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].

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass after {H310} these things {H1697}, that God {H430} did tempt {H5254} Abraham {H85}, and said {H559} unto him, Abraham {H85}: and he said {H559}, Behold, here I am.

Complete Jewish Bible

After these things, God tested Avraham. He said to him, "Avraham!" and he answered, "Here I am."

Berean Standard Bible

Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass after these things, that God did prove Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham; and he said, Here am I.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 22:1 initiates one of the most profound and challenging narratives in the biblical canon, detailing God's command to Abraham to offer his beloved son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. This pivotal verse sets the stage for a supreme test of Abraham's faith and obedience, revealing the depth of his devotion to the Almighty. Abraham's immediate and unreserved response, "Behold, here I am," underscores his remarkable readiness and submission to the divine will, even before the full weight of the command is disclosed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The phrase "after these things" (Hebrew: _ʼachar dâbâr_) directly links this momentous event to the preceding narratives in Genesis. Specifically, it follows the birth of Isaac, the long-awaited son of promise, in [Genesis 21:1-7](/genesis/21-1-7 "Genesis 21:1-7 - The Birth of Isaac"), and the subsequent resolution of the conflict between Sarah and Hagar, leading to Ishmael's departure in [Genesis 21:8-21](/genesis/21-8-21 "Genesis 21:8-21 - Hagar and Ishmael Sent Away"). The covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba also precedes this event in [Genesis 21:22-34](/genesis/21-22-34 "Genesis 21:22-34 - Abraham's Covenant with Abimelech"). Isaac, now likely a young man (traditionally estimated between 15-37 years old), represents the sole heir through whom God's covenant promises of a great nation and land were to be fulfilled. This test, therefore, comes at a moment when Abraham's entire future, and the lineage of the promised nation, rests solely on Isaac, making the divine command an unparalleled challenge to Abraham's trust in God's faithfulness and power.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, child sacrifice, though abhorrent to Yahweh (as later codified in the Mosaic Law, e.g., [Leviticus 18:21](/leviticus/18-21 "Leviticus 18:21 - Prohibition of Child Sacrifice")), was practiced by some surrounding cultures, particularly in times of extreme crisis or to appease deities (e.g., Moabite King Mesha in [2 Kings 3:27](/2_kings/3-27 "2 Kings 3:27 - Mesha Sacrifices His Son")). While God explicitly forbids such practices for His people, the command to Abraham must be understood within a context where such a concept, however shocking, was not entirely alien, though it was uniquely presented as a divine test rather than a common religious rite. This adds to the profound nature of the test, as it seemingly asks Abraham to violate both natural parental affection and God's own emerging moral standards, pushing the boundaries of obedience to an unprecedented degree.

* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several profound theological and narrative themes that resonate throughout the chapter and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is the **nature of divine testing** and its purpose in revealing and refining faith, contrasting with temptation to evil. It also highlights the theme of **absolute obedience** and **radical faith**, where trust in God transcends human reason and even deeply held affections, as seen in Abraham's willingness to surrender his "only son" through whom the promises were to come (cf. [Hebrews 11:17-19](/hebrews/11-17-19 "Hebrews 11:17-19 - Abraham's Faith in Offering Isaac")). Furthermore, it sets the stage for the theme of **God's sovereignty and provision**, demonstrating His ability to intervene and provide a substitute, ultimately foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice. The narrative also explores the **cost of discipleship**, showing that true devotion may require the surrender of one's most cherished possessions or relationships.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tempt (Hebrew, _nâçâh'_):** This primitive root means "to test," "to try," or "to prove." It implies an experimental process designed to ascertain the quality, character, or strength of something or someone. In this context, God was not luring Abraham into sin, but rather putting his faith and obedience to the ultimate trial to reveal its genuineness and depth, both to Abraham himself and to future generations. This testing serves to refine and strengthen, not to cause a fall.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural form, often used with the definite article, refers specifically to the supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign Lord. Its use here emphasizes the divine authority and omnipotence behind the command. It is the one true God who initiates this test, highlighting His absolute claim on Abraham's life and His right to command even the seemingly impossible.
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to say," "to speak," or "to declare," used with great latitude to convey communication. Here, it denotes a direct, personal, and authoritative divine utterance. The repetition of "Abraham" by God, and Abraham's immediate "Behold, here I am," emphasizes the directness and personal nature of this crucial divine-human encounter, setting a tone of immediate and profound interaction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass after these things,"**: This introductory phrase serves as a narrative bridge, connecting the present event to the preceding chapters. It emphasizes that this profound test did not occur in isolation but followed a series of significant divine interventions and promises, particularly the long-awaited birth of Isaac. The timing suggests a culmination of God's dealings with Abraham, preparing him for this ultimate demonstration of faith.
* **"that God did tempt Abraham,"**: This is the central action of the verse. As discussed in the key word analysis, "tempt" (Hebrew: _nâçâh_) signifies a divine test or trial, designed to prove and refine Abraham's faith, not to entice him to sin. It highlights God's initiative in orchestrating a situation that would reveal the true measure of Abraham's devotion and trust.
* **"and said unto him, Abraham:"**: This marks the beginning of the direct divine address. The immediate calling of Abraham's name twice (once by God, once by Abraham in response) establishes a personal and urgent tone, demanding Abraham's full attention and immediate response. It signals the gravity and directness of the impending command.
* **"and he said, Behold, [here] I [am]."**: Abraham's immediate response, "Hinneni" in Hebrew, is a powerful expression of readiness, attentiveness, and willingness to obey. It signifies a posture of complete availability and submission to God's will, demonstrating his profound trust and obedience even before the nature of God's command is revealed. This response is indicative of a deep, established relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The opening of Genesis 22 employs several significant literary devices. The phrase **"after these things"** serves as a narrative **Transition**, signaling a new, yet connected, phase in Abraham's life story, building upon the preceding events of promise and fulfillment. The KJV's translation of the Hebrew _nâçâh_ as **"tempt"** creates a striking **Irony** for the modern reader, as it initially suggests a malevolent intent, which is then clarified by the true meaning of "test" or "prove." This linguistic tension highlights the profound nature of God's trial. The direct **Dialogue** between God and Abraham, beginning with God's calling of Abraham's name and Abraham's immediate, unreserved response, **"Behold, here I am,"** establishes a powerful sense of immediacy, personal encounter, and the profound nature of the divine-human relationship. This immediate response also serves as **Foreshadowing** of Abraham's ultimate obedience throughout the challenging narrative that follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 22:1 introduces the concept of divine testing, not as an attempt by God to cause His people to stumble, but as a sovereign act designed to refine faith, reveal the true condition of the heart, and strengthen the relationship between the believer and God. This passage profoundly illustrates that God's tests are purposeful, aimed at spiritual growth and demonstration of genuine devotion, often pushing believers beyond their comfort zones to rely solely on His character and promises. It underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but active, radical obedience, even when the command seems to contradict previous promises or human understanding.

* [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt to Evil")
* [Deuteronomy 8:2](/deuteronomy/8-2 "Deuteronomy 8:2 - God Tests Israel")
* [Hebrews 11:17-19](/hebrews/11-17-19 "Hebrews 11:17-19 - Abraham's Faith and the Offering of Isaac")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 22:1 serves as a profound and challenging reminder that God, in His sovereign wisdom, may lead us into circumstances that test the very core of our faith and commitment. These trials are not designed to destroy us, but to purify our motives, deepen our trust, and reveal the true measure of our devotion to Him. Abraham's immediate and unreserved response, "Behold, here I am," offers a powerful model for our own spiritual lives. It calls us to cultivate a posture of immediate availability and unwavering submission to God's voice, trusting that His purposes are always good, even when His path is difficult to comprehend or seems to contradict our expectations. Such tests ultimately serve to draw us closer to Him, strengthen our spiritual resolve, and demonstrate the authenticity of our faith, proving that our love for the Giver of the promises surpasses our love for the gifts themselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's immediate response, "Behold, here I am," challenge my own readiness to obey God's call, especially when the path ahead is unclear or difficult?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be testing my faith, not to cause me to stumble, but to refine my trust and deepen my dependence on Him?**
* **What "Isaacs" (most cherished possessions, relationships, or dreams) might God be asking me to surrender, not necessarily to take them away, but to reveal my ultimate allegiance?**
* **How does understanding the purpose of divine testing (to prove and strengthen, not to tempt to sin) change my perspective on trials and difficulties in my life?**

### FAQ
**Does 'tempt' in Genesis 22:1 imply God was trying to make Abraham sin?**

Answer: No. The Hebrew word _nâçâh_ (H5254), translated as "tempt" in the King James Version, more accurately means to "test," "try," or "prove." God was not luring Abraham into sin or attempting to cause his downfall. Instead, this test was designed to reveal the depth and sincerity of Abraham's faith, obedience, and devotion, demonstrating the genuineness of his trust in God's character and promises. This distinction is crucial, as [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt to Evil") explicitly states that God does not tempt anyone to evil.

**What is the significance of Abraham's response, "Behold, here I am"?**

Answer: Abraham's immediate response, "Behold, here I am" (Hebrew: _hinneni_), is a common and profound biblical expression. It signifies immediate readiness, attentiveness, and a complete willingness to respond to a divine call or command without hesitation or reservation. In this context, it demonstrates Abraham's profound level of trust and obedience to God's voice, indicating his availability and submission even before the specific, challenging command was revealed. It speaks to a deep, established relationship where Abraham was prepared to hear and obey whatever God was about to command.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The opening of the "binding of Isaac" in [Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "Genesis 22 - The Testing of Abraham") serves as a profound and multi-layered prefigurement of God's ultimate provision in Jesus Christ. Just as God "tempted" or tested Abraham's faith by asking him to offer his "only son" (as Isaac was the son of promise, as noted in [Hebrews 11:17](/hebrews/11-17 "Hebrews 11:17 - Abraham's Faith")), so too did God the Father, in His infinite love and sovereign plan, truly offer His "only begotten Son" for the salvation of humanity (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Isaac, who was symbolically "raised from the dead" in Abraham's mind (as illuminated in [Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Hebrews 11:19 - Abraham's Faith in Resurrection")) as he was spared by God's provision of a ram, powerfully foreshadows Christ's actual death and resurrection on the third day. The test of Abraham's faith culminates not in the sacrifice of Isaac, but in God's miraculous provision of a substitute, pointing forward to the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (as declared in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) whom God Himself would provide as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin, demonstrating that "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" ([Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God's Ultimate Gift")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 11:17

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

Deuteronomy 8:2

And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

1 Peter 1:7

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

James 2:21

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

James 1:12

Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

1 Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].