Genesis 22:1 kjv

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

Genesis 22:1 nkjv

Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am."

Genesis 22:1 niv

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied.

Genesis 22:1 esv

After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am."

Genesis 22:1 nlt

Some time later, God tested Abraham's faith. "Abraham!" God called. "Yes," he replied. "Here I am."

Genesis 22 verses

Genesis 22 1 Meaning

Genesis 22:1 signifies a pivotal moment in the life of Abraham. It describes God's initiation of a profound test upon him, following a period of stability and the fulfillment of the promise of Isaac's birth. This test, unparalleled in its severity, was designed not to tempt Abraham to sin or to discover information God did not already possess, but to fully reveal the depth and quality of Abraham's faith and obedience, for Abraham's own understanding and for the instruction of all who would come after him.

Genesis 22 1 Context

Genesis chapter 22 verse 1 immediately follows a significant period of stability and resolution in Abraham's life, as narrated in Genesis 21. Abraham had finally seen the fulfillment of God's long-awaited promise with the birth of Isaac, the legitimate heir through whom God's covenant would continue. He had dismissed Ishmael to secure Isaac's unique position and had even made a peaceful covenant with Abimelech at Beer-sheba. Life seemed to have settled into a pattern of domestic tranquility and peace, suggesting that the major trials might be behind him. It is after these things, after Abraham has established his family and made peace, that God interrupts this calm with an unfathomable and ultimate test of his faith and obedience concerning the very son of promise he cherishes above all else. This sets the stage for the pivotal event of the "Akedah" or the binding of Isaac, a monumental test not just for Abraham, but also for understanding the nature of God and covenant faithfulness throughout biblical history.

Genesis 22 1 Word analysis

• "Now it came to pass": Hebrew: Wa'yehi (וַיְהִי). This phrase serves as a common narrative transition in Hebrew literature, indicating that a significant new development or sequence of events is about to unfold. It alerts the reader to a moment of particular weight and importance in the ongoing story.
• "after these things": Hebrew: achar ha'devarim ha'eleh (אַחַר הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה). This specific phrasing deliberately connects the impending narrative with the preceding events of Genesis 21. These events include the birth and weaning of Isaac, the dismissal of Ishmael, and the covenant made with Abimelech. The emphasis is on the period of perceived peace and fulfillment, making the sudden divine command even more startling and profound in its timing.
• "that God": Hebrew: ha'Elohim (הָאֱלֹהִים). The definite article "ha-" points to the one true God, emphasizing His singular identity. Elohim is the majestic, sovereign, and universal name for God, often used when God's power as Creator, Judge, and Sustainer is highlighted. In this context, it underscores God's absolute authority and supremacy in issuing such a demanding test. This stands in contrast to the covenantal name Yahweh (LORD), which is also used later in the narrative but would emphasize a more personal relationship at the outset of such an impossible command. The use of Elohim underscores the sheer magnitude and authority of the test giver.
• "tested": Hebrew: nissah (נִסָּה, Qal stem from נסה). This key word signifies "to test," "to prove," "to try," or "to put to the test." It carries the connotation of a deliberate act designed to reveal the genuineness or quality of something. Unlike tempting someone to sin (which God does not do, Jas 1:13), God's testing of His people is meant for their growth, purification, revelation of faith (to themselves and others), and strengthening of trust in Him. It's a trial that unveils the true character and devotion, aiming for refinement rather than destruction.
• "Abraham": The patriarch (אַבְרָהָם), whose name means "father of a multitude" (changed from Abram, "exalted father"). He is the recipient of God's covenant promises, including numerous descendants and the land. He has previously demonstrated faith (Gen 15:6), but also at times stumbled (e.g., in Egypt and Gerar regarding Sarah). This test is designed to push the boundaries of his previously demonstrated faith, revealing a fully matured and unreserved obedience.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now it came to pass after these things": This opening phrase functions as a narrative marker, signaling a transition from a period of relative peace and domestic security (Isaac's birth, weaning, resolution of family issues) to a critical new development. It establishes the sequential nature of God's interaction with Abraham and underscores the timing of this profound trial — after the blessings have been realized, after Abraham’s faith has seemingly been rewarded. This highlights the unexpected and momentous nature of what is to follow.
• "that God tested Abraham": This declaration states the main action of the verse: a direct, sovereign initiative from ha'Elohim. The action of "testing" is crucial. It’s not a request or a dialogue but a definitive divine act aimed at Abraham's faith. The target is Abraham, the man of faith, through whom the great covenant promises depend, indicating the immense stakes involved. This succinct statement introduces the central theme of the entire Akedah narrative: the nature of absolute divine authority and radical human obedience and trust.

Genesis 22 1 Bonus section

• A Unique Test: Unlike many tests in Scripture, where the purpose is to reveal the heart of the people for God to know (e.g., Deut 8:2), here God already knows Abraham's heart (cf. Gen 18:19). The test is for Abraham to reveal his own faith to himself, to others, and to provide an enduring testimony of radical trust.
• Anti-Pagan Polemic: Set against the backdrop of cultures (like the Canaanites) that practiced child sacrifice (later explicitly condemned by God in Lev 18:21, Deut 18:10), God's command to Abraham appears shockingly similar. However, the unique outcome — God's provision of a substitute sacrifice — distinguishes Yahweh from the cruel pagan deities. God does not demand child sacrifice; rather, He orchestrates a powerful demonstration against it while simultaneously demanding complete devotion and revealing His ultimate provision.
• The Culmination of Abraham's Faith Journey: Abraham’s faith had been built step-by-step: leaving his homeland, believing for a son, overcoming natural impossibilities. This test pushes his faith to its absolute limits, asking him to sacrifice the very foundation of God’s earlier promises. His willingness would mark the ultimate maturity of his belief and obedience.

Genesis 22 1 Commentary

Genesis 22:1 functions as the crucial preamble to one of the most profoundly challenging and significant narratives in the Old Testament, the binding of Isaac. Following a period of answered prayer and familial stability in Genesis 21, God interjects by initiating an ultimate "test" for Abraham. The Hebrew word nissah underscores that this was a deliberate, purifying trial, designed not because God lacked knowledge of Abraham's heart, but to publicly manifest and deepen the patriarch's faith. The timing — "after these things" — implies that this was Abraham's culminating test, coming after many years of his life and after he had received the very son through whom the covenant promises were to flow. The use of ha'Elohim emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty and authority in making such an extraordinary and seemingly contradictory demand. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding true biblical faith as a willingness to obey God implicitly, even when His commands appear to contradict His promises, highlighting the absolute trust required in the divine character and wisdom.