Genesis 22

Berean Standard Bible · Compare translations · 2056 BC – 2035 BC · The patriarchs · Tap a verse to copy, share or highlight ·

24 verses · 543 words · ~3 min read · ~4 min listen

The Offering of Isaac

The LordProvides the Sacrifice

The Sons of Nahor

Footnotes (6)
  1. a v11 Or Angel; also in verses 12 and 15
  2. b v12 Or from Me
  3. c v13 Most MT manuscripts; other Hebrew manuscripts, SP, LXX, and Syriac saw one ram
  4. d v14 Hebrew YHWH Yireh
  5. e v17 Cited in Hebrews 6:14
  6. f v18 Cited in Acts 3:25

Study notes on this chapter · 2

Prophecy & fulfillmentLinked by the New Testament

All nations blessed through Abraham

God promises Abraham that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him, and later that this will come through his 'offspring'. Paul says Scripture 'preached the gospel beforehand' to Abraham and that the offspring is ultimately Christ.

When: Promised to Abraham (traditionally c. 2000 BC); applied by Paul in Galatians (c. AD 48–55).

Where the New Testament applies itGalatians 3:8Galatians 3:16Acts 3:25

Editorial note by BibleWay. Interpretations vary; dates are approximate scholarly estimates.

Type / patternWidely held reading

The binding of Isaac

God tests Abraham by asking him to offer his beloved son Isaac. A ram is provided instead, and Abraham names the place 'The LORD will provide'. Hebrews says Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and received Isaac back 'figuratively'. Many Christian readers link Isaac and the ram with the Father's giving of his Son, and Romans 8:32 echoes the wording.

When: Genesis (traditionally c. 1900 BC); Romans, c. AD 57; Hebrews, before AD 70 (most likely).

Original passageGenesis 22:1–14
Where the New Testament applies itHebrews 11:17–19
Ways people read this (3)
  • A pattern pointing to the cross: a beloved son, a wood-bearing walk up the mountain, and a substitute provided.
  • Jewish tradition (the Akedah) reads the story as a model of obedience and as a merit on which later generations rely.
  • The narrative's plain point is God's rejection of child sacrifice and his provision for Abraham's faith.

Editorial note by BibleWay. Interpretations vary; dates are approximate scholarly estimates.

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