Hebrews 11:17

11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

KJV

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By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his one and only son,

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

11:18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: of: or, to

What does Hebrews 11:17 mean?

Hebrews 11:17 is a verse in the book of Hebrews, in the New Testament. In the original Greek, key words include πίστις (pistis), Ἀβραάμ (Abraam), πειράζω (peirazo). It connects to 1 cross-referenced passage elsewhere in Scripture.

Greek interlinear

faithπίστιςpistis/pis'-tis/G4102from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

Abraham,ἈβραάμAbraam/ab-rah-am'/G11of Hebrew origin (85); Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch:--Abraham. (In Acts 7:16 the text should probably read Jacob.)

when

was

tried,πειράζωpeirazo/pi-rad'-zo/G3985from 3984; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:--assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try.

offered

upπροσφέρωprosphero/pros-fer'-o/G4374from 4314 and 5342 (including its alternate); to bear towards, i.e. lead to, tender (especially to God), treat:--bring (to, unto), deal with, do, offer (unto, up), present unto, put to.

Isaac:ἸσαάκIsaak/ee-sah-ak'/G2464of Hebrew origin (3327); Isaac (i.e. Jitschak), the son of Abraham:--Isaac.

andκαίkai/kahee/G2532apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.

that

had

receivedἀναδέχομαιanadechomai/an-ad-ekh'-om-ahee/G324from 303 and 1209; to entertain (as a guest):--receive.

the

promisesἐπαγγελίαepaggelia/ep-ang-el-ee'-ah/G1860from 1861; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good):--message, promise.

offered

his

only

begottenμονογενήςmonogenes/mon-og-en-ace'/G3439from 3441 and 1096; only-born, i.e. sole:--only (begotten, child).

son,

Commentary on Hebrews 11:17

HENRY_FULL · Hebrews 11:17

039" The apostle having, in the close of the foregoing chapter, recommended the grace of faith and a life of faith as the best preservative against apostasy, he how enlarges upon the nature and fruits of this excellent grace. I. The nature of it, and the honour it reflects upon all who live in the exercise of it, ver. 1-3 . II. The great examples we have in the Old Testament of those who lived by faith, and died and suffered extraordinary things by the strength of his grace, ver. 4-38 . And, III. The advantages that we have in the gospel for the exercise of this grace above what those had who lived in the times of the Old Testament, ver. 39, 40 . The Nature of Faith. ( a. d. 62.)

Cross-references

Related passages from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Hebrews 11:4

By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. yet: or, is yet spoken of

Topics

Abraham Afflictions Made Beneficial Faith Prophecies Respecting Christ Sacrifices Types of Christ

People & places in this verse

People

Abraham Isaac

Verses like this

Other verses that share key original-language words with Hebrews 11:17.

Acts 13:26

Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

Acts 13:32

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

Acts 14:9

The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

Acts 7:17

But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

Galatians 3:14

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:16

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Galatians 3:18

For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Frequently asked questions

What does Hebrews 11:17 say?

Hebrews 11:17 (King James Version) reads: "By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,"

Is Hebrews 11:17 in the Old or New Testament?

Hebrews 11:17 is in the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of Hebrews.

Reflect

As you read Hebrews 11:17, what is one truth here you can carry into today?

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