Devine Scripture

Genesis 22:12

What does Genesis 22:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 22:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 22:12 means

The angel's command to stop reveals the purpose of the test: not for God to gain knowledge, but for Abraham's faith to be proven and exhibited. The statement, "for now I know that thou fearest God," signifies that Abraham's unwavering obedience has definitively demonstrated his reverence and profound trust in God, even to the point of not withholding his "only son." God had no intention of letting Isaac die, but He required Abraham's full and sacrificial willingness to obey.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he said, Let not your hand be stretched out against the boy to do anything to him; for now I am certain that the fear of God is in your heart, because you have not kept back your son, your only son, from me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and He saith, `Put not forth thine hand unto the youth, nor do anything to him, for now I have known that thou art fearing God, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only one, from Me.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he said to him: Lay not thy hand upon the boy, neither do thou any thing to him: now I know that thou fearest God, and hast not spared thy only begotten son for my sake.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he said, Stretch not out thy hand against the lad, neither do anything to him; for now I know that thou fearestGod, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son], from me.

Context

This verse explains the immediate reason for the divine intervention, directly following the angel's call to Abraham. It clarifies that the true intent of the command was a test of Abraham's heart, not the actual sacrifice of Isaac. This declaration validates Abraham's faith and sets the stage for God's provision of a substitute, confirming that Abraham's obedience was recognized and accepted.

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

v.12This passage

v.13And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt-offering in the stead of his son.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 9:31

    So the church throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.

  • Matthew 19:29

    And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.

  • Romans 5:8

    But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.

  • Micah 6:6

    Wherewith shall I come before Jehovah, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old?

  • James 2:21

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

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 22:12.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary