Isaac
malePatriarchalMeaning: “He laughs; laughter”
The promised son of Abraham and Sarah, the second patriarch of Israel, husband of Rebekah and father of Jacob and Esau.
Biography
Isaac is the long-promised son of Abraham and Sarah and the second of the three great patriarchs — "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6). His quieter life is framed by two dramatic events: his near-sacrifice and the securing of a wife.
The child of promise
Born to Abraham at 100 and Sarah at 90, Isaac was named "laughter" for the joy and the disbelief that surrounded his birth (Genesis 21:1–6). Paul calls him the child "born after the Spirit," the heir of the promise in contrast to Ishmael (Galatians 4:28–29).
The binding (Akedah)
God tested Abraham by commanding him to offer Isaac on Mount Moriah (Genesis 22). Isaac carried the wood, asked "where is the lamb?", and submitted as his father bound him on the altar. At the last moment God provided a ram instead (Genesis 22:13). The scene profoundly foreshadows the Father offering His own Son.
Marriage to Rebekah
Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his kindred, and the servant was led to Rebekah (Genesis 24). Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother's death (Genesis 24:67). After twenty years of barrenness, Rebekah bore twins, Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:21–26).
Later life
Isaac reaffirmed God's covenant promises (Genesis 26), dug wells, and prospered in the land. In old age, his eyes dim, he was deceived into blessing Jacob over Esau (Genesis 27), advancing the covenant line. He died at 180 and was buried by both his sons (Genesis 35:28–29).
Life Timeline
Born to Abraham and Sarah, the child of promise
Offered by Abraham on Mount Moriah; spared by God
Marries Rebekah
Rebekah bears Esau and Jacob
Dies at the age of 180
On the Bible timeline
Isaac belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Isaac
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Isaac appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
9 verses in 3 booksGenesis7 verses
Genesis 21:3
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
Genesis 22:2
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
Genesis 22:9
And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
Genesis 24:67
And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
Genesis 25:21
And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
Genesis 26:24
And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.
Genesis 27:27
And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed:
Galatians1 verse
Galatians 4:28
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Hebrews1 verse
Hebrews 11:20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Frequently asked about Isaac
Who was Isaac in the Bible?
The promised son of Abraham and Sarah, the second patriarch of Israel, husband of Rebekah and father of Jacob and Esau.
What does the name Isaac mean?
The name Isaac means “He laughs; laughter”.
What did Isaac do in the Bible?
Isaac served as patriarch, herdsman, of the tribe of Hebrew.
Who were Isaac's parents?
Isaac was the child of Abraham, Sarah.
Where does Isaac appear in the Bible?
Isaac is mentioned 9 times across 3 books: Genesis, Galatians, Hebrews.
What can we learn from Isaac?
The story of Isaac touches on themes of abraham, rebekah, burnt offering, the, self-denial — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Isaac's life.
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