And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

GENESIS 22:6KJV
Know the Bible

Genesis 22:6 (KJV)

What does Genesis 22:6 mean?

Genesis 22:6 describes Abraham placing the wood for the burnt offering on his son Isaac, while Abraham himself carries the fire and the knife, and together they walk on toward the place of sacrifice. This verse shows both Abraham and Isaac actively participating in the journey, with Abraham preparing for the offering as God had commanded.

In this scene, Abraham is following God's instruction to offer Isaac as a burnt offering. Abraham and Isaac are alone, with Abraham carrying the tools needed for the sacrifice and Isaac carrying the wood. The verse quietly highlights the cooperation between father and son, and sets a somber, purposeful tone as they walk together toward an unknown outcome.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 22:6

  • עֹלָה (ʿolah, "offering"): This word refers specifically to a burnt offering, a sacrifice that is completely consumed by fire. Its use here makes clear that Abraham is preparing for a full and total sacrifice, not just a symbolic act.
  • יָחַד (yaḥad, "together"): The word translated "together" emphasizes that Abraham and Isaac are united in their journey. This detail adds emotional weight, showing their closeness and shared purpose at this critical moment.

Why Genesis 22:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Isaac is not just a passive figure; he is actively involved, carrying the wood himself, which adds to the emotional and narrative tension.
  • The detail that Abraham carries both the fire and the knife highlights his full responsibility for what is about to happen, underlining the seriousness of his obedience.
  • The phrase "they went both of them together" is repeated in the passage, drawing attention to the unity and relationship between Abraham and Isaac as they approach a moment of great testing.

Where else these words appear

“knife” Hebrew H3979 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 22:10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
  • Judges 19:29 And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.
  • Proverbs 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

“Isaac” Hebrew H3327 · used in 101 verses

  • Genesis 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
  • Genesis 26:16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
  • Genesis 35:28 And the days of Isaac were an hundred and fourscore years.

“together” Hebrew H3162 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 13:6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
  • Job 24:17 For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
  • Isaiah 41:1 Keep silence before me, O islands; and let the people renew their strength: let them come near; then let them speak: let us come near together to judgment.