King James Version

What Does Genesis 22:1 Mean?

Genesis 22:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, her...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. Behold: Heb. Behold me”

Genesis 22:1 · KJV

Context

1

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. Behold: Heb. Behold me

2

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.

3

And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

Read Genesis 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and ... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological truths about Binding of Isaac emerge from this passage?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַחַר֙2 of 13

“And it came to pass after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים3 of 13

“these things”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֔לֶּה4 of 13
H428

these or those

וְהָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים5 of 13

“that God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נִסָּ֖ה6 of 13

“did tempt”

H5254

to test; by implication, to attempt

אֶת7 of 13
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אַבְרָהָ֖ם8 of 13

“Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר9 of 13

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָ֔יו10 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְרָהָ֖ם11 of 13

“Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר12 of 13

“and he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּֽנִי׃13 of 13
H2009

lo!

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 22:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:17Deuteronomy 8:2James 2:21James 1:12-141 Peter 1:71 Corinthians 10:13

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