toward you.
(13) Command that I be set free from the earth
and hear reproach no more.
(14) You know, O Lord, that I am pure
from all sin with a man
(15) and that I did not defile my name
or my father’s name in the land of my captivity.
I am my father’s only begotten,
and he has no other child who will be his heir,
nor has he a near kinsman or a son of his
that I should keep myself as wife for him.
Seven of mine have already died.
Why should I live?
But if it does not please you to kill me,
command that some regard be shown to me
and mercy be given to me
and that I may hear reproach no more.”

(16) Now the prayer of both was heard in the presence of the glory of the great Raphael. (17) And he was sent to heal the two: to scale away the white films of Tobit and to give Sarra daughter of Ragouel to Tobias son of Tobih as wife and by bind Asmodaus the wicked demon, because Tobias had the right to inherit her. At that very moment Tobit returned and entered into his house, and Sarra daughter of Ragouel came down from her upper room.

Vulgate (Challoner)

(3:7) Now it happened on the same day, that Sara daughter of Raguel, in Rages a city of the Medes, received a reproach from one of her father’s servant maids, (8) because she had been given to seven husbands, and a devil named Asmodeus had killed them, at their first going in unto her. (9) So when she (Sarah) reproved the maid for her fault, she answered her, saying: May we never see son, or daughter of thee upon the earth, thou murderer of thy husbands. (10) Wilt thou kill me also, as thou hast already killed seven husbands? At these words she went into an upper chamber of her house: and for three days and three nights did neither eat nor drink: (11) but continuing in prayer with tears besought God, that he would deliver her from this reproach. (12) And it came to pass on the third day, when she was making an end of her prayer, blessing the Lord, (13) she said:

Blessed is thy name, O God of our fathers: who when thou hast been angry, wilt shew mercy, and in the time of tribulation forgivest the sins of them that call upon thee. (14) To thee, O Lord, I turn my face, to thee I direct my eyes. (15) I beg, O Lord, that thou loose me from the bond of this reproach, or else take me away from the earth.

(16) Thou knowest, O Lord, that I never coveted a husband, and have kept my soul clean from all lust. (17) Never have I joined myself with them that play: neither have I made myself partaker with them that walk in lightness. (18) But a husband I consented to take, with thy fear, not with my lust. (19) And either I was unworthy of them, or they perhaps were not worthy of me: because perhaps thou hast kept me for another man. (20) For thy counsel is not in man’s power.

(21) But this every one is sure of that worshippeth thee, that his life, if it be under trial, shall be crowned: and if it be under tribulation, it shall be delivered: and if it be under correction, it shall be allowed to come to thy mercy. (22) For thou art not delighted in our being lost: because after a storm thou makest a calm, and after tears and weeping thou pourest in joyfulness. (23) Be thy name, O God of Israel, blessed for ever.

(24) At that time the prayers of them both were heard in the sight of the glory of the most high God: (25) and the holy angel of the Lord, Raphael was sent to heal them both, whose prayers at one time were rehearsed in the sight of the Lord.

The differences? Read through all of them.

 

[patrick457]

4Q197, fr. 4
(5:19-6:1)
(v, 19) … Let my son not cleave [to mone]y and like … (21) [And] he said to her, Do not be afraid. My son will go in peace … [in pea]ce. Do not be afraid. And do not worry about him, my sister. (22) … [his] jour[ney] …
(6:1) Once again [she fell silen]t and cried no more. vacat

Greek II

(5:17b) Then he (Tobith) called his son and said to him, “My child, prepare the things for the journey, and go out with your brother. And may God in heaven bring you safely there and restore you back to me in good health, and may his angel journey along with you in safety, my child.” And he went out to go on his journey, and he kissed his father and mother. Then Tobith said to him, “Go in good health.”
(18) But his mother wept and said to Tobith, “Why is it that you have sent my child away? Is he not the rod of our hand as he goes in and goes out before us? (19) Do not add silver to silver, but let it be a ransom for our child. (20) For as it has been given to us to live by the Lord, that is enough.” (21) And he said to her, “Do not worry; our child will go in good health and come back to us in good health. And your eyes will see him on the day when he comes back to you in good health. Do not worry! Do not fear for them, my sister. (22) For a good angel will accompany him, and his journey will be successful, and he will come back in good health.” (6:1) So she stopped weeping.

Greek I

(5:17b) Then he (Tobit) said to Tobias, “Get ready for the journey, and may you be successful.” So his son prepared the things for the journey. And his father said to him, “Go with the man, and God who dwells in heaven will make your journey successful, and may his angel go along with you.” So they went out to go away, and the young man’s dog with them.
(18) But Hanna his mother wept and said to Tobit, “Why have you sent away our child? Is he not the rod of our hand as he goes in and goes out before us? (19) Do not add silver to silver, but let it be a ransom for our child. (20) For as it has been given to us to live by the Lord, that is enough for us.” (21) And he said to her, “Do not worry, my sister; he will come back in good health, and your eyes will see him. (22) For a good angel will go along with him; so his journey will be successful, and he will return in good health.” (6:1) So she stopped weeping.

Vulgate (Challoner)
(22) Then all things being ready, that were to be carried in their journey, Tobias bade his father and his mother farewell, and they set out both together. (23) And when they were departed, his mother began to weep, and to say: Thou hast taken the staff of our old age, and sent him away from us. (24) I wish the money for which thou hast sent him, had never been. (25) For poverty was sufficient for us, that we might account it as riches, that we saw our son.

(26) And Tobias said to her: Weep not, our son will arrive thither safe, and will return safe to us, and thy eyes shall see him. (27) For I believe that the good angel of God doth accompany him, and doth order all things well that are done about him, so that he shall return to us with joy. (28) At these words his mother ceased weeping, and held her peace.

 

[patrick457]

4Q197, fr. 4, continued + 4Q196, fr. 13
(6:2-9 [6:6-8])

(2) …[and the ang]el was with him and … [and they went] together. And [night] came [and they reached] the Tigris. (3) And the young man went down … [and] a big [fis]h [jumped] out of [the water to swall]ow the foot of the young man … (4) … [C]atch the f[ish! And] the young man [se]ized [the fish and brou]ght it to the dry land. And [the angel] s[aid to him, (5) Cut] it open and remove [its gall and] its [heart and its liver. Keep] them, but [throw away its] entrails. [Its gall,] its [heart] and its liver are [medicament.] (6) And [he cut out its gall and] its [h]eart and [its liver … the f]ish and he ate (it). Also {he sa[lted the rest] for the journey} (4Q196). Both of them were going [to]gether [until they rea]ched Media. vacat (7) {The young man [as]ked the ang[el]} (4Q196) and said to him, Azariah my brother, what kind of medicament is in the heart of the fish and in its liv[er and in its gall? (8) If you] smoke it in front of a man or a woman smitten by a demon or an [evil] spirit … they will [n]ever come by again. (9) The gall is for applying to the ey[es of a man] … white film and he will recover.

Greek II

(6:2) Then the child went out, and the angel with him, and the dog went out with him and walked with them. And they both walked, and the first night came upon them, and they camped by the Tigris River. (3) Then the child went down to wash his feet in the Tigris River. And a large fish, leaping up from the river, wanted to swallow the foot of the young man, and he cried out. (4) Then the angel said to the young man, “Take hold of the fish, and hang on!” So the child seized the fish and carried it up onto the land. (5) Then the angel said to him, “Rip open the fish, and take out its gall and heart and liver, and put them aside for you, but the entrails throw away. For its gall and heart and liver are useful as medicine.” (6) So cutting open the flesh, the young man gathered together the gall and heart and liver; then he roasted and ate some of the fish and kept some of it salted. And the two walked together until they drew near to Media. (7) And then the young man asked the angel and said to him, “Brother Azarias, what is the medicine in the fish’s heart and liver and in the gall?” (8) And he said to him, “As for the fish’s heart and liver, burn them to smoke in the presence of a man or woman afflicted by a demon or evil spirit, and every affliction will flee away from him and will not remain with him any longer. (9) And as for the gall, anoint a person’s eyes on which white films have come up; blow upon them, upon the white films, and they will be healed.”

Greek I
(6:2) Now as they walked on the road they came at evening to the Tigris River and camped there. (3) Then the young man went down to wash himself. And a fish leaped up from the river and wanted to swallow the young man. (4) But the angel said to him, “Take hold of the fish!” So the child seized the fish and threw it up onto the land. (5) Then the angel said to him, “Cut open the fish, and take the heart and liver and gall, and put them away safely.” (6) So the young man did as the angel had told him. Then, roasting the flesh, they ate. And they both journeyed until they drew near to Ecbatana. (7) And the young man said to the angel, “Brother Azarias, of what use is the fish’s liver and heart and gall?” (8) And he said to him, “As for the heart and liver, if a demon or evil spirit troubles somebody, one must burn these things to smoke before a man or woman, and he will never be troubled again. (9) But as for the gall, anoint a person who has white films in his eyes, and he will be cured.”

Vulgate (Challoner)
(6:1) And Tobias went forward, and the dog followed him, and he lodged the first night by the river of Tigris. (2) And he went out to wash his feet, and behold a monstrous fish came up to devour him. (3) And Tobias being afraid of him, cried out with a loud voice, saying: Sir, he cometh upon me. (4) And the angel said to him: Take him by the gill, and draw him to thee. And when he had done so, he drew him out upon the land, and he began to pant before his feet. (5) Then the angel said to him: Take out the entrails of the fish, and lay up his heart, and his gall, and his liver for thee: for these are necessary for useful medicines. (6) And when he had done so, he roasted the flesh thereof, and they took it with them in the way: the rest they salted as much as might serve them, till they came to Rages the city of the Medes. (7) Then Tobias asked the angel, and said to him: I beseech thee, brother Azarias, tell me what remedies are these things good for, which thou hast bid me keep of the fish? (8) And the angel, answering, said to him: If thou put a little piece of its heart upon coals, the smoke thereof driveth away all kind of devils, either from man or from woman, so that they come no more to them. (9) And the gall is good for anointing the eyes, in which there is a white speck, and they shall be cured.

 

[patrick457]

4Q197, fr, 4 + 4Q196, fr, 14 i, ii
(6:12-18 [6:13-18])

I (10) And when they entered Media and he was already ne[aring Ecbatana, (11) Raphael said to the young] man, T[o]biah, my brother. And he said to him, Here am I. And he said to him, In the house [of Raguel we shall stay. And the man is from the house of our father. And he has a beautiful daughter … (12) [And] he has [no other (children) except Sarah a]l[one]. And you are re[lat]ed to her … [And this young girl]

II [wise, stron]g and very beautiful, and her father loves [her] … her father. And a just decision has been made concerning you (13) to m[arry her] … You will speak about this young girl tonight. You will retain her and take her to be your wif[e … And {when we return from [Rages]} (4Q196), [we shall make for her] a wedding-feast. And I know that Raguel cannot refuse her to you for he knows … and to marry his daughter than any (other) ma[n. For h]e kno[ws] that if he were to give her to [another] man [this would be against the law in the Book] of Moses. And not [let us speak about] this [young] gir[l] tonight and let us retain her [for you … (14) Then Tobiah replied and said to Rapha]el, Azariah my brother, I have heard … (that she had seven husbands who all died) when they went in to her. … (15) And now I am [af]raid of this demon who {loves her … the demon kills them} (4Q196)
…(bring) my [fath]er and my mother [to the grave … They have] no other son [to bury them.] (16) {[Do you not remember the com]mands of your father} (4Q196) who commanded you … {[And no]w listen to me, my brother. Do not (be afraid of) this [de]mon and marry (her) {tonight … (17) [t]ake from the heart [of the fish] … (18) … the demon [will sme]ll it and will [flee]} (4Q196)
… (When you go in) [to be wi]th her, ri[se up] … [And do n]ot be afraid [for] she has been allotted to you and for you … you will save [her. And] I suppose that you will have [children by her … And when] Tobiah [h]eard the words of Raphae[l that she was h]is sister and of …

III [the house of his father’s family] he fell in love with her [gr]eatly and his heart (was much attached) to her.

Greek II

(10) And when he went into Media and already drew near to Ecbatana, (11) Raphael said to the young man, “Brother Tobias.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” Then he said to him, “This night we must stay in the home of Ragouelos. Now the man is your relative, and he has a (beautiful) daughter whose name is Sarra. (12) And he has no male son or daughter except Sarra alone, and you are closer to her than all other men, to have her as an inheritance. Also the girl is sensible and brave and very beautiful, and her father is noble. (13) And he said, “It is right for you to take her. So listen to me, brother, and I shall speak to the father about the girl this night so that we may take her to be your bride. And, when we return from Rhaga, we shall celebrate her wedding feast. And I know that Ragouel cannot keep her from you or promise her to another; he would be liable to death according to the decree of the book of Moyses. And he knows that the inheritance is yours by right to take his daughter before any other man. So now listen to me, brother, and shall speak this night concerning the girl and have her engaged to you. And, when we return from Rhaga, we shall take her and bring her back with us to your house.”

(14) Then in reply Tobias said to Raphael, “Brother Azarias, I have heard that she already has been given to seven husbands, and they died in their bridal chamber. On the night when they went in toward her, they would die. And I heard people say that a demon kills them. (15) And now I am afraid – for it does not harm her, but anyone who desires to approach her it kills; I am my father’s only son – that I may die and bring my father’s and my mother’s life, because of me, to their grave with sorrow. And they have no other son, that he may bury them.”

(16) But he said to him, “Do you not remember your father’s commandments, that he commanded you to take a wife from your father’s house? So now listen to me, brother, and do not worry about the demon, and take her. And I know that this night a wife will be given to you. (17) Now when you go into the bridal chamber, take some of the fish’s liver and heart, and put them on the embers of the incense, and the smell will go forth. (18) Then the demon will smell it and flee and will never be seen around her any more. And when you are about to be with her, get up first, both of you, and pray, and beseech the Lord of heaven that mercy and safety may be upon you. So do not be afraid, for she was set apart for you from of old. And you will save her, and she will go with you. And I suppose that you will have children by her, and they will be as brothers to you. Do not worry!” Now when Tobias heard the words of Raphael, and that she was his kinswoman of the lineage of his father’s house, he loved her very much, and his heart clung to her.

 

[patrick457]

Greek I

(10) Now as they approached Rhagai, (11) the angel said to the young man, “Brother, today we stay with Ragouel. Now he is your relative, and he has an only daughter named is Sarra. (12) I shall speak up for her, that she be given to you as wife, because her inheritance falls to you; also you are the only one of her kindred. And the girl is beautiful and sensible. (13) So now listen to me, brother, and I shall speak to her father. And when we return from Rhaga, we shall celebrate the wedding feast. For I know that Ragouel cannot give her to another man, according to the law of Moyses, or else he would be liable to death, because it is right for you to receive the inheritance before any other man.”

(14) Then the young man said to the angel, “Brother Azarias, I have heard that the girl has been given to seven husbands and akk died in the bridal chamber. (15) And now I am the only one my father has, and I fear that I may go in and die as did those before me, for a demon loves her, and he harms no one except those who approach her. So now I fear that I may die and bring my father’s and my mother’s life, because of me, to their grave with sorrow. And they have no other son who will bury them.”

(16) But the angel said to him, “Do you not remember the words with which your father commanded you, to take a wife from your among your people? So now listen to me, brother, for she will become your wife. Also do not worry about the demon, for this night she will be given to you as wife. (17) Now when you go into the bridal chamber, you shall take embers of incense and lay upon them some of the fish’s heart and liver, and you shall make smoke. (18) Then the demon will smell it and flee and will never again come back. Now when you come near her, rise up, both of you, and cry out to the merciful God, and he will save you and have mercy. Do not be afraid, for she has been prepared for you from of old. And you will save her, and she will go with you, and I suppose that you will have children by her.” Now when Tobias heard these things, he loved her, and his spirit clung to her intensely.

Vulgate (Challoner)

(10) And Tobias said to him: Where will you that we lodge? (11) And the angel answering, said: Here is one whose name is Raguel, a near kinsman of your tribe, and he has a daughter named Sara, but he has no son nor any other daughter beside her. (12) All his substance is due to you, and you must take her to wife. (13) Ask her therefore of her father, and he will give her you to wife.

(14) Then Tobias answered, and said: I hear that she has been given to seven husbands, and they all died: moreover I have heard, that a devil killed them. (15) Now I am afraid, lest the same thing should happen to me also: and whereas I am the only child of my parents, I should bring down their old age with sorrow to hell.

(16) Then the angel Raphael said to him: Hear me, and I will show you who they are, over whom the devil can prevail. (17) For they who in such manner receive matrimony, as to shut out God from themselves, and from their mind, and to give themselves to their lust, as the horse and mule, which have not understanding, over them the devil has power. (18) But you when you shall take her, go into the chamber, and for three days keep yourself continent from her, and give yourself to nothing else but to prayers with her. (19) And on that night lay the liver of the fish on the fire, and the devil shall be driven away. (20) But the second night you shall be admitted into the society of the holy Patriarchs. (21) And the third night you shall obtain a blessing that sound children may be born of you. (22) And when the third night is past, you shall take the virgin with the fear of the Lord, moved rather for love of children than for lust, that in the seed of Abraham you may obtain a blessing in children.

Differences:

6:6 “Also he salted the rest for the journey. Both of them were going together” (Aramaic); “and kept some of it salted. And the two walked together” (Greek II)
6:12 “And this young girl is wise, strong and very beautiful, and her father loves her” (Aramaic); “Also the girl is sensible and brave and very beautiful, and her father is noble” (Greek II); “And the girl is beautiful and sensible” (Greek I)

 

[Oldtimer_7]

This clears up a question for me. When we were doing a Bible study of the Deuterocanon, I only had the DRC on my Bible study program and the others were using the NRSV translation. They were so different that I was asked to discontinue the DRC and begin using the NRSV when we were reading the text. I must say, the thought of Saint Jerome producing a paraphrase is more than a little mind boggling.

 

[patrick457]

http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/bibel/PB01_TOB.gif
4Q196 (pap4QTob ar[sup]a[/sup])

4Q197, fr. 4 + 4Q196, fr. 14 ii
(7:1-10 [7:1-6])

And when they entered Ecbat[ana], Tobiah [said] to him, Aza[riah my brother, lead] me straight away to the house of Raguel our brother. He led him there and [they] went [to the house] of Raguel and [they] found Rague[l s]itting in front of the gate of his home. And first they greeted him and he said to them, In peace you have come. Enter in peace, my brothers. And he brought them into his house. (2) Then he said to Edna his wife, How much this young man resembles Tobit, the son of my uncle. (3) And Edna asked them and said to them, Where are you from, my brothers? And they said to her, From among the children of Naphtali [who] are captives in Nineveh. (4) And she said to them, Do you know Tobit our brother? And they said to her, We know him. Is he well? (5) And they said, He is wel[l. And To]biah [sa]id, He is my father. (6) And Raguel jumped to his feet and kissed him and crie[d]. (7) … A blessing on [you my son. You are the] s[on] of a just man … the neck of Tobiah … (9) he slaughtered a ram from the flock … to eat and drink … my sister. (10) And [Raguel] heard …

Greek II
(7:1) Now when they entered into Ecbatana, he said to him, “Brother Azarias, lead me straight to Ragouel our brother.” So he led him into the house of Ragouelos, and they found him sitting beside the door of the courtyard. And they greeted him first, and he said to them, “Many joyful greetings, brothers, and welcome in good health!” Then he led them into his house. (2) And he said to Edna his wife, “How much this young man resembles Tobis my kinsman!” (3) Then Edna asked them and said to them, “Where are you from, brothers?” And they said to her, “We belong to the children of Nephthaleim, who were taken captive in Nineue.” (4) So she said to them, “Do you know Tobis our kinsman?” And they said to her, “We do know him.” Then she said to them, “Is he in good health?” (5) And they said to her, “He is in good health and alive.” And Tobias said, “He is my father!” (6) Then Ragouel jumped up and kissed him and wept. (7) And he spoke and said to him, “Blessings on you, my child, son of a noble and good father! O most miserable of calamities that a righteous man who also gives alms has becomes blind!” Then he fell on the neck of Tobias his kinsman and wept. (8) Also Edna his wife wept for him, and Sarra their daughter likewise wept. (9) Then he slaughtered a ram from the flock and welcomed them very warmly.
Now when they had bathed and washed themselves and had reclined to have dinner, Tobias said to Raphael, “Brother Azarias, speak to Ragouel that he give to me Sarra my kinswoman.” (10) But Ragouel heard the word and said to the lad, “Eat, and drink, and be merry this night. For there is no man who has the right to take Sarra my daughter except you, brother. Likewise I myself do not have the authority to give her to any other man except you, because you are my nearest relative. But let me explain the truth more fully, my child. (11) I have given her to seven men of our kinsmen, and all died on the night when they went in toward her. So now, my child, eat, and drink, and the Lord will do something with you both.” Then Tobias said, “I will neither eat nor drink until you settle the things that pertain to me.” So Ragouel said to him, “I will do it. Indeed, she is given to you according to the decree of the book of Moyses, and from heaven it has been decreed that she be given to you. Take your kinswoman; from now on you are her brother, and she is your sister. She has been given to you from today and forever. And may the Lord of heaven prosper you both this night, my child, and grant you mercy and peace.”

Greek I

(7:1) And they went into Ecbatana and arrived at the house of Ragouel. Sarra then met them and greeted them, and they her. And she brought them into the house. (2) Then Ragouel said to Edna his wife, “How much this young man resembles Tobit my cousin!” (3) And Ragouel asked them, “Where are you from, brothers?” And they said to him, “We belong to the children of Nephthaleim, who are captives in Nineue.” (4) So he said to them, “Do you know Tobit our kinsman?” And they said, “We do know him.” (5) Then he said to them, “Is he in good health?” And they said, “He is both alive and in good health.” (6) Then Ragouel jumped up and kissed him and wept. (7) And he blessed him and said to him, “Son of that noble and good man!” And hearing that Tobit had lost his eyes, he grieved and wept. (8) Also Edna his wife and Sarra his daughter wept, and they welcomed them very warmly. (9) Then they killed a ram of the flock, and they set out large servings of food.
Tobias then said to Raphael, “Brother Azarias, speak of those things which you talked about on the journey, and let the matter be settled.” (10) So he communicated the word to Ragouel. And Ragouel said to Tobias, “Eat, and drink, and be merry, for it is your right to take my child. But let me explain the truth to you. (11) I have given my child to seven husbands, and when they came in in toward her, they died during the night. But for now be merry.” Then Tobias said, “I will taste nothing here until you stand firm and are confirmed in my regard.” So Ragouel said, “Take her from now on, according to the decree. And you are her brother, and she is yours. Now may the merciful God prosper you both with the best.”

 

[patrick457]

Vulgate (Challoner)

(7:1) And they went in to Raguel, and Raguel received them with joy. (2) And Raguel looking upon Tobias, said to Anna his wife: How like is this young man to my cousin? (3) And when he had spoken these words, he said: Whence are ye young men our brethren? (4) But they said: We are of the tribe of Nephtali, of the captive of Ninive. (5) And Raguel said to them: Do you know Tobias my brother? And they said: We know him. (6) And 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. (7) And 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. (8) And Anna his wife, and Sara their daughter wept. (9) And 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, (10) Tobias 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.

(11) Now 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, (12) 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. (13) Then Raguel said: I doubt not but God hath regarded my prayers and tears in his sight. (14) And 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.

Some differences of note are as follows:

7:1 “In peace you have come. Enter in peace, my brothers.” (Aramaic); “Many joyful greetings, brothers, and welcome in good health!” (Χαίρετε πολλά ἀδελφοί καὶ καλῶς ἤλθατε ὑγιαίνοντες, Greek II)
7:1 “And first they greeted him (Raguel) … and he brought them into his house.” (Aramaic, Greek II); “Sarra then met them and greeted them, and they her. And she brought them into the house.” (Greek I); “and Raguel received them with joy.” (Vulgate)
7:2 “Tobit, the son of my uncle” (Aramaic); “Tobis my brother” (Τωβεια τῷ ἀδελφῷ μου, Greek II); “Tobit, my cousin” (Τωβ(ε)ὶτ τῷ ἀνεψιῷ μου, Greek I)
7:3 “And Edna asked them and said to them” (Aramaic, Greek II); “And Ragouel asked them” (Greek I); “And when he (Raguel) had spoken these words, he said” (Vulgate). Edna is the one who gives the questions in both A and G2; in G1 and in the Vulgate, it is Raguel.
7:10-11 [Vulgate: 7:12-14] In G1 and G2, Raguel immediately recognizes that Tobiah is meant to be Sarah’s husband and says so. In the Vulgate, he needed some convincing by Raphael.

 

[patrick457]

4Q197, fr. 5
(8:21-9:2)

(21) … my son. I am your father and Edna is [your] m[other] … [Do not be] afraid, my son. vacat (ix, 1) [Then Tobiah called Raphael and said to] him, (2) Azariah, my brother, take with you from here fo[ur slaves] …
… [and] you will come to the house of Gab[ael] and give him the document and take [the money] …

Greek II

(8:19) And he (Ragouel) told his wife to make many loaves of bread, and he went out to the herd and brought two steers and four rams and commanded that they be killed. So they began to make preparations (20) Then he called Tobias and swore an oath to him and said: “For fourteen days you shall not move from here but stay here eating and drinking with me, and you shall make my daughter’s spirit glad which has been depressed. (21) Then take at once half of what I own and return in good health to your father, and the other half will be yours when I die, and my wife as well. Take courage my child. I am your father, and Edna is your mother, and we belong to you and to your kinswoman now and forever. Take courage, my child.”

(9:1) Then Tobias called Raphael and said to him, (2) “Brother Azarias, take with you four domestics and two camels, and go to Rhagai. And go to the house of Gabaelos, and give him the bond, and get the silver, and then bring him back with you to the wedding feast. (3-4) For you know that my father is counting the days, and if I delay one day, I will grieve him very much. And you see how Ragouel has sworn, and I cannot violate his oath.” (5) So Raphael and the four domestics and two camels went into Rhagai in Media and stayed with Gabaelos. Then he gave him his bond and told him about Tobias son of Tobith, that he had taken a wife and invited him to the wedding feast. So he got up and counted out for him the money bags, with the seals; then they loaded them on the camels. (6) And they both got up early in the morning and went to the wedding feast. And they went to Ragouel’s place and Tobias reclining at table. Then he sprang up and greeted him, and he wept and blessed him and said, “Noble and good son of a noble and good, upright and charitable man, may the Lord give the blessing of heaven to you and to your wife and to your father and to the mother of your wife. Blessed be God, for I see Tobis my cousin who is just like him.”

Greek I

(8:19) And he gave them a wedding feast for fourteen days. (20) And before the days of the wedding feast were over, Ragouel said with an oath that he should not leave until the fourteen days of the wedding feast were ended (21) and that he should take half of his property and go with health to his father, and the rest, “when I die and my wife.”

(9:1) And Tobias called Raphael and said to him, (2) “Brother Azarias, take with you a servant and two camels, and go to Gabael’s house at Rhaga in Media, and get the silver for me, and bring him to the wedding feast. (3) For Ragouel has sworn that I should not leave. (4) But my father is counting the days, and if I delay long, he will be greatly distressed.” (5) So Raphael went and stayed with Gabael. Then he gave him the bond, and he brought out the money bags with the seals and gave them to him. (6) And they both got up early in the morning and went to the wedding feast. And he blessed Tobias and his wife.

Vulgate (Challoner)

(8:21) And he (Raguel) spoke to his wife to make ready a feast, and prepare all kind of provisions that are necessary for such as go a journey. (22) He caused also two fat kine, and four wethers to be killed, and a banquet to be prepared for all his neighbours, and all his friends. (23) And Raguel adjured Tobias, to abide with him two weeks. (24) And of all things which Raguel possessed, he gave one half to Tobias, and made him a writing, that the half that remained should after their decease come also to Tobias.

(9:1) Then Tobias called the angel to him, whom he took to be a man, and said to him: Brother Azarias, I pray thee hearken to my words: (2) if I should give myself to be thy servant I should not make a worthy return for thy care. (3) However, I beseech thee, to take with thee beasts and servants, and to go to Gabelus to Rages the city of the Medes: and to restore to him his note of hand, and receive of him the money, and desire him to come to my wedding. (4) For thou knowest that my father numbereth the days: and if I stay one day more, his soul will be afflicted. (5) And indeed thou seest how Raguel hath adjured me, whose adjuring I cannot despise.

(6) Then Raphael took four of Raguel’s servants, and two camels, and went to Rages the city of the Medes: and finding Gabelus, gave him his note of hand, and received of him all the money. (7) And he told him concerning Tobias the son of Tobias, all that had been done: and made him come with him to the wedding. (8 And when he was come into Raguel’s house he found Tobias sitting at the table: and he leaped up, and they kissed each other: and Gabelus wept, and blessed God, (9) and said: The God of Israel bless thee, because thou art the son of a very good and just man, and that feareth God, and doth almsdeeds: (10) and may a blessing come upon thy wife and upon your parents. (11) And may you see your children, and your children’s children, unto the third and fourth generation: and may your seed be blessed by the God of Israel, who reigneth for ever and ever. (12) And when all had said, Amen, they went to the feast: but the marriage feast they celebrated also with the fear of the Lord.

 

[patrick457]

4Q196, fr. 17
(13:6-12)

… [with all]
II your heart and [with all] your soul to [do righteousness.
Then he] will turn to you,
and will no l[onger hide] his [face] from you.
[Give] him [thanks] with all your mouth
and ble[ss the Lord] of righteousness and ex[alt him].
[In the land] of captivity I give him thanks
and I dec[lare] his [mi]ght and [his] greatne[ss
before a people of s]in.
According to your heart
[do] righ[teousness] before him.
[Who] kno[ws if there will be f]orgiveness [for you].
(7) And I exalt my God and my [so]ul the ki[ng of heaven].
… all the day[s of my life].
… [and let them al]l [pr]aise his greatness.
(8) Let them speak with psalm …
(9) [Jerusalem] the holy city,
he will [aff]lic[t you] concerning …
(10) … [with righ]teousness give thanks …
… from generation to generation they will give …
[and his] great name [will be for] everlasting [gene]rations.
(12) Cur[sed] be [a]ll [who] despise (you)
and all who are against [you].
And cursed be al[l who hate] you
and all [who spe]ak [a]gainst you.
Cursed be …

Greek II

(13:6) When you turn back to him with all your heart and with all your soul,
to do what is true before him,
then he will turn back to you
and will no longer hide his face from you.
And now see what he has done with you,
and acknowledge him with full voice.
And bless the Lord of righteousness,
and exalt the king of the ages …

(10) and again your tent will be built in you with joy.
And may he gladden within you all those who are captives
And love within your all those who are distressed,
for all the generations of the age.
(11) A bright light will shine to all the ends of the earth;
many nations from far away will come to you,
the inhabitants of all the remote parts of the earth to your holy name,
also bearing their gifts in their hands for the king of heaven.
Generations of generations will give joyful worship in you,
and the name of the chosen one will last
for the generations of the world.
(12) Cursed be all who speak a harsh word;
cursed will be all who cast you down
and pull down your walls
and all who overthrow your towers
and set their homes on fire.
But blessed forever will be those who fear you.

Greek I

(6) If you turn back to him with all your heart
and with all your soul,
to do what is true before him,
then he will turn back to you
and will not hide his face from you.
And see what he will do with you,
and acknowledge him with full voice.
And bless the Lord of righteousness,
and exalt the king of the ages.
In the land of my captivity I acknowledge him,
and I show his power and majesty to a nation of sinners.
Turn back, you sinners,
and do what is just before him;
Who knows if he will take delight in you
and grant mercy to you?
(7) I exalt my God,
and my soul exalts the king of heaven,
and it will rejoice in his majesty.
(8) Let all speak and acknowledge him in Hierosolyma.
(9) O Hierosolyma, holy city,
he will afflict you for the works of your sons,
but again he will show mercy to the sons of the righteous.
(10) Acknowledge the Lord well,
and bless the king of the ages
that again his tent may be built in you with joy.
And may he gladden within you all those who are captives
And love within your all those who are distressed,
for all the generations of the age.
(11) Many nations from far away will come
to the name of the Lord God,
bearing their gifts in their hands, yes, gifts for the king of heaven.
Generations of generations will give you great joy.
(12) Cursed be all who hate you;
blessed forever will be all who love you.

Vulgate (Challoner)

(6) See then what he hath done with us,
and with fear and trembling give ye glory to him:
and extol the eternal King of worlds in your works.
(7) As for me, I will praise him in the land of my captivity:
because he hath shewn his majesty toward a sinful nation.
(8) Be converted therefore, ye sinners,
and do justice before God,
believing that he will shew his mercy to you.
(9) And I and my soul will rejoice in him.
(10) Bless ye the Lord, all his elect,
keep days of joy, and give glory to him.
(11) Jerusalem, city of God,
the Lord hath chastised thee for the works of thy hands.
(12) Give glory to the Lord for thy good things,
and bless the God eternal,
that he may rebuild his tabernacle in thee,
and may call back all the captives to thee,
and thou mayst rejoice for ever and ever.
(13) Thou shalt shine with a glorious light:
and all the ends of the earth shall worship thee.
(14) Nations from afar shall come to thee:
and shall bring gifts, and shall adore the Lord in thee,
and shall esteem thy land as holy.
(15) For they shall call upon the great name in thee.
(16) They shall be cursed that shall despise thee:
and they shall be condemned that shall blaspheme thee:
and blessed shall they be that shall build thee up.

 

[patrick457]

4Q196, fr. 18 + 4Q198, fr. 1
(13:12-14:3)

(18) … [will] s[a]y, Halle[luiah] …
[Blessed be for ever] and ever
for in you they will bless [his holy] n[ame] …

(xiv, 1) [The words of thanksgivings of To]bit [ended] and he died in peace at the a[ge of one hundred and twelve years and he was buried]. (2) [He was] fifty-ei[ght] years [old] … his [e]yes. He lived a good life and in all … {[and he gave] alms and continued to fear God and to pr[aise his greatness. (3) And he called Tobiah his son and] his [seven]} (4Q198) sons and commanded him and said to him …

Greek II

(13:15) “My soul blesses the Lord, the great king.
(16) For Ierousalem will be built as a city,
as his house for all the ages.
Happy shall I be if a remnant of my seed should be present
to see your glory
and to acknowledge the king of heaven.
And the gates of Ierousalem will be built
with lapis lazuli and emerald,
and all your walls with precious stone.
The towers of Ierousalem will be built with gold,
and their battlements with pure gold.
(17) The streets of Ierousalem will be paved
with ruby and stone of Souphir.
(18) And the gates of Ierousalem will say hymns of joy,
and all her houses will say, ‘Hallelouia!
Blessed be the God of Israel!’
And the blessed will bless his holy name
forever and ever.”

(14:1) Then the words of Tobith’s praise were completed.
And he died in peace at one hundred twelve years, and he was buried with honor in Ninueue. (2) Now he was sixty-two years old when he became maimed in his eyes, and after he saw again he lived in prosperity and gave alms. And he still continued to bless God and to acknowledge the majesty of God.

(3) Now when he was about to die, he called Tobias his son and commanded him, saying: “My child, take your children, (4) and hurry off into Media, for I believe the word of God about Nineue, the things Naoum spoke, that all these things will come about and happen to Athour and Nineue. Also everything that the prophets of Israel spoke, those whom God sent, will happen. And not one of their words will fail, but all will come true at their appointed times. So in Media there will be safety rather than among the Assyrians or in Babylon. For I know and believe that all things that God said will be fulfilled and will come to pass, and no utterance of his words shall fail. And our kindred, who live in the land of Israel, all will be scattered and taken as captives from the good land, and the whole land of Israel will be desolate, even Samaria and Ierousalem will be desolate. And the house of God will be in grief and will be burned down for a time.”

Greek I

(13:15) “Let my soul bless God, the great king.
(16) For Ierousalem will be built with lapis lazuli and emerald,
and all your walls with precious stone.
And the towers and battlements with pure gold.
(17) The streets of Ierousalem will be paved
with beryl and carbuncle and stone from Souphir.
(18) And all her lane will say, ‘Hallelouia!’
and will give praise, saying,
Blessed be God,
who has exalted all the ages.’”

(14:1) And Tobit stopped praising.
(2) Now he was fifty-eight years old when he lost his eyes, and after eight years he saw again. And he gave alms, and he continued to fear the Lord God and to acknowledge him.

(3) Then he became very old; so he called his son and the six sons of his son, and he said to him, “My child, take your sons; behold, I have become old and am about to depart from life. (4) Go into Media, my child, for I trust what Ionas the prophet said about Nineue, that it will be overthrown. But in Media there will be peace till an appointed time. And our kindred will be scattered over the earth from the good land, and Hierosolyma will be desolate. And the house of God in it will be burned down and will be desolate for a time.”

Vulgate (Challoner)

(13:19) My soul, bless thou the Lord,
because the Lord our God
hath delivered Jerusalem his city
from all her troubles.
(20) Happy shall I be if there shall remain of my seed,
to see the glory of Jerusalem.
(21) The gates of Jerusalem shall be built of sapphire, and of emerald,
and all the walls thereof round about of precious stones.
(22) All its streets shall be paved with white and clean stones:
and Alleluia shall be sung in its streets.
(23) Blessed be the Lord, who hath exalted it,
and may he reign over it for ever and ever, Amen.

(14:1) And the words of Tobias were ended. And after Tobias was restored to his sight, he lived two and forty years, and saw the children of his grandchildren. (2) And after he had lived a hundred and two years, he was buried honourably in Ninive. (3) For he was six and fifty years old when he lost the sight of his eyes, and sixty when he recovered it again. (4) And the rest of his life was in joy, and with great increase of the fear of God he departed in peace. (5) And at the hour of his death he called unto him his son Tobias and his children, seven young men, his grandsons, and said to them: (6) The destruction of Ninive is at hand: for the word of the Lord must be fulfilled: and our brethren, that are scattered abroad from the land of Israel, shall return to it.

 

[patrick457]

That’s it for the Aramaic fragments; the following (4Q200) is a Hebrew version of Tobit.

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4Q200, fr. 2
(4:3-9)

… (4) … and she carried you in [her] womb … vacat (5) My son, [re]member] God in all your days … his word. vacat [Do] what is true [a]ll the days of [your] l[ife, and do not walk in the way]s of lies. (6) For when you do what is t[rue … will] be with you. (7) … My son, with a generous hand [give] alms, and do not hi[de your face from any p]oor. Then [the face of Go]d will not be hid]den [from you. (8) If you have much, [my] son, … [giv]e al[m]s from it. If you have little, according to the little (you will give]. …

Greek II

(4:1) On that day Tobith remembered the silver which he had placed in trust with Gabaelos at Rhaga in Media, (2) and he said in his heart, “Behold, I have asked for death. Why do I not call Tobias my son and inform him about this silver before I die?” (3) Then he called Tobias his son, and he came to him. And he said, “Bury me properly. And honor your mother and do not abandon her all the days of her life. And do what is pleasing before her, and do not grieve her spirit in anything. (4) Remember her, my child, because she experienced many dangers for you in her womb. And when she dies, bury her beside me in one grave.

(5) “And all your days, my child, remember the Lord, and do not desire to sin or to transgress his commandments. Do righteous acts all the days of your life, and do not walk in the ways of injustice. (6) For those who keep to the truth will succeed in all their deeds. And to all those who do righteousness, …
(19) … the Lord will give to them good counsel. And if the Lord wishes, he casts down to deepest Hades. So now, my child, remember these commandments, and do not let them be erased from your heart.”

Greek I

(4:1) On that day Tobit remembered the silver, which he had placed in trust with Gabaelos at Rhaga in Media, (2) and he said in himself, “I have asked for death. Why do I not call Tobias my son so that I may inform him before I die?” (3) So calling him, he said, “My child, if I die, bury me, and do not neglect your mother. Honor her all the days of your life, and do what is pleasing to her, and do not grieve her. (4) Remember, my child, that she experienced many dangers for you in the womb. When she dies, bury her beside me in one grave.

(5) “All the days, my child, remember the Lord our God, and do not desire to sin or to transgress his commandments. Do righteousness all the days of your life, and do not walk in the ways of injustice. (6) For if you keep to the truth, there will be successes in your deeds. And to all who do righteousness (7) give alms from your possessions, and do not let your eye be envious when you give alms. Do not turn your face away from any poor person, and the face of God shall not be turned away from you. (8) If you have abundant possessions, give alms from them accordingly; if you have a little, do not be afraid to give alms according to that little. (9) For you will be storing up a good treasure for yourself against the day of necessity. (10) Therefore, alms delivers from death and prevents entering into the darkness. (11) For alms is a good gift to those who give them in the presence of the Most High.”

Vulgate (Challoner)

(4:1) Therefore when Tobias thought that his prayer was heard that he might die, he called to him Tobias his son, (2) And said to him: Hear, my son, the words of my mouth, and lay them as a foundation in thy heart. (3) When God shall take my soul, thou shalt bury my body: and thou shalt honour thy mother all the days of her life: (4) For thou must be mindful what and how great perils she suffered for thee in her womb. (5) And when she also shall have ended the time of her life, bury her by me.

(6) And all the days of thy life have God in thy mind: and take heed thou never consent to sin, nor transgress the commandments of the Lord our God. (7) Give alms out of thy substance, and turn not away thy face from any poor person: for so it shall come to pass that the face of the Lord shall not be turned from thee. (8) According to thy ability be merciful. (9) If thou have much give abundantly: if thou have a little, take care even so to bestow willingly a little. (10) For thus thou storest up to thyself a good reward for the day of necessity. (11) For alms deliver from all sin, and from death, and will not suffer the soul to go into darkness. (12) Alms shall be a great confidence before the most high God, to all them that give it.