Devine Scripture

Genesis 22:4

What does Genesis 22:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 22:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 22:4 means

On the third day of their journey, Abraham sees the designated place afar off, indicating a purposeful and steady progression toward God's commanded location. The "third day" is significant, often appearing in Scripture in contexts of divine intervention or revelation. This visual confirmation of the destination means Abraham now knows precisely where the sacrifice is to take place, bringing him to the verge of the ultimate test and intensifying the solemnity of the moment as they approach the mountain.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And on the third day, Abraham, lifting up his eyes, saw the place a long way off.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

On the third day--Abraham lifteth up his eyes, and seeth the place from afar;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And on the third day, lifting up his eyes, he saw the place afar off.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar.

Context

Following the description of Abraham's immediate departure, this verse advances the narrative by marking their arrival near the destination. The three-day journey underscores the time Abraham had to reflect on God's command, making his continued obedience all the more significant. This moment prefaces the final leg of the journey and Abraham's interaction with the young men, signaling that they are now close to the climactic event.

v.3And Abraham rose early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he clave the wood for the burnt-offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

v.4This passage

v.5And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass, and I and the lad will go yonder; and we will worship, and come again to you.

Cross references

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

  • Exodus 15:22

    And Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:4

    and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures;

  • 2 Kings 20:5

    Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the prince of my people, Thus saith Jehovah, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee; on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of Jehovah.

  • Hosea 6:2

    After two days will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him.

  • Exodus 19:15

    And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not near a woman.

  • Leviticus 7:17

    but that which remaineth of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burnt with fire.

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 22:4.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary