King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:19 Mean?

Hebrews 11:19 in the King James Version says “Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 11:19 · KJV

Context

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.

20

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21

By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

Read Hebrews 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Abraham resolved the impossible paradox through resurrection faith. He 'accounted' (logisamenos, λογισάμενος, 'reckoned' or 'calculated'—same root used for imputed righteousness) that if Isaac died, God could and would raise him from the dead to fulfill His promises. This is Scripture's first explicit reference to resurrection faith, showing Abraham believed in God's power over death itself.

The phrase 'from whence also he received him in a figure' (en parabolē, ἐν παραβολῇ, 'in a parable' or 'as a type') indicates Abraham did receive Isaac back as from death. When the knife was raised, Isaac was as good as dead; when God provided the ram substitute, Abraham received Isaac back as if from resurrection. This served as a 'figure' or 'type'—a prophetic picture of Christ's actual death and resurrection. Isaac's three-day journey to Moriah (Genesis 22:4) prefigures Christ's three days in the tomb.

Abraham's resurrection faith reveals the essence of saving faith: confidence in God's power to bring life from death. This is the gospel pattern—Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We are saved by faith in resurrection power (Romans 10:9). Abraham looked forward to this through types and shadows; we look back at the accomplished reality. Both are saved by faith in the same God who 'gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist' (Romans 4:17 ESV).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Abraham lived approximately 2000 BC, roughly 2000 years before Christ's actual death and resurrection. Yet by divine revelation and faith, Abraham grasped the principle that God can and will bring life from death to accomplish His purposes. No one had yet been resurrected, making Abraham's faith in this possibility even more remarkable. His willingness to proceed with sacrificing Isaac, believing God could restore him, demonstrated faith in God's power beyond all human experience or precedent. This prefigures our faith in Christ's resurrection—an event unique in history, requiring faith in God's testimony rather than empirical proof.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Abraham's resurrection faith strengthen your confidence that God can bring life from the 'dead' situations you face?
  2. In what ways is Isaac a 'figure' or type of Christ, and how does understanding this deepen your appreciation of the gospel?
  3. What areas of your life require faith that God can resurrect what seems dead—relationships, ministries, hopes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
λογισάμενος1 of 15

“Accounting”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

ὅτι2 of 15

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ3 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

ἐκ4 of 15

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν5 of 15

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἐγείρειν6 of 15

“to raise him up”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

δυνατὸς7 of 15

“was able”

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

ὁ8 of 15
G3588

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

θεός9 of 15

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὅθεν10 of 15

“from whence”

G3606

from which place or source or cause (adverb or conjunction)

αὐτὸν11 of 15

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ12 of 15

“also”

G2532

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

ἐν13 of 15

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

παραβολῇ14 of 15

“a figure”

G3850

a similitude ("parable"), i.e., (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage

ἐκομίσατο15 of 15

“he received”

G2865

properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)

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 11:19 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 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 9:28Romans 4:17-21Genesis 22:13Ephesians 3:20Genesis 22:4-5Hebrews 11:11-12

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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