Hebrews 11:17
What does Hebrews 11:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 11:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 11:17 means
Abraham’s faith reached its sharpest test when he offered Isaac, the son in whom the promises were vested. Though he had gladly received the promises, he was ready to surrender the very means through which they seemed destined to be fulfilled. This shows that faith clings to the Promiser above the promise’s visible instrument. The term “only begotten” underscores Isaac’s unique role in the covenant line. Abraham’s obedience anticipates God’s own provision, and in this event we glimpse a pattern that the New Testament sees fulfilled in Christ—the beloved Son offered and, by God’s power, given back.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;
KJV
King James Version · 1611By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949By faith Abraham made an offering of Isaac, when he was tested: and he with whom the agreement had been made gave up as an offering the only son of his body,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862By faith Abraham hath offered up Isaac, being tried, and the only begotten he did offer up who did receive the promises,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890By faith Abraham, [when] tried, offered up Isaac, and he who had received to himself the promises offered up his only begotten [son],
Context
Having discussed Abraham’s pilgrimage and hope, the author returns to a defining moment that proves the depth of his trust. Verses 17–19 focus on the offering of Isaac, highlighting the apparent contradiction between God’s command and promise and showing how faith resolved it by reckoning on God’s power. This prepares for a sequence of patriarchal examples where faith looks ahead through blessing and death.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Malachi 3:2
But who can abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
- Zechariah 13:9
And I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God.
- Job 2:3
And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil: and he still holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
- James 5:11
Behold, we call them blessed that endured: ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful.
- Daniel 11:35
And some of them that are wise shall fall, to refine them, and to purify, and to make them white, even to the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed.
- Job 1:11
But put forth thy hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will renounce thee to thy face.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Hebrews 11
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Hebrews 11.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Creation
Explore the biblical understanding of creation, God's awesome power, and His eternal purposes revealed in the world around us
Topic
Bible Verses About Doubt
The Bible acknowledges the reality of doubt, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to those who wrestle with uncertainty.
Topic
Bible Verses About Faith
Explore what the Bible says about faith, its origin, its purpose, and its profound impact on the life of a believer.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Spiritually Numb
When God feels distant and you feel nothing — verses for the dry season.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Alone
When no one seems to see you — verses for the One who does.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Worried About Money
When the bills outpace the paycheck — verses for a steadier kind of provision.