CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/11-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/58_Heb_11_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 11:17 - The Faith of Abraham and Sarah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hebrews/11-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hebrews/11-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hebrews/">Hebrews</a> > <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm" title="Hebrews 11:16">◄</a> Hebrews 11:17 <a href="/hebrews/11-18.htm" title="Hebrews 11:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/hebrews/11.htm">New International Version</a> By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, <a href="/esv/hebrews/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By faith Abraham, being tested, has offered up Isaac. Even the one having received the promises was offering up his only begotten son, <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11.htm">King James Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/11.htm">New King James Version</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and the one who had received the promises was offering up his only son; <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; <a href="/lsb/hebrews/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only son, <a href="/amp/hebrews/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested [that is, as the testing of his faith was still in progress], offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises [of God] was ready to sacrifice his only son [of promise]; <a href="/csb/hebrews/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son, <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and he was offering his unique son, <a href="/asv/hebrews/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; <a href="/erv/hebrews/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; <a href="/gwt/hebrews/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When God tested Abraham, faith led him to offer his son Isaac. Abraham, the one who received the promises from God, was willing to offer his only son as a sacrifice. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> It was faith that made Abraham offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice when God put Abraham to the test. Abraham was the one to whom God had made the promise, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice. <a href="/isv/hebrews/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered Isaac—he who had received the promises was about to offer his unique son in sacrifice, <a href="/msb/hebrews/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, <a href="/net/hebrews/11.htm">NET Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received the promises, yet he was ready to offer up his only son. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac; and he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his one and only son; <a href="/wbt/hebrews/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only-begotten son, <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Through faith Abraham, as soon as God put him to the test, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had joyfully welcomed the promises was on the point of sacrificing his only son <a href="/web/hebrews/11.htm">World English Bible</a> By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his only born son, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> By faith Abraham has offered up Isaac, being tried, even the [one] having received the promises offered up his only begotten, <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By faith Abraham, being tested, has offered up Isaac. Even the one having received the promises was offering up his only begotten son, <a href="/ylt/hebrews/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> By faith Abraham hath offered up Isaac, being tried, and the only begotten he did offer up who did receive the promises, <a href="/slt/hebrews/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> By faith Abraham had brought near Isaac, being tried: and he having received the promises brought near the only born,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered Isaac: and he that had received the promises, offered up his only begotten son; <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> By faith, Abraham, when he was tested, offered Isaac, so that he who had received the promises was offering up his only son. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/11.htm">New American Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son, <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac: he lifted upon the altar his only begotten son, even that very one who had been received in the promise. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> By faith, Abraham offered Isaac during his testing, and laid his only son on the altar, whom he had received by The Promise.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: even his first-born, did he that had received the promises, offer up, <a href="/godbey/hebrews/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac: and the one having received the promises offered up his only begotten son, <a href="/haweis/hebrews/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promise, presented in sacrifice his only begotten son, <a href="/mace/hebrews/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 'Twas by faith that Abraham, when put to the trial, offered up Isaac: HE offered up his darling son, to whose posterity the promises were to be made good: <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Through faith Abraham, as soon as God put him to the test, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had joyfully welcomed the promises was on the point of sacrificing his only son <a href="/worrell/hebrews/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> By faith Abraham, when tried, has offered up Isaac; yea, he who gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son, <a href="/worsley/hebrews/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he who had received the promises, offered up his only son; <a href="/parallel/hebrews/11-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2248" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">The Faith of Abraham and Sarah</a> …16Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. 17<a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: Pistei (N-DFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">By faith</a> <a href="/greek/11.htm" title="11: Abraam (N-NMS) -- Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.">Abraham,</a> <a href="/greek/3985.htm" title="3985: peirazomenos (V-PPM/P-NMS) -- To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.">when he was tested,</a> <a href="/greek/4374.htm" title="4374: prosenēnochen (V-RIA-3S) -- From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat.">offered up</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2464.htm" title="2464: Isaak (N-AMS) -- (Hebrew), Isaac, the patriarch. Of Hebrew origin; Isaac, the son of Abraham.">Isaac on the altar.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">He who</a> <a href="/greek/324.htm" title="324: anadexamenos (V-APM-NMS) -- To welcome, receive kindly; I undertake, assume the responsibility of. From ana and dechomai; to entertain.">had received</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1860.htm" title="1860: epangelias (N-AFP) -- A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.">promises</a> <a href="/greek/4374.htm" title="4374: prosepheren (V-IIA-3S) -- From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat.">was ready to offer</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3439.htm" title="3439: monogenē (Adj-AMS) -- Only, only-begotten; unique. From monos and ginomai; only-born, i.e. Sole.">one and only son,</a> 18even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/22-1.htm">Genesis 22:1-18</a> Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. / “Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” / So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated. ... <a href="/james/2-21.htm">James 2:21-23</a> Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? / You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did. / And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God. <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Romans 4:18-22</a> Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” / Without weakening in his faith, he acknowledged the decrepitness of his body (since he was about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of Sarah’s womb. / Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ... <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Galatians 3:6-9</a> So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” / Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” ... <a href="/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12</a> But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. <a href="/romans/9-7.htm">Romans 9:7-9</a> Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. / For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” <a href="/john/8-56.htm">John 8:56</a> Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” <a href="/genesis/15-4.htm">Genesis 15:4-6</a> Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” / And the LORD took him outside and said, “Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.” Then He told him, “So shall your offspring be.” / Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness. <a href="/genesis/17-19.htm">Genesis 17:19</a> But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. <a href="/genesis/18-10.htm">Genesis 18:10-14</a> Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. / And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. / So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” ... <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a> Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” <a href="/genesis/26-2.htm">Genesis 26:2-5</a> The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt. Settle in the land where I tell you. / Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. / I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, ... <a href="/genesis/28-13.htm">Genesis 28:13-15</a> And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. / Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” <a href="/romans/8-32.htm">Romans 8:32</a> He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things? <a href="/galatians/4-28.htm">Galatians 4:28</a> Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,faith.<a href="/genesis/22-1.htm">Genesis 22:1-12</a> And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am… <a href="/james/2-21.htm">James 2:21-24</a> Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? … when.<a href="/deuteronomy/8-2.htm">Deuteronomy 8:2</a> And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.<a href="/2_chronicles/32-31.htm">2 Chronicles 32:31</a> Howbeit in the business of the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto him to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left him, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart.<a href="/job/1-11.htm">Job 1:11,12</a> But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face… received.<a href="/hebrews/7-6.htm">Hebrews 7:6</a> But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.offered.<a href="/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12</a> For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.only.<a href="/genesis/22-2.htm">Genesis 22:2,16</a> And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of… <a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-5.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Body</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/philippians/2-28.htm">Gladly</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-9.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-34.htm">Joyfully</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/john/3-18.htm">Only-Begotten</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-1.htm">Point</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Promises</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Received</a> <a href="/acts/14-18.htm">Sacrificing</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-9.htm">Test</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-9.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Welcomed</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-39.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/james/1-18.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-22.htm">Body</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-20.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Gladly</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-18.htm">Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Joyfully</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Offer</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-35.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-11.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/john/1-14.htm">Only-Begotten</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-4.htm">Point</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-33.htm">Promises</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Received</a> <a href="/exodus/22-20.htm">Sacrificing</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-20.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/james/1-12.htm">Test</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-36.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-29.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-31.htm">Welcomed</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 11</div>1. <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">What faith is.</a> 6. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Without faith we cannot please God.</a> 7. <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>By faith Abraham, when he was tested, This phrase highlights the central theme of faith in the life of Abraham. The testing of Abraham is a pivotal moment in biblical history, reflecting the trials believers may face. The test refers to the command from God to sacrifice his son Isaac, as recorded in <a href="/genesis/22.htm">Genesis 22</a>. This event is a profound example of faith and obedience, as Abraham trusted God's promise despite the seemingly contradictory command. The testing of faith is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in the lives of Job, Joseph, and others, emphasizing that faith often requires trust beyond human understanding.offered up Isaac on the altar. Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac is a demonstration of his complete trust in God. The altar, a place of sacrifice, symbolizes submission and worship. This act prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who was offered for the sins of the world. The location, Mount Moriah, is traditionally associated with the future site of the Temple in Jerusalem, linking this event to the sacrificial system established in the Law of Moses. Abraham's action is a type of Christ's sacrifice, illustrating the concept of substitutionary atonement.He who had received the promises Abraham had received promises from God, including the promise of numerous descendants and that through his offspring all nations would be blessed (<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2-3, 15</a>:5). These promises were foundational to the Abrahamic Covenant, which is central to the narrative of the Old Testament and the unfolding plan of redemption. The promises were not just for physical descendants but pointed to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, through whom the ultimate blessing would come.was ready to offer his one and only son, Isaac is referred to as Abraham's "one and only son," emphasizing the uniqueness and preciousness of the sacrifice. Although Abraham had another son, Ishmael, Isaac was the child of promise, born to Sarah in her old age as a result of God's miraculous intervention. This phrase underscores the depth of Abraham's faith, as he was willing to give up what was most dear to him. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God the Father offering His one and only Son, Jesus, for the salvation of humanity (<a href="/john/3-16.htm">John 3:16</a>). This typology highlights the parallel between Isaac and Jesus, both beloved sons offered in obedience to God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. He is a central figure in the account of Genesis and is often referred to as the "father of faith." 2. <a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a> The son of Abraham and Sarah, considered the child of promise through whom God's covenant with Abraham would be fulfilled. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_test.htm">The Test</a> Refers to the event where God tested Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, as recorded in <a href="/bsb/genesis/22.htm">Genesis 22</a>. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_altar.htm">The Altar</a> The place where Abraham was prepared to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, demonstrating his obedience and trust in God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_promises.htm">The Promises</a> Refers to the covenant promises God made to Abraham, including the promise of numerous descendants and a great nation through Isaac.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_tested_and_proven.htm">Faith Tested and Proven</a> Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates that true faith often involves testing. Believers should be prepared for their faith to be tested and proven through trials. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god.htm">Obedience to God</a> Abraham's immediate response to God's command shows the importance of obedience in the life of a believer. Obedience is a natural outflow of genuine faith. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_promises.htm">Trust in God's Promises</a> Despite the seemingly contradictory nature of God's command, Abraham trusted that God would fulfill His promises. Believers are called to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances are challenging. <a href="/topical/f/foreshadowing_of_christ.htm">Foreshadowing of Christ</a> The event foreshadows God's sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of humanity. It serves as a reminder of God's ultimate provision and love. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_works.htm">Faith and Works</a> Abraham's actions illustrate the harmony between faith and works. Genuine faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 11</a> <a href="/q/who_believed_in_the_old_testament.htm">Who were the believers in the Old Testament?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_it_mean_to_always_rejoice.htm">Who were the sons of Abraham?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_kingdom_of_priests.htm">What does 'God will provide the lamb' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'leap_of_faith'_mean.htm">What does "Leap of Faith" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) The patriarchs displayed their faith in the attitude of their whole life, and in their death. This has been the thought of the preceding verses; the writer now passes to the lessons taught by particular actions and events.Tried.--<a href="/genesis/22-1.htm" title="And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said to him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.">Genesis 22:1</a> : "God did tempt Abraham." The following word is in the Greek "hath offered up Isaac," and several other examples of a similar peculiarity will present themselves in this chapter. As in former cases (<a href="/hebrews/4-9.htm" title="There remains therefore a rest to the people of God.">Hebrews 4:9</a>; <a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm" title="If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?">Hebrews 7:11</a>; <a href="/hebrews/10-9.htm" title="Then said he, See, I come to do your will, O God. He takes away the first, that he may establish the second.">Hebrews 10:9</a>) the reference is to the permanent record of Scripture, in which the fact related is ever present. Abraham stands before us there as having offered his son. It will be seen that the offering is spoken of as if consummated. As regards faith the sacrifice was indeed complete; the perfect surrender of will had been made, and the hand was stretched out for the deed.And he that had received the promises offered up.--Rather, and he that had welcomed (gladly accepted) the promises was offering up. From the figurative accomplishment of the deed the writer passes to the historical narrative; hence we read, "he . . . was (in the act of) offering." This clause and <a href="/hebrews/11-18.htm" title="Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall your seed be called:">Hebrews 11:18</a> set forth the greatness of the sacrifice (compare <a href="/genesis/22-2.htm" title="And he said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and get you into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of.">Genesis 22:2</a>, in the literal rendering, "Take now thy son, thine only one, whom thou lovest, Isaac"); <a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm" title="Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from where also he received him in a figure.">Hebrews 11:19</a> explains the operation of his faith. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 17-19. - By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up (literally, hath offered up, denoting an accomplished act of which the significance continues) Isaac: and he that had received (rather, accepted, implying his own assent and belief) the promises offered up his only begotten son, he to whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. The above rendering varies slightly from the A.V. in vers. 18, 19. For, in ver. 18, πρὸς ο{ν is more naturally connected with the immediate antecedent, ὁ ἀναδεξάμενος, than with μονογενῆ: and, in ver. 19, there is no need to supply "him" after ἐγείρειν: the Greek seems obviously to express belief in God's general power to raise from the dead, not his power in that instance only. The offering of Isaac (specially instanced also by St. James, if. 21), stands out as the crowning instance of Abraham's faith. The very son, so king expected, and at length, as it were, supernaturally given, - he in whose single life was bound up all hope of fulfillment of the promise, was to be sacrificed after all, and so seemingly all hope cut off. Yet Abraham is represented as not hesitating for a moment to do in simple faith what seemed God's will, and still not wavering in his hope of a fulfillment somehow. Such faith is here regarded as virtually faith in God's power even to raise the dead. (For a similar view of Abraham's faith as representing "the hope and resurrection of the dead," comp. <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17, 24</a>.) The expression, "In Isaac shall thy seed be called" (literally, "In Isaac shall be called to thee a seed"), quoted from <a href="/genesis/21-12.htm">Genesis 21:12</a>, means, not that the seed should be called after the name of Isaac, but that the seed to be called Abraham's should be in Isaac, i.e. his issue. The concluding phrase, "Whence also he received him in a figure" (literally, "in a parable," ἐν παραβολῇ), has been variously interpreted. Notwithstanding the authority of many modern common-taters, we may certainly reject the view of παραβολῇ carrying here the sense borne by the verb παραβάλλεσθαι, that of venturing or exposing one's self to risk, or that of the adverb παραβόλως, unexpectedly. Even if the noun παραβολή could be shown by any instance to bear such senses, its ordinary use in the New Testament as well as in the LXX. must surely be understood here. It expresses (under the idea of comparison, or setting one thing by the side of another) an illustration, representation, or figure of something. Its use in this sense in the Gospels is familiar to us all; elsewhere in the New Testament it occurs only in this Epistle, <a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Hebrews 9:9</a>, where the "first tabernacle" is spoken of as a παραβολή. Still, the question remains of the exact drift of this expression, ἐν παραβολῇ. It surely is, that, though Isaac did not really die, but only the ram in his stead, yet the transaction represented to Abraham an actual winning of iris son from the dead; he did so win him in the way of an acted parable, which confirmed his faith in God's power to raise the dead as much as if the lad had died. For such use of the preposition ἐν we may compare <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a>, βλέπομεν δἰ ἐσόπτρου ἐν αἰνίγματι, which may mean (notwithstanding the different view of it given doubtfully by the distinguished commentator on the Epistle in the 'Speaker's Commentary'), "We see, not actually, but in the way of an enigmatical representation, as through a mirror." The above seems a mere natural meaning of the phrase, ἐν παραβολῇ, than that of the commentators who interpret it "in such sort as to be a parable or type of something else to crone," viz. of the death and resurrection of Christ. It does not, of course, follow that the transaction was not typical of Christ, or that the writer does net so regard it; we are only considering what his language fit itself implies. Rendered literally, and with retention of the order of the words, the sentence runs: "From whence [i.e. from the dead] him [i.e. Isaac, αὐτόν being slightly emphatic, as is shown by its position in the sentence, equivalent to illum, not eum; and this suitably after the general proposition preceding] he did too in a parable win [ἐκομίσατο, equivalent to sibi acquisivit; cf. ver. 39, οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν]." With regard to what we may call the moral aspect of this peculiar trial of Abraham's faith, a few words may be said, since a difficulty naturally suggests itself on the subject. How, it may be asked, is it consistent with our ideas of Divine righteousness, that even readiness to slay his son should be required of Abraham as a duty? How are we to account for this apparent sanction of the principle of human sacrifices? To the latter question we may reply, in the first place, that the narrative in Genesis, taken as a whole, affords no such sanction, but very much the contrary. All we are told is that the great patriarch, in the course of his religious training, was once divinely led to suppose such a sacrifice to be required of him. The offering of sons was not unusual in the ancient races among where Abraham lived; and, however shocking such a practice might be, and however condemned in later Scripture, it was due, we may say. to the perversion only of a true instinct of humanity - that which suggests the need of some great atonement, and the claim of the Giver of all to our best and dearest, if demanded from us. That Abraham should be even divinely led to suppose for a time that his God required him to express his acknowledgment of this need and this claim by not withholding from him as much as even the heathen were accustomed to offer to their gods, is consistent with God's general way of educating men to a full knowledge of the truth. But the sacrifice was ill the end emphatically forbidden by a voice from heaven; to Abraham thenceforth, and to his seed for ever, it was made dearly known that, though God does require atonement for sin and entire submission to his will, he does not require violence to be done to tender human feeling, or any cruel rites. <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/11-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>By faith Πίστει (Pistei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. Abraham, Ἀβραὰμ (Abraam) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_11.htm">Strong's 11: </a> Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch. when he was tested, πειραζόμενος (peirazomenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3985.htm">Strong's 3985: </a> To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline. offered up προσενήνοχεν (prosenēnochen) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4374.htm">Strong's 4374: </a> From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat. Isaac [ on the altar ]. Ἰσαὰκ (Isaak) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2464.htm">Strong's 2464: </a> (Hebrew), Isaac, the patriarch. Of Hebrew origin; Isaac, the son of Abraham. He who ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. had received ἀναδεξάμενος (anadexamenos) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_324.htm">Strong's 324: </a> To welcome, receive kindly; I undertake, assume the responsibility of. From ana and dechomai; to entertain. the τὰς (tas) Article - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. promises ἐπαγγελίας (epangelias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1860.htm">Strong's 1860: </a> A promise. From epaggello; an announcement. was ready to offer προσέφερεν (prosepheren) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4374.htm">Strong's 4374: </a> From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat. [his] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. one and only son, μονογενῆ (monogenē) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3439.htm">Strong's 3439: </a> Only, only-begotten; unique. From monos and ginomai; only-born, i.e. Sole. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham being tested offered up (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 11:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/11-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 11:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>