Raphael translates to “God heals” or “He who heals” in Hebrew, underscoring his association with healing and divine restoration.
Means “medicine of God” or “God heals,” representing the healing power of God.
Mathias de Stefano
Biblical Appearances
Book of Tobit
Raphael is central to the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit, found in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. He appears disguised as a human named Azarias. He accompanies Tobias, the son of Tobit, on a journey during which he helps to heal Tobias’s father Tobit of blindness and to drive away a demon named Asmodeus.
Raphael eventually reveals his true identity, stating:
“I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord, ready to serve him.“
He is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible or most Protestant versions of the Bible.
Healer
Raphael is invoked for healing in matters of health, emotional well-being, and protection during travel. He is believed to have the ability to heal physical illnesses as well as emotional distress.
Protector of Travelers
As shown in the Book of Tobit, Raphael also serves as a guardian for travelers, ensuring their safe passage and return.
Raphael is often depicted in art as holding a staff or a fish, referencing his narrative in the Book of Tobit where a fish’s gall was used to heal Tobit’s blindness.
In Islam Raphael is believed to be one of the four major archangels, known as Israfil in Islamic tradition. Though not explicitly named in the Quran, he is believed to be the angel responsible for signaling the Day of Judgment by blowing a horn.
