Raphael

Etymology

From 'rapha' (to heal) and 'El' (God). One of only three archangels named in the broader biblical tradition (with Michael and Gabriel). Raphael appears by name only in the deuterocanonical book of Tobit.

Who they were

Raphael appears in the book of Tobit, which is canonical for Catholic and Orthodox Christians and part of the Apocrypha for Protestants. He is sent by God to heal two people simultaneously: Tobit, an elderly righteous man struck blind, and Sarah, a young woman tormented by a demon who killed her seven successive husbands on their wedding nights. Raphael disguises himself as a human named Azariah and accompanies Tobit's son Tobias on a dangerous journey. Along the way, he instructs Tobias to catch a fish whose organs contain healing properties. The fish's gall cures Tobit's blindness; its heart and liver drive away the demon from Sarah. Raphael also arranges the marriage of Tobias and Sarah. At the end, he reveals his true identity: 'I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints.' The name has been beloved across cultures for centuries, perhaps because healing is the most universally desired gift. In art, Raphael is often depicted carrying a fish — the instrument of the healing he orchestrated. The Renaissance painter Raphael Sanzio carried this name, and its association with beauty, healing, and divine care has never faded.

Character qualities

• Disguised helper
• Agent of healing
• Protector of travellers
• Revealer of divine purpose

Key verse

Tobit 12:15

Where they appear

Themes

Variants & related forms

Rafael · Rafe · Rafaël

Related names