King James Version

What Does Genesis 22:14 Mean?

Genesis 22:14 in the King James Version says “And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. Jehovahjireh: that is, The Lord will see, or, provide”

Genesis 22:14 · KJV

Context

12

And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

13

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

14

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. Jehovahjireh: that is, The Lord will see, or, provide

15

And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,

16

And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:

Read Genesis 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of ... 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. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיִּקְרָ֧א1 of 13

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אַבְרָהָ֛ם2 of 13

“And Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

שֵֽׁם3 of 13

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַמָּק֥וֹם4 of 13

“of that place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

הַה֖וּא5 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֵֽרָאֶֽה׃7 of 13

“it shall be seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֲשֶׁר֙8 of 13

“as”

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יֵֽאָמֵ֣ר9 of 13

“it is said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַיּ֔וֹם10 of 13

“to this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְּהַ֥ר11 of 13

“In the mount”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 13

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֵֽרָאֶֽה׃13 of 13

“it shall be seen”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 22:14 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 22:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 22:13Exodus 17:15Genesis 22:8Judges 6:24Genesis 16:13-14Psalms 22:4-5

Places in This Verse

The Lord Will ProvideHill · Modern: Mount Moriah · 31.78°N, 35.24°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Genesis 22 →

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