Hebrews 11:19

Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The author of Hebrews addresses Jewish Christians enduring persecution, using the moment when Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Isaac as a case study. This explanation follows the immediate statement that God had promised Isaac would be the line through which offspring would be reckoned.

The words — λογισάμενος (logisamenos) means “having reasoned” or “counting,” and δυνατός (dunatos) means “able.” The text states Abraham calculated that God was able to raise the dead, a factual claim that the author later interprets as Abraham receiving Isaac back in a figurative sense.

The thread — The concept of God raising the dead runs into Romans 4:17, which describes Abraham believing in the God who gives life to the dead, and connects to Genesis 22:13 where a ram is provided instead. The theme of divine ability framing faith also appears in Matthew 9:28, where the question of God’s power precedes the request for healing.

Why it lands — The passage requires the reader to act on God’s stated promises rather than visible circumstances. It demands a practical trust that God’s power can intervene even when outcomes appear final.

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

λογισάμενοςlogisamenoshaving reasoned ὅτιhotithat καὶkaieven ἐκekout from νεκρῶνnekrōn[the] dead ἐγείρεινegeireinto raise δυνατὸςdunatosable [was]ὁho<the>θεός,theosGod,ὅθενhothenfrom where αὐτὸνautonhim καὶkaialso ἐνenin παραβολῇparabolēaa simile ἐκομίσατο.¶ekomisatohe received.

King James Version

Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Cross-references

Matthew 9:28 After Jesus had entered the house, the blind men came to Him. “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” He asked. “Yes, Lord,” they answered.
Romans 4:17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not yet exist.
Genesis 22:13 Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,
Genesis 22:4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.
Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised.
Romans 5:14 Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the way that Adam transgressed. He is a pattern of the One to come.
Hebrews 9:24 For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.