King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:17 Mean?

Hebrews 11:17 in the King James Version says “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotte...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,”

Hebrews 11:17 · KJV

FaithSalvation

Context

15

And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

17

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

18

Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: of: or, to

19

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, This recounts Abraham's supreme test of faith: God's command to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise, the 'only begotten' (monogenēs, μονογενής—'unique,' 'one-of-a-kind') through whom all covenant promises depended. The verb 'offered up' (prosenenochenpresent perfect tense) indicates Abraham brought Isaac to the point of sacrifice, knife raised, before God intervened. In God's reckoning, Abraham completed the offering (Genesis 22:16: 'you have not withheld your son').

This trial tested everything: Abraham's love for God versus love for Isaac, faith in God's promises versus visible reality, trust in divine goodness versus apparent contradiction. How could God fulfill promises through Isaac if Isaac died? Abraham's faith resolved this paradox by trusting God's character and power beyond human understanding. He believed God could raise Isaac from the dead if necessary (v.19), demonstrating that genuine faith rests in God's ability to accomplish His will by any means, even resurrection.

This account profoundly foreshadows the gospel. As Abraham willingly offered his beloved son, so God the Father 'spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all' (Romans 8:32). But unlike Isaac, Christ wasn't spared—He actually died as the substitutionary sacrifice for sin. The ram caught in the thicket (Genesis 22:13) points to Christ, the substitute provided by God Himself. Abraham's faith in resurrection anticipates Christ's actual resurrection, securing our justification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 22 records this event occurring after Isaac was weaned and old enough to carry wood up Mount Moriah (the future temple site in Jerusalem). Abraham was approximately 100-120 years old. This trial came after decades of waiting for Isaac's birth, making the command to sacrifice him incomprehensibly difficult. Ancient Near Eastern child sacrifice to pagan deities like Molech was practiced, but God explicitly condemned it. God tested Abraham not to receive human sacrifice (which He abhors) but to demonstrate Abraham's supreme allegiance and to prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The test revealed the reality of Abraham's faith and provided a type of the gospel.

Reflection Questions

  1. What has God asked you to 'offer up'—to surrender completely, trusting Him with what you treasure most?
  2. How does Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac reflect God the Father's willingness to sacrifice Christ for you?
  3. In what areas do you need Abraham's faith to trust God's goodness even when His commands seem to contradict His promises?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Πίστει1 of 14

“By faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

προσέφερεν2 of 14

“offered up”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

Ἀβραὰμ3 of 14

“Abraham”

G11

abraham, the hebrew patriarch

τὸν4 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰσαὰκ5 of 14

“Isaac”

G2464

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

πειραζόμενος6 of 14

“when he was tried”

G3985

to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline

καὶ7 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸν8 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μονογενῆ9 of 14

“his only begotten”

G3439

only-born, i.e., sole

προσέφερεν10 of 14

“offered up”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

ὁ11 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τὰς12 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπαγγελίας13 of 14

“the promises”

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

ἀναδεξάμενος14 of 14

“he that had received”

G324

to entertain (as a guest)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Hebrews 11:17 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 Hebrews 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 22:16James 2:21-24Genesis 22:1-12James 5:111 Peter 1:6-7Revelation 3:10

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