Devine Scripture

Genesis 22:10

What does Genesis 22:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 22:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 22:10 means

In the ultimate act of faith and obedience, Abraham extends his hand and takes the knife, fully intent on slaying Isaac. This moment represents the absolute peak of his test, where his complete devotion to God transcends even his natural paternal love and the promise of his lineage through Isaac. It demonstrates that Abraham placed God's command and character above all else, proving his willingness to sacrifice his most precious possession at God's bidding.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And stretching out his hand, Abraham took the knife to put his son to death.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Abraham putteth forth his hand, and taketh the knife--to slaughter his son.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he put forth his hand, and took the sword, to sacrifice his son.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Abraham stretched out his hand, and took the knife to slaughter his son.

Context

This verse describes the climax of Abraham's obedience, directly following the binding of Isaac and his placement on the altar. It shows Abraham's unwavering resolve to fulfill God's command, bringing the narrative to its most intense and heartbreaking point. This moment of ultimate commitment immediately precedes and sets the stage for God's divine intervention, which will dramatically alter the course of events.

v.9And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.

v.10This passage

v.11And the angel of Jehovah called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.

Cross references

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

  • 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;

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