Bible Strands
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,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The author of Hebrews addresses a community of believers facing persecution or apostasy, using Abraham’s past obedience as a concrete example of enduring trust. The narrative moment points to the testing event recorded in Genesis 22, framed within a broader argument about heavenly citizenship and divine promise.
The words — Πίστει (Pistei) translates literally as “by faith,” while προσενήνοχεν (prosenēnochen) means “has offered up,” both anchoring the action in deliberate, covenantal trust rather than ritual compliance.
The thread — This event recurs in Genesis 22:1 and 22:16 as the historical test and divine oath, and is cited in James 2:21 to illustrate how works demonstrate justification. The Hebrews author explicitly links it to the promise in 11:18 that offspring would be reckoned through Isaac.
Why it lands — It demands a reader to evaluate whether their trust in God’s promises withstands the cost of obedience when outcomes appear impossible. The text requires a response of concrete action aligned with received word, not merely verbal assent.
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 Greek words
King James Version
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Cross-references
- Genesis 22:16 saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son,
- Genesis 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.
- James 2:21 Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
- James 5:11 See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
- 1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials
- Revelation 3:10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
- Proverbs 17:3 A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.
- 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.
- 2 Chronicles 32:31 And so when ambassadors of the rulers of Babylon were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that had happened in the land, God left him alone to test him, that He might know all that was in Hezekiah’s heart.
- Job 1:11 But stretch out Your hand and strike all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face.”