Genesis 22:6 kjv

And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

Genesis 22:6 nkjv

So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together.

Genesis 22:6 niv

Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,

Genesis 22:6 esv

And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together.

Genesis 22:6 nlt

So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac's shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together,

Genesis 22 verses

Genesis 22 6 Meaning

Genesis 22:6 portrays Abraham's meticulous preparation for the divinely commanded sacrifice of his son, Isaac. It describes Abraham loading the wood for the burnt offering onto Isaac, while personally carrying the fire and the knife, symbolizing a complete readiness for the sacrificial act. The verse concludes by emphasizing their shared journey "together," highlighting the deep, solemn understanding or quiet obedience between father and son as they approach the appointed place. This passage underscores Abraham's profound obedience and foreshadows the future provision of God.

Genesis 22 6 Context

Genesis 22:6 is situated within the "Akedah" or "binding of Isaac" narrative, a pivotal moment immediately following God's command to Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering (Gen 22:2). This divine test occurs after Abraham has waited many years for this promised heir, through whom all nations would be blessed, making the command a supreme challenge to his faith. Historically, this event took place in the patriarchal period, when the concept of God (Yahweh) was being revealed distinctly from pagan deities, many of whom demanded child sacrifice. The narrative, therefore, provides a profound contrast by demonstrating God's ultimate disapproval of human sacrifice while intensely testing Abraham's devotion and trust. The three-day journey to Moriah and the subsequent preparation described in this verse build suspense, emphasizing Abraham's resolute obedience despite the immense personal cost, setting the stage for divine intervention and revelation of God's character and provision.

Genesis 22 6 Word analysis

• And Abraham took (וַיִּקַּח – vayyiqqach): The Hebrew verb לקח (laqach) means "to take," "to receive," or "to seize." Here, it signifies Abraham's immediate and active compliance with God's difficult command. There is no indication of hesitation or delegation; Abraham himself carries out the necessary preparations, underscoring his personal resolve and commitment.
• the wood (אֶת עֲצֵי – et atzei): עֵץ (ets) translates to "wood" or "tree." In the context of sacrifice, this refers to the fuel for the fire. Its presence indicates meticulous planning and readiness for the act of burnt offering.
• of the burnt offering (הָעֹלָה – ha'olah): עֹלָה (olah) specifically denotes a "burnt offering" or a "whole offering," where the entire animal ascended in smoke to God. The word is derived from עָלָה (alah), "to go up." This specification clarifies the grave purpose for which the wood was gathered.
• and laid it on (וַיָּשֶׂם עַל – vayyasem al): שׂים (sim) means "to put," "to place," or "to lay upon." This action is highly symbolic, as the intended sacrifice, Isaac, bears the very instrument of his own immolation. It implies Isaac's strength (as the wood would be heavy) and hints at his unwitting participation in the impending sacrifice.
• Isaac his son (יִצְחָק בְּנוֹ – Yitschaq beno): Isaac ("He laughs") is the miraculous child of promise, Abraham's beloved and only legitimate son through Sarah. The emphasis on "his son" highlights the preciousness of the offering and the immense cost of Abraham's obedience. Isaac carrying the wood also foreshadows Christ, who carried His own cross to Calvary.
• and he took in his hand (וַיִּקַּח בְּיָדוֹ – vayyiqqach b'yado): A repetition of לקח ("took") emphasizing Abraham's personal action and direct involvement. יד (yad) means "hand." This detail portrays Abraham's full and unwavering commitment to executing every aspect of God's command.
• the fire (אֶת הָאֵשׁ – et ha'esh): אֵשׁ (esh) means "fire." Along with the wood, fire is essential for the consummation of a burnt offering. Abraham ensures that all necessary components are personally carried for the sacred ritual.
• and the knife (וְאֶת הַמַּאֲכֶלֶת – v'et hamma'achelet): מַאֲכֶלֶת (ma'achelet) refers to a specific "slaughtering knife" or "sacrificial knife." The mention of this grim instrument makes the reality of the intended sacrifice chillingly explicit and prepares the reader for the climax of the narrative.
• and the two of them walked on together (וַיֵּלְכוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם יַחְדָּו – vayyel'chu sh'neihem yachdav): הלך (halak) is "to walk" or "to go." שְׁנַיִם (shenayim) is "two." יַחְדָּו (yachdav) means "together," "as one," or "in unity." This deeply poignant phrase signifies their united procession, though burdened with differing levels of knowledge and roles. It highlights Isaac's trusting, if silent, submission to his father, and Abraham's profound internal struggle coupled with external resolve as they face the divine command in unison.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son": This phrase immediately establishes the nature of Isaac's burden, both physically and symbolically. He is no ordinary participant but carries the very means of his impending immolation, indicating his age, strength, and unwitting, or perhaps implicitly willing, involvement. This act of placing the wood on Isaac by Abraham showcases the meticulous execution of the divine command and introduces the element of dramatic irony that pervades the narrative.
• "and he took in his hand the fire and the knife": These two instruments represent the critical components of the ritual sacrifice—the means of consuming the offering and the means of slaughtering it. Abraham personally holding these items signifies his ultimate control over the procedure and his solemn, determined commitment to fulfilling God's test, no matter the cost. It underscores his active participation and deep resolve.
• "and the two of them walked on together": This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the extraordinary bond and mutual understanding (or, at least, mutual purpose) between father and son. Despite the immense weight of the situation and Abraham's private torment, their outward unity is maintained. Isaac's quiet participation in the journey implies his trust in his father, just as Abraham implicitly trusts in God's faithfulness beyond his immediate comprehension. It highlights the poignant and isolated nature of their walk towards the sacrificial altar.

Genesis 22 6 Bonus section

The ancient Jewish Midrash often expands on Isaac's age in this account, frequently placing him in his late teens or early twenties, robust enough to carry a substantial load of wood. This interpretation significantly amplifies Isaac's own obedience and participation, as he would have been old enough to resist or understand the gravity of their journey. Furthermore, the identification of "Moriah" with the future Temple Mount in Jerusalem (2 Chr 3:1) lends immense theological weight to this narrative. It establishes a sacred lineage for a place central to Israel's worship, emphasizing that true worship, sacrifice, and divine revelation would unfold in the very location where Abraham demonstrated unparalleled faith. This account therefore serves as foundational not only for understanding God's rejection of human sacrifice but also for foreshadowing His ultimate provision for salvation.

Genesis 22 6 Commentary

Genesis 22:6 offers a terse yet powerful insight into the "Akedah" by detailing the solemn preparations for the sacrifice. Abraham's obedient action of taking the sacrificial wood and placing it on Isaac signifies his unwavering commitment to God's command, a test of faith almost incomprehensible. This burden on Isaac serves as a striking prefiguration of Jesus carrying His own cross (wood) to Golgotha, making the son the carrier of his own means of sacrifice. Abraham’s deliberate choice to carry the fire and knife himself highlights his direct involvement and the gravitas of the impending act. The culminating phrase, "and the two of them walked on together," portrays a poignant tableau of unity, quiet trust, and grim resolve. Isaac's unprotesting journey with his father underlines the depth of his filial trust and potential innocent submission to a divine will only partially understood. The verse captures the raw obedience and emotional weight of the moment, leading to the ultimate revelation of God's character as provider, who tests faith not to destroy, but to establish.