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

HEBREWS 11:17KJV
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Hebrews 11:17 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 11:17 mean?

Hebrews 11:17 says that Abraham, when he was tested, offered up his son Isaac by faith, even though Isaac was the son through whom God had promised Abraham’s descendants. This verse highlights Abraham’s willingness to trust God completely, even when asked to give up what was most precious to him.

The writer of Hebrews is speaking to Jewish Christians, reminding them of the faith shown by their ancestors. The verse refers to the story in Genesis where God asks Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, showing the depth of Abraham’s trust in God’s promises. This moment is used as an example of faith that acts even when the outcome is unclear.

The Greek behind Hebrews 11:17

  • πίστις (pistis, G4102): This word is translated as "faith" and carries the sense of trust, confidence, or reliance. Here, it emphasizes that Abraham’s actions were rooted in a deep trust in God, not just belief in general.
  • πειράζω (peirazō, G3985): Translated as "tried" or "tested," this word often means to test or prove someone’s character. The verse points out that Abraham’s faith was not theoretical; it was proven through a real, difficult test.
  • προσφέρω (prospherō, G4374): This word is used twice for "offered up," highlighting the deliberate and active nature of Abraham’s obedience. It suggests a formal act of giving or presenting, underlining that Abraham was willing to go through with the sacrifice.
  • μονογενής (monogenēs, G3439): Translated as "only begotten," this word means unique or one-of-a-kind son. It stresses that Isaac was not just any son, but the uniquely promised child, making Abraham’s willingness to offer him even more striking.

Why Hebrews 11:17 matters

  • Hebrews 11:17 clarifies that faith is not just belief but trust that leads to action, even when God’s commands seem to threaten what He has promised.
  • The verse emphasizes that Abraham’s test was not just about obedience, but about holding onto God’s promises even when circumstances seemed impossible.
  • This verse connects Abraham’s story to the broader theme of Hebrews 11, which is about people who lived by faith and trusted God’s character above their own understanding.

Where else these words appear

“received” Greek G324 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

“begotten” Greek G3439 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
  • Luke 9:38 And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child.
  • John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

“Isaac” Greek G2464 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
  • Romans 9:10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;

“tried” Greek G3985 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • Luke 11:16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?