Genesis 22:7 kjv

And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

Genesis 22:7 nkjv

But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." Then he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"

Genesis 22:7 niv

Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"

Genesis 22:7 esv

And Isaac said to his father Abraham, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." He said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"

Genesis 22:7 nlt

Isaac turned to Abraham and said, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "We have the fire and the wood," the boy said, "but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?"

Genesis 22 verses

Genesis 22 7 Meaning

Genesis 22:7 describes a pivotal moment in the narrative of Abraham's test. Isaac, carrying the wood for the burnt offering, addresses his father Abraham, drawing attention to the presence of the fire and wood, but raising the crucial question, "where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" This innocent inquiry exposes Isaac's awareness of the necessary components for sacrifice, highlighting the absence of the most vital element and building dramatic tension before God's ultimate provision.

Genesis 22 7 Context

Genesis chapter 22 recounts one of the most profound tests of faith in the Old Testament, commonly known as the Akedah (the "binding"). Abraham had been commanded by God to take his beloved, only son Isaac, to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering (Gen 22:2). This command was startling given God's previous promises of descendants through Isaac (Gen 21:12) and His prohibition against human sacrifice. For three days, Abraham, Isaac, and two servants traveled, with Abraham alone carrying the knife and fire, and Isaac carrying the wood. The journey to "the place" culminates in this precise dialogue at the foot of Mount Moriah, just before the ascent for the sacrifice. Isaac, who has been quietly accompanying his father, recognizes the essential elements for a sacrifice—fire and wood—but instinctively notices the missing animal, leading him to pose his poignant question. This immediate context is critical for understanding the deep faith being displayed by Abraham and the developing awareness in Isaac. A "burnt offering" (olah in Hebrew) specifically meant that the entire animal was consumed by fire, symbolizing complete devotion and propitiation.

Genesis 22 7 Word analysis

• And Isaac spoke (va-yō'mer Yitshaq): The Hebrew verb "va-yō'mer" (and he said/spoke) often signals an important development or dialogue. This marks Isaac's first words in this narrative since Gen 22:2-3. It shifts the scene's dynamic, moving from Abraham's sole, silent action to a direct interaction. It implies a degree of Isaac's understanding of their purpose.
• to Abraham his father (ʾel-ʾAvrāhām ʾā-vīw): Highlights the deep familial relationship and the traditional power structure. Isaac respects his father, and the dialogue is an intimate one, despite the dreadful circumstances.
• and said, "My father!" (va-yō'mer ʾAvī): The vocative "My father!" (Avī) expresses filial piety and affection. It indicates Isaac's trust and directness with Abraham, unaware of the grim reality that awaited him. The exclamation mark in English translations captures the natural earnestness.
• And he said, "Here I am, my son." (va-yō'mer Hin'nē-nī v'nī): Abraham's response is the crucial Hin'nē-nī, meaning "Here I am," or "Behold me." This is a significant biblical phrase, indicating readiness, attention, and submission to a divine or urgent call (e.g., Gen 22:1, Exod 3:4, Isa 6:8). Here, Abraham affirms his presence and emotional readiness for the painful dialogue with his beloved son, setting aside his profound internal struggle for a moment of parental engagement. b'ni (my son) reiterates the affection and direct address.
• And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, (va-yō'mer hin'nēh hā-ʾēsh v'hā-ʿētsīm): Isaac points out the present components. "Behold" (hin'nēh) directs attention to what is evident. The "fire" (ʾēsh) was likely carried as hot coals (perhaps in a brazier), and "wood" (ʿētsīm) was gathered and placed on Isaac. These were vital for a burnt offering. Isaac's logical observation stems from his knowledge of proper sacrificial procedures, taught to him within the Abrahamic household.
• but where is the lamb (v'ʾayēh ha-śeh): The core of Isaac's question. v'ʾayēh (but where is) poses a sharp, inquiring contrast to the evident presence of fire and wood. The ha-śeh (the lamb/kid) refers to the animal specifically designated for a olah. Isaac, familiar with the standard practice, recognizes a crucial omission. This question embodies his innocent perception and deep trust in his father, implying an expectation that the missing animal will be provided. It sets up the narrative tension that is resolved by Abraham's response and God's provision.
• for a burnt offering?" (la-ʿō-lāh): The term ʿōlāh refers to a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire, ascending as smoke to God. It represented complete devotion and atonement for unintentional sin (Lev 1). Isaac specifies the type of sacrifice, confirming his understanding of the ritual and what was necessary.

Words-group Analysis:

• "And Isaac spoke...and said, 'My father!' And he said, 'Here I am, my son.'": This parent-child dialogue, though brief, is profoundly moving. Isaac's innocence in calling out to his father in loving trust, contrasted with Abraham's inner agony but outer composure and readiness (Hin'nē-nī), underscores the weight of the test. It's a poignant portrayal of faith and obedience tested to the uttermost.
• "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?": This entire question demonstrates Isaac's practical understanding of the sacrificial ritual. He clearly identifies the two preparatory components but acutely observes the absence of the central element—the animal. The abrupt shift from declarative ("Behold...") to interrogative ("but where...") creates immense narrative tension. It forces Abraham to address the truth or rely on his unwavering faith in God's provision, ultimately leading to one of the Bible's most powerful declarations of trust. This innocent question from Isaac powerfully sets the stage for Abraham's iconic statement of faith in the following verse.

Genesis 22 7 Bonus section

• Isaac's Age and Strength: Although the Bible does not explicitly state Isaac's age, Jewish tradition and scholarly estimates suggest he was between 13 and 37 years old, certainly old enough to carry a substantial load of wood and to logically grasp the elements required for a sacrifice. His age implies that his submission was willing, not forced, underscoring his own faith or at least profound filial obedience, paralleling Christ's willing sacrifice (Jn 10:17-18).
• Anti-Canaanite Polemic: The unfolding of this narrative, particularly Isaac's question and Abraham's subsequent answer, implicitly functions as a strong polemic against the pervasive practice of child sacrifice in surrounding Canaanite cultures. Unlike pagan deities who demanded human life, the God of Abraham tests faith to refine it, ultimately providing a divine substitute and reaffirming the sanctity of human life, particularly children. God's purpose was not child sacrifice, but the demonstration of radical trust and the establishment of a principle that He Himself provides the ultimate sacrifice.
• The Three-Day Journey: The narrative specifies a three-day journey (Gen 22:4) to the land of Moriah, where the sacrifice was to take place. This prolonged journey, combined with Isaac's carrying of the wood, likely provided Isaac the opportunity to observe and reflect, leading to his pertinent question. The "third day" also holds significant theological weight throughout the Bible, often associated with divine action, resurrection, or ultimate deliverance, hinting at the outcome of this severe test (cf. Hos 6:2, 1 Cor 15:4).
• Abraham's Internal Battle: The poignant nature of Isaac's question emphasizes the incredible inner fortitude Abraham must have possessed. For three days, he walked with his son knowing the command, likely praying and trusting in God's promise (Heb 11:17-19). His response in Gen 22:8 is therefore not a flippant evasion, but a declaration rooted in profound, tested faith, hinting at a reality yet unseen.

Genesis 22 7 Commentary

Genesis 22:7 serves as the narrative hinge, dramatically intensifying the tension of Abraham's ultimate test. Isaac, carrying the very instrument of his potential demise, innocent of his father's profound internal struggle, verbalizes the simple, logical missing piece in their preparation for sacrifice: the lamb. His "My father!" speaks to his absolute trust and reverence, while Abraham's "Here I am, my son" (Hin'nē-nī) carries the weight of his entire obedient response to God's impossible command, laden with both paternal love and agonizing resolution.

Isaac's detailed observation — "Behold, the fire and the wood" — confirms his deep understanding of ritualistic sacrifice, making his follow-up question, "but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" profoundly unsettling. This is not merely a naive query but a sharp, albeit unintentional, exposure of the narrative's central crisis point. The "burnt offering" (olah) signifies a complete surrender, an animal entirely consumed by fire, indicating total devotion and propitiation before God. The missing "lamb" (seh), specifically chosen for such offerings, underscores the unparalleled demand placed upon Abraham. The very components needed for Isaac's sacrifice are present, highlighting the imminent horror, yet Isaac’s logical deduction introduces a glimmer of hope or expectation of God's provision. The profound silence maintained by Abraham throughout the journey preceding this dialogue now gives way to a moment of excruciating paternal engagement, forcing him to voice his unfaltering faith in the verses that follow. The entire interaction highlights the unique character of Abraham's faith – not only believing God can provide, but that He will provide even when the path to that provision seems to contradict His own promises.