Genesis 22:10

KJV

And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} stretched forth {H7971} his hand {H3027}, and took {H3947} the knife {H3979} to slay {H7819} his son {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Avraham put out his hand and took the knife to kill his son.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.

American Standard Version

And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 22:10](/genesis/22-10 "Abraham stretches forth his hand") captures the intensely dramatic climax of the Akedah, or the binding of Isaac, where Abraham, in an ultimate act of faith and obedience, stretches forth his hand and takes the knife, poised to offer his beloved son as a burnt offering as commanded by God. This moment encapsulates Abraham's unwavering commitment to divine instruction, even at immense personal cost, demonstrating the profound depth of his trust in the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
This pivotal verse marks the apex of one of the Old Testament's most profound narratives, detailed in [Genesis chapter 22](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/22 "The Binding of Isaac"). God, in what is understood as a profound test of faith, commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac—the very son of promise through whom all God's covenant blessings were destined to flow. Abraham’s journey to the land of Moriah, his silent preparation of the altar, and Isaac's poignant question, "Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" (see [Genesis 22:7](/genesis/22-7 "Isaac's question")), all culminate in this critical juncture where Abraham raises the knife, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to God's will and a profound trust in His divine plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The Hebrew word for "slay" used in [Genesis 22:10](/genesis/22-10 "Abraham takes the knife") is *shachat* (שָׁחַט), which specifically denotes the ritual slaughter of an animal for sacrifice. This precise lexical choice underscores the solemn, religious nature of Abraham's act, indicating that he was preparing to perform a legitimate sacrificial offering as divinely commanded, rather than an act of mere violence. This detail highlights the sacred and covenantal context of the event.

The verse profoundly illustrates several key aspects of Abraham's character and God's interaction with humanity:
* **Radical Obedience:** Abraham's immediate and complete submission to God's seemingly impossible command is astounding. He did not hesitate, waver, or argue, but prepared to obey fully, demonstrating obedience as a cornerstone of genuine faith and a willingness to surrender everything to divine authority.
* **Profound Faith and Trust:** Abraham's actions reveal his deep conviction that God is faithful and capable of fulfilling His promises, even to the point of raising Isaac from the dead, as noted in [Hebrews 11:19](/hebrews/11-19 "Abraham's faith in resurrection"). His trust was in God's character and His ability to keep His word, even when the immediate circumstances appeared to contradict divine promises.
* **The Testing of Faith:** God's ultimate purpose in this command was not the death of Isaac, but a profound test of Abraham's loyalty and devotion. This test revealed the true depth of Abraham's love for God, proving unequivocally that God held the highest place in his heart, even above his beloved son, and that his faith was genuine and unreserved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Covenant Fidelity:** This event reaffirms God's unwavering covenant with Abraham, demonstrating that Abraham's faith was genuine and that God would indeed fulfill His promises through Isaac, even after such a severe and demanding test.
* **Divine Provision (Jehovah Jireh):** While not explicit in [Genesis 22:10](/genesis/22-10 "Abraham takes the knife"), the immediate subsequent verses ([Genesis 22:13-14](/genesis/22-13-14 "God provides a ram")) reveal God's miraculous intervention, providing a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This reinforces the truth that God always provides for those who trust Him, often in unexpected ways and at the moment of greatest need.
* **The Nature of Sacrificial Love:** Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son mirrors, in a human way, the ultimate divine love. It illustrates the profound cost of true devotion and the nature of sacrifice required in covenant relationship with God, foreshadowing a greater sacrifice to come.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 22:10](/genesis/22-10 "Abraham takes the knife") challenges believers to deeply consider the nature and depth of their own faith and obedience. It prompts us to ask: Are we willing to surrender our most cherished possessions, our deepest dreams, or even our most beloved relationships to God's sovereign will, trusting implicitly that His plans are always good, even when they seem incomprehensible or demand profound sacrifice? This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's tests are designed not to destroy, but to refine our faith, deepen our trust, and ultimately reveal His unwavering faithfulness and abundant provision in ways we could never anticipate, leading to a richer and more profound relationship with Him.

### FAQ
**Was God truly going to let Abraham sacrifice Isaac?**

Answer: No. The narrative clearly indicates that God's command was a test of Abraham's faith, not a literal intent for Isaac's death. God intervened at the very last moment, providing a substitute ram (see [Genesis 22:11-13](/genesis/22-11-13 "The angel of the Lord calls to Abraham")). This event was designed to reveal the depth of Abraham's obedience and trust, and to teach profound truths about divine provision and sacrifice, rather than to culminate in the death of the promised son.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Akedah, particularly Abraham's willingness to offer his "only son" whom he loved, serves as a profound prefigurement of God the Father offering His own "only begotten Son," Jesus Christ, as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Just as Isaac carried the wood for his own sacrifice, Jesus carried His cross to Calvary. While Abraham was spared from completing the sacrifice of Isaac, God the Father did not spare His Son, but delivered Him up for us all (see [Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "God did not spare His own Son")). This unparalleled act of divine love, where the Father did not withhold His own Son, echoes the sentiment found in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God so loved the world"), where God's love is demonstrated through the gift of His Son for the redemption of the world, providing the true Lamb of God.

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],

Hebrews 11:19

Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

James 2:21

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

James 2:23

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.