Bible Strands
Genesis 22:1
Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — God addresses Abraham at an unspecified time following prior events, initiating a direct divine call. Abraham responds immediately with readiness.
The words — The Hebrew verb נִסָּה (ni.Sah) literally means "he put to the test," establishing the verse's core action. The opening phrase וַ/יְהִי אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה (va/y.Hi 'a.Char ha./de.va.Rim ha./'E.leh) translates to "and it was after the these things," marking a temporal shift.
The thread — The testing motif reappears in Hebrews 11:17 and James 2:21, which cite this event to illustrate faith and justification. Deuteronomy 8:2 parallels the concept by describing wilderness trials as divine humbling.
Why it lands — The text demands immediate obedience in response to a divine summons that precedes any stated command. It requires the reader to confront the reality of unconditional submission before understanding the purpose of the trial.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 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,
- Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.
- James 2:21 Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
- James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.
- 1 Peter 1:7 so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
- Proverbs 17:3 A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.
- Genesis 22:7 Then Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” “Here I am, my son,” he replied. “The fire and the wood are here,” said Isaac, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
- Genesis 22:11 Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.
- Exodus 15:25 And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log. And when he cast it into the waters, they were sweetened. There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them,