King James Version

What Does Hebrews 11:20 Mean?

Hebrews 11:20 in the King James Version says “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 11:20 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

22

By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. made: or, remembered

Read Hebrews 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Despite being old and blind, Isaac blessed his sons by faith, speaking prophetically about their futures. The Greek peri mellontōn (περὶ μελλόντων, 'concerning things to come') indicates Isaac's blessings weren't mere wishes but prophetic declarations about God's sovereign purposes for his descendants. Though Isaac initially intended to bless Esau, God's elective purposes ensured Jacob received the covenant blessing (Genesis 27).

Isaac's faith appears in his acceptance of God's sovereign choice after discovering Jacob's deception. Rather than cursing Jacob or revoking the blessing, Isaac confirmed it: 'Yea, and he shall be blessed' (Genesis 27:33). This demonstrates faith's submission to divine sovereignty even when it contradicts personal preference. Isaac recognized God's hand overruling his own plans, surrendering to purposes higher than his own will.

This illustrates the Reformed doctrine of unconditional election—God's choice of Jacob over Esau 'not of works, but of him that calleth' (Romans 9:11-13). Isaac's patriarchal blessing carried covenantal authority, transmitting promises from Abraham through the chosen line. His faith believed God's purposes would prevail through his descendants, trusting divine promises regarding future realities he would never see fulfilled in his lifetime.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaac lived approximately 1850 BC. Ancient Near Eastern culture invested profound significance in paternal blessings, which conveyed inheritance rights, family leadership, and covenant promises. The firstborn typically received the primary blessing, making Isaac's intended blessing of Esau culturally normative. However, God had revealed to Rebekah before the twins' birth that 'the elder shall serve the younger' (Genesis 25:23), overruling cultural custom through sovereign election. Isaac's confirmation of Jacob's blessing, despite the deception, acknowledged God's predetermined purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Isaac's submission to God's sovereign purposes challenge your own response when God's will contradicts your preferences?
  2. What does this passage teach about God's electing grace working through imperfect human instruments?
  3. In what ways should faith in God's future promises shape how you invest in the next generation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Πίστει1 of 10

“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

περὶ2 of 10

“concerning”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

μελλόντων3 of 10

“things to come”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

εὐλόγησεν4 of 10

“blessed”

G2127

to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)

Ἰσαὰκ5 of 10

“Isaac”

G2464

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

τὸν6 of 10
G3588

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

Ἰακὼβ7 of 10

“Jacob”

G2384

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

καὶ8 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

τὸν9 of 10
G3588

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

Ἠσαῦ10 of 10

“Esau”

G2269

esau, an edomite

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 11:20 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 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 27:27-40Genesis 28:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

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