Devine Scripture

Genesis 22:11

What does Genesis 22:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 22:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 22:11 means

Just as Abraham is about to strike, the "angel of Jehovah" (a frequent Old Testament manifestation of God Himself) intervenes, calling out to him from heaven. The repetition of Abraham's name emphasizes the urgency and directness of the divine halt. Abraham's immediate response, "Here am I," mirrors his earlier readiness to obey God, now indicating his readiness to receive further instruction, signifying his continued attentiveness to the divine voice.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the voice of the angel of the Lord came from heaven, saying, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the messenger of Jehovah calleth unto him from the heavens, and saith, `Abraham, Abraham;' and he saith, `Here <FI>am<Fi> I;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold, an angel of the Lord from heaven called to him, saying: Abraham, Abraham. And he answered: Here I am.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the Angel of Jehovah called to him from the heavens, and said, Abraham, Abraham! And he said, Here am I.

Context

This verse marks the dramatic moment of divine intervention, coming precisely when Abraham is about to fulfill the sacrifice. It immediately follows Abraham's drawing of the knife, halting the process at its most critical juncture. This angel's call introduces God's merciful provision and the resolution of the immediate crisis, preparing for the explanation of Abraham's demonstrated faith.

v.10And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

v.11This passage

v.12And he said, Lay not thy hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him; for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 22:16

    and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,

  • Acts 26:14

    And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying unto me in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the goad.

  • Exodus 3:4

    And when Jehovah saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

  • Genesis 16:7

    And the angel of Jehovah found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

  • Genesis 22:12

    And he said, Lay not thy hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him; for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me.

  • Genesis 21:17

    And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

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