Genesis 22:19 kjv

So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.

Genesis 22:19 nkjv

So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba.

Genesis 22:19 niv

Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.

Genesis 22:19 esv

So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba.

Genesis 22:19 nlt

Then they returned to the servants and traveled back to Beersheba, where Abraham continued to live.

Genesis 22 verses

Genesis 22 19 Meaning

Genesis 22:19 signifies Abraham's physical return from Mount Moriah with his servants to Beer-sheba, where he subsequently settled. It marks the conclusion of the supreme test of faith in Genesis 22, showcasing Abraham's renewed commitment to his established home, a place of prior covenant and spiritual foundation. The verse implies Isaac's safe return alongside them, signaling the restoration of their lives after the profound divine encounter and Abraham's act of radical obedience.

Genesis 22 19 Context

Genesis chapter 22 recounts one of the most significant and profound narratives in the Bible: "The Binding of Isaac" (Akedah). God commands Abraham to offer his only son Isaac as a burnt offering on Mount Moriah. Abraham, demonstrating unparalleled obedience, rises early and journeys with Isaac and two servants. After leaving the servants at the foot of the mountain, Abraham and Isaac proceed alone, leading to the climactic moment where God intervenes and provides a ram as a substitute sacrifice. Following this, the Lord re-affirms His covenant and blessing upon Abraham and his descendants due to his complete obedience. Verse 19 directly follows this divine confirmation, marking the conclusion of Abraham's journey to Moriah and his subsequent return home, implying the resolution and practical application of the profound spiritual test. This immediate return to Beer-sheba grounds the theological peak experience in daily life.

Genesis 22 19 Word analysis

• So Abraham: Implies a direct consequence or conclusion of the preceding events. Abraham's actions here are in light of God's reaffirmation and his obedient offering.
• returned: (Hebrew: וַיָּ֣שׇׁב, vayyashav, from root shuv). This verb signifies not merely a physical turning back but often implies a spiritual return, restoration, or even repentance in other contexts. Here, it denotes the completion of the assigned task and a turning back to his former place of dwelling and settled life, imbued with new spiritual depth.
• to his young men: The narrative previously stated (Gen 22:5) that Abraham left them at the foot of the mountain. Their waiting implies Abraham's foreknowledge that he and Isaac would return, or at least a trust in divine preservation. This also implicitly confirms Isaac's return, as the text doesn't separate him from Abraham or the group's journey.
• and they arose: (Hebrew: וַיָּקֻ֜מוּ, vayyaqumu, from root qum). Denotes the act of rising, signifying preparation for departure or the start of a journey. It indicates readiness to move forward after waiting.
• and went together: (Hebrew: וַיֵּֽלְכ֨וּ יַחְדָּ֜ו, vayyeləḵû yaḥdāw). The verb went (from root halakh) implies walking or proceeding. "Together" (yaḥdāw) is crucial here, explicitly indicating that the group, including Abraham and implicitly Isaac (who was with Abraham going up the mountain), made the return journey unitedly. This dispels any lingering thought that Isaac was left behind or separated from Abraham's life post-Akedah. It underscores communal experience and restored familial unity after the trial.
• to Beer-sheba: (Hebrew: בְּאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע, bə'er shāva‘). This place name means "well of the oath" or "well of seven." It was a significant site for Abraham, where he previously made a covenant with Abimelech (Gen 21:22-32) and called upon the name of the Everlasting God (Gen 21:33). Returning here signifies a return to a place of peace, established covenant, and consecrated life. It contrasts with the transient nature of Moriah.
• and Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba: (Hebrew: וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב אַבְרָהָ֛ם בִּבְאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע, vayyeyshev ’aḇrāhām bivə'er shāva‘). The verb dwelt (from root yashav) denotes a more permanent settlement, sitting, or taking up residence, unlike temporary encampments. This suggests Abraham returned to a settled, stable life in a familiar and spiritually significant location after the ultimate test of his faith. It signifies peace and continuation.

Genesis 22 19 Bonus section

• Isaac's Unspoken Presence: While Genesis 22:19 explicitly states Abraham's return with his young men, Isaac is not directly mentioned by name as part of the "returned" or "arose and went together" group, even though he journeyed with Abraham up the mountain in Gen 22:6. Many commentators find this intriguing; however, the most natural reading is that Isaac, as part of Abraham's immediate company, is implicitly included in "they" (Abraham and his young men, along whom Isaac would certainly be counted) returning. His omission from specific mention in this "return" verse could highlight the shift in focus back to Abraham as the central figure of the covenant post-Akedah, or it might subtly suggest Isaac's transformation and silence after such a monumental experience.
• The Contrast of Sacred Space: Moriah was a temporary, divinely appointed location for the specific, unique test. Beer-sheba was Abraham's chosen, permanent dwelling, where he lived out the covenant in the everyday. The return from the consecrated, temporary site of extreme obedience to the settled place of daily life demonstrates that faith is lived not just in monumental crises but in the routine, continued walk with God.
• Completeness and Wholeness: The word "returned" (shuv) can also convey restoration or wholeness. After a broken sense of reality during the trial, Abraham and his household are returned to a state of peace and completeness, confirming God's ability to redeem even the most challenging circumstances and restore a deeper level of fellowship.

Genesis 22 19 Commentary

Genesis 22:19 succinctly brings Abraham's profound spiritual trial to a practical, earthly close. After reaching the pinnacle of obedience on Mount Moriah and receiving divine commendation and reaffirmation of the covenant, Abraham returns to his ordinary life and established home in Beer-sheba. This verse teaches that even after extraordinary encounters with God and peak spiritual experiences, the life of faith continues in the "everyday." Abraham doesn't remain on the mountain top but descends to dwell in the known land, applying his strengthened faith to the routine of his days. The unity implied by "they went together" emphasizes the restoration and unbroken relationship within Abraham's household, especially with Isaac, reinforcing God's faithfulness in preserving the lineage through whom all nations would be blessed. Beer-sheba, a place already marked by covenant and calling upon the Lord, serves as a grounded sanctuary, affirming that God’s presence and blessing accompany His obedient servants not just in crisis but in peaceful dwelling. This pattern shows that profound spiritual transformation empowers believers for a more consistent and deeper walk with God in their daily lives.