Genesis 22:14

KJV

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} called {H7121} the name {H8034} of that place {H4725} Jehovahjireh {H3070}: as {H834} it is said {H559} to this day {H3117}, In the mount {H2022} of the LORD {H3068} it shall be seen {H7200}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham called the place ADONAI Yir'eh [ADONAI will see (to it), ADONAI provides] -as it is said to this day, "On the mountain ADONAI is seen."

Berean Standard Bible

And Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. So to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

American Standard Version

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 22:14 records Abraham's profound act of naming the location of Isaac's near-sacrifice "Jehovahjireh," meaning "The LORD will provide." This name commemorates God's miraculous intervention and the provision of a substitute ram, transforming a moment of ultimate test into an enduring testament to divine faithfulness. The accompanying proverb, "In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen," became a lasting declaration, affirming God's consistent ability to foresee and sovereignly meet the needs of His people, ultimately foreshadowing His supreme provision in Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 22:14 culminates one of the most poignant and pivotal narratives in the Old Testament: the "Akedah," or the binding of Isaac. This chapter details God's extraordinary command to Abraham to offer his beloved son, Isaac, as a burnt offering on [Mount Moriah](/genesis/22-2 "Genesis 22:2 - Mount Moriah"). The preceding verses meticulously build the tension, showcasing Abraham's unwavering and silent obedience as he prepares to fulfill God's seemingly impossible directive. Just as Abraham raises the knife, God intervenes through an angel, preventing the sacrifice and providing a ram caught in a thicket as a substitute. This verse, therefore, is Abraham's immediate and profound response to God's miraculous provision, solidifying the theological significance of the event and the character of God for future generations. It marks the climax of Abraham's test and the ultimate demonstration of his faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, child sacrifice, though abhorrent, was practiced by some pagan cultures as a means of appeasing deities or securing blessings. God's command to Abraham, therefore, would have been understood within a cultural milieu where extreme religious devotion, even to the point of human sacrifice, was not entirely unknown, though it stood in stark contrast to the emerging monotheistic faith of Israel. However, God's intervention in [Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "Genesis 22 - The Testing of Abraham") emphatically distinguishes the God of Israel from pagan deities, demonstrating that He does not demand human sacrifice but provides for it. The naming of places after significant events was a common practice, serving as a memorial and a pedagogical tool for future generations. "Mount Moriah" itself would later become the traditional site for the Temple in Jerusalem ([2_chronicles/3-1](/2-chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Solomon builds the Temple on Mount Moriah")), imbuing Abraham's experience with profound historical and theological continuity for Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This pivotal narrative in [Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "Genesis 22 - The Binding of Isaac") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Testing and Obedience**, demonstrating the depth of Abraham's faith and his willingness to obey God without reservation, even when the command seemed to contradict God's earlier promises regarding Isaac. Secondly, it highlights **God's Sovereign Provision**, establishing Him as "Jehovahjireh," the God who sees and provides. This theme is crucial, as it assures believers that God is always aware of their needs and capable of meeting them, often in unexpected ways, as seen in the provision of the ram ([Genesis 22-13](/genesis/22-13 "Genesis 22:13 - The Ram Provided")). Thirdly, the event reinforces **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God reaffirms His promises to Abraham immediately after the test, swearing by Himself due to Abraham's obedience ([Genesis 22-15-18](/genesis/22-15-18 "Genesis 22:15-18 - God's Oath to Abraham")). Finally, and perhaps most profoundly, the narrative serves as a significant **Foreshadowing of Christ**, prefiguring God's ultimate provision of His own Son as the perfect sacrifice, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jehovahjireh (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh yirʼeh'_):** This is a compound name for God, derived from YHWH (Jehovah/LORD) and the verb *ra'ah*. According to H3070, it means "Jehovah will see (to it)." This name encapsulates both God's omniscience—His ability to "see" or discern the need—and His active intervention—His commitment to "provide." It is not merely a passive observation but an active, providentially arranged response to a dire situation, signifying that God's seeing leads directly to His providing.
* **seen (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, this primitive root is rich in meaning, encompassing literal sight, but also foresight, discernment, experience, and provision. In the context of "In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen," the verb carries a passive sense, implying that God's provision will be made visible or manifest. It suggests that God's pre-arranged plan and provision will be revealed at the appointed time and place, making His faithfulness evident to all who observe.
* **mount (Hebrew, _har'_):** From H2022, this word refers to a mountain or range of hills. In biblical contexts, mountains often symbolize places of divine encounter, revelation, and significant events. "The mount of the LORD" specifically refers to Mount Moriah, the site of Abraham's test. This designation elevates the location to sacred status, marking it as a place where God's character, particularly His provision, is uniquely displayed and remembered. It is a place of divine appointment and manifestation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh:"** Following God's miraculous intervention and the provision of the ram, Abraham, in an act of worship and commemoration, bestows a new name upon the specific location. This naming is a declarative statement of faith, encapsulating the profound truth he had just experienced: God is the one who sees and provides. It transforms a place of potential tragedy into a memorial of divine faithfulness.
* **"as it is said to this day,"** This parenthetical phrase indicates that Abraham's naming of the place was not a fleeting personal observation but became a well-known and enduring proverb or saying among the Israelites. It signifies that the truth embodied in "Jehovahjireh"—God's foresight and provision—was a foundational and continually affirmed aspect of their understanding of God's character, passed down through generations. It grounds the historical event in the ongoing experience of God's people.
* **"In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen."** This is the proverbial statement itself, explaining the significance of "Jehovahjireh." "The mount of the LORD" refers to Mount Moriah, the sacred place where this divine provision occurred. The phrase "it shall be seen" implies that God's provision, His faithfulness, and His ultimate plan will be revealed or made manifest at this divinely designated location. It is a prophetic declaration that God's character as Provider will perpetually be evident there, serving as a beacon of hope and trust for all who look to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 22:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "mount of the LORD" symbolizing a sacred place of divine encounter and revelation, where God's character is uniquely displayed. The ram, provided as a substitute, is a powerful **symbol** of God's provision and, significantly, a **foreshadowing** of the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. The phrase "as it is said to this day" functions as an **idiom** or **proverb**, indicating that the event and its theological truth became a lasting, communal saying, cementing its importance in the collective memory and faith of Israel. This use of a proverb also serves as a **literary frame**, connecting the ancient event to the contemporary audience of the biblical text, affirming the timeless relevance of God's character as "Jehovahjireh."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 22:14 stands as a monumental declaration of God's character as the ultimate Provider. It profoundly reveals that God's "seeing" is not merely passive observation but an active, sovereign foresight that leads to timely and perfect provision. Abraham's experience on Mount Moriah teaches that in moments of extreme testing and apparent impossibility, God is already aware of the need and has meticulously prepared the solution. This truth invites believers across all generations to cultivate radical trust in God's ability to meet their deepest needs, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical, reminding them that His resources are infinite and His faithfulness unwavering. The narrative assures us that God's provision is not accidental but integral to His divine plan and covenant promises, always unfolding according to His perfect will.

* [Hebrews 11:17-19](/hebrews/11-17-19 "Abraham's Faith and Resurrection")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God's Riches in Glory")
* [Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "God Gives His Own Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Genesis 22:14 serves as an enduring anchor of hope and a profound call to trust in the unfailing character of God. In a world often marked by scarcity, uncertainty, and overwhelming challenges, the declaration "Jehovahjireh" resonates with timeless power. When faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles—be it financial strain, health crises, relational brokenness, or spiritual barrenness—we are invited to remember Abraham's experience on Mount Moriah. Just as God intervened precisely at the point of greatest need for Abraham, He promises to be our faithful provider, seeing our needs and making a way where there appears to be none. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of radical dependence, releasing our anxieties and trusting in God's sovereign foresight and boundless resources. It reminds us that our God is not distant or unaware, but intimately involved in our lives, always working for our good and His glory, often providing in ways far beyond our human comprehension or expectation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently struggling to see God's provision? How might remembering "Jehovahjireh" shift your perspective and trust?**
* **How does Abraham's unwavering obedience in the face of an impossible command challenge or encourage your own faith in difficult circumstances?**
* **Considering "In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen," where have you personally witnessed God's provision made manifest in your life, and how can you share that testimony with others?**

### FAQ
**What does "Jehovahjireh" mean and why is it significant?**

Answer: "Jehovahjireh" (or Yahweh Yireh) is a Hebrew compound name for God, meaning "The LORD will see" or "The LORD will provide." It is profoundly significant because it encapsulates God's character as the one who foresees the needs of His people and actively intervenes to meet them. This was powerfully demonstrated when God provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac on [Mount Moriah](/genesis/22-2 "Genesis 22:2 - The Location of Isaac's Near-Sacrifice"). The name became a proverbial statement among the Israelites, serving as a constant reminder of God's consistent faithfulness and His active role in the lives of His covenant people.

**How does Genesis 22:14 relate to the concept of God's omniscience?**

Answer: [Genesis 22:14](/genesis/22-14 "Genesis 22:14 - God's Omniscience and Provision") implicitly highlights God's omniscience, or His perfect and complete knowledge of all things—past, present, and future. The phrase "In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen" suggests that God not only knew Abraham's obedience beforehand but had also meticulously pre-arranged the provision of the ram before Abraham even set out for Moriah. This demonstrates that God's provision is not a reaction to an unforeseen crisis, but the unfolding of His sovereign plan, rooted in His perfect awareness of every circumstance and need. He "sees" the end from the beginning, and thus His provision is always timely and perfect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profoundly moving narrative of Abraham's test on [Mount Moriah](/genesis/22-2 "Mount Moriah and the Sacrifice of Isaac") in [Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "Genesis 22 - The Binding of Isaac") serves as one of the Old Testament's most vivid and poignant prophetic foreshadowings of Christ. Just as God provided a substitute ram for Isaac, sparing Abraham's beloved son from sacrifice, so too did God, in His infinite love and wisdom, provide His own beloved Son, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate and perfect substitute sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The "mount of the LORD" where provision was "seen" points forward with stunning clarity to Golgotha, where God's supreme provision for salvation would be truly "seen" and accomplished through Christ's atoning death on the cross. Jesus is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling the promise of "Jehovahjireh" in the most complete, redemptive, and eternally significant sense. Through His sacrifice, God provided salvation where humanity was utterly incapable of providing for itself, demonstrating His boundless love ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Provision")) and securing eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")).

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

Genesis 22:13

And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind [him] a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

Exodus 17:15

And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

Genesis 22:8

And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

Judges 6:24

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it [is] yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Genesis 16:13

And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?

Genesis 16:14

Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, [it is] between Kadesh and Bered.

Genesis 28:19

And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city [was called] Luz at the first.