Devine Scripture

Genesis 22:1

What does Genesis 22:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 22:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 22:1 means

This verse opens with God initiating a profound test for Abraham, an event occurring some unspecified time after the previous chapter's events. The Hebrew word for "prove" (nissah) implies a test designed to reveal the depth and genuineness of one's faith and obedience, not to discover something God didn't already know. Abraham's immediate and simple response, "Here am I," demonstrates his readiness and submission to God's call, setting the tone for his remarkable obedience throughout this challenging episode. This test would push Abraham to the limits of his trust in God's promises.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham; and he said, Here am I.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham; and he said, Here am I.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now after these things, God put Abraham to the test, and said to him, Abraham; and he said, Here am I.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And it cometh to pass after these things that God hath tried Abraham, and saith unto him, `Abraham;' and he saith, `Here <FI>am<Fi> I.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

After these things, God tempted Abraham, and said to him: Abraham, Abraham. And he answered: Here I am.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it came to pass after these things, thatGod tried Abraham, and said to him, Abraham! and he said, Here am I.

Context

This verse serves as the critical introduction to the chapter's central drama. It immediately establishes that the events about to unfold are not random but a deliberate divine test of Abraham's faith. Following the earlier birth of Isaac, this severe command sets up the ultimate challenge to Abraham's relationship with God, particularly regarding the son through whom all God's promises were to be fulfilled.

v.1This passage

v.2And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest, even Isaac, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 6:8

    And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me.

  • Exodus 16:4

    Then said Jehovah unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or not.

  • 1 Peter 1:7

    that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:

  • James 2:21

    Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?

  • Hebrews 11:17

    By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;

  • Judges 2:22

    that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of Jehovah to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Genesis 22

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Genesis 22.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Genesis 22:1.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary