Hebrews 11:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Accounting {G3049} that {G3754} God {G2316} was able {G1415} to raise him up {G1453}, even {G2532} from {G1537} the dead {G3498}; from whence {G3606} also {G2532} he received {G2865} him {G846} in {G1722} a figure {G3850}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he had concluded that God could even raise people from the dead! And, figuratively speaking, he did so receive him.

Berean Standard Bible

Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.

American Standard Version

accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead; from whence he did also in a figure receive him back.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 11:19 stands as a profound testament to Abraham's extraordinary faith, revealing his deep conviction in God's omnipotence, specifically His power to raise the dead. Faced with the divine command to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise, Abraham reasoned that God was capable of restoring life, demonstrating a radical trust that transcended natural limitations. This pivotal moment not only showcased Abraham's unwavering belief but also served as a prophetic "figure" or foreshadowing of a greater resurrection yet to come.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Hebrews 11, often called the "Hall of Faith" or "Faith's Roll Call," which systematically presents a series of Old Testament figures whose lives exemplify profound trust in God. Abraham is a central figure in this chapter, with his faith highlighted in several key episodes, including his obedience to leave Ur of the Chaldeans ([Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Obedience")), his sojourning in the Promised Land ([Hebrews 11:9-10](/hebrews/11-9-10 "Hebrews 11:9-10 - Abraham's Pilgrimage")), and the miraculous birth of Isaac ([Hebrews 11:11-12](/hebrews/11-11-12 "Hebrews 11:11-12 - Sarah's Faith and Isaac's Birth")). The immediate preceding verses recount the ultimate test of Abraham's faith: God's command to offer Isaac, his only son through whom the covenant promises were to be established. The author of Hebrews emphasizes that Abraham's obedience was not blind but deeply reasoned, rooted in a theological understanding of God's character and power, culminating in the declaration of his belief in resurrection.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In Abraham's time, the concept of a "firstborn son" was immensely significant, carrying both familial inheritance and covenantal promises. Isaac was not merely a son but the unique heir through whom God had promised to multiply Abraham's descendants and bless all nations ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - God's Blessing on Abraham's Offspring")). The practice of child sacrifice, though abhorrent to Yahweh and strictly forbidden in the Mosaic Law given later ([Deuteronomy 18:10](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10 - Abominable Practices")), was tragically common among some surrounding pagan cultures (e.g., to Molech). God's command to Abraham, therefore, was an unparalleled test, pushing the patriarch to the absolute limits of his faith and loyalty. This act also served to distinguish the God of Abraham from the capricious deities of the nations, demonstrating that while He demands ultimate allegiance, He does not delight in human sacrifice but provides a substitute.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Faith in God's Resurrection Power**. Abraham, centuries before Christ's resurrection, grasped that God is the sovereign Lord over life and death, the One who "gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not" ([Romans 4:17](/romans/4-17 "Romans 4:17 - God Who Gives Life to the Dead")). This profound understanding allowed him to proceed with the sacrifice, trusting God's ultimate plan for Isaac. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Promise and Fulfillment**. Isaac was the son of promise, through whom God's covenant with Abraham was to be perpetuated ([Genesis 17:19](/genesis/17-19 "Genesis 17:19 - The Covenant with Isaac")). Abraham's faith demonstrated his conviction that God's promises are infallible; if Isaac died, God would have to raise him to keep His word. Finally, the verse introduces the crucial theme of **Figurative Resurrection and Foreshadowing**. Isaac's deliverance from the altar was a symbolic "resurrection" from the brink of death, a powerful prefigurement or **type** of the ultimate resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event served as a divine object lesson, pointing forward to the greater redemptive work of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Accounting (Greek, _logízomai'_):** From G3049, meaning "to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively); to conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on)." This word signifies a reasoned, deliberate calculation or consideration, not a blind leap of faith. Abraham weighed God's command against God's character and promises, arriving at a logical conclusion about His power.
* **able (Greek, _dynatós'_):** From G1415, meaning "powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible:--able, could, (that is) mighty (man), possible, power, strong." This emphasizes God's inherent capacity and omnipotence. Abraham's faith was grounded in the absolute competence and limitless power of God to accomplish what seems impossible to humans.
* **raise him up (Greek, _egeírō'_):** From G1453, meaning "to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence):--awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up." This term directly refers to the act of bringing someone back to life from the state of death, underscoring Abraham's belief in a literal resurrection.
* **in a figure (Greek, _parabolḗ'_):** From G3850, meaning "a similitude ("parable"), i.e. (symbolic) fictitious narrative (of common life conveying a moral), apothegm or adage:--comparison, figure, parable, proverb." This crucial phrase indicates that Isaac's experience was not a literal resurrection from death, but a symbolic representation, a prophetic illustration, or a type that pointed to a greater reality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Accounting that God [was] able to raise [him] up, even from the dead":** This clause reveals the profound theological reasoning behind Abraham's obedience. He did not simply obey blindly, but with a deep, considered conviction (`logízomai`) that God possessed the absolute power (`dynatós`) to bring Isaac back to life (`egeírō`), even from the state of death (`nekrós`). This demonstrates a faith that understood God's sovereignty over life and death, even before the full revelation of resurrection in Christ.
* **"from whence also he received him in a figure":** This second clause clarifies the outcome and its significance. Abraham did indeed "receive" Isaac back, but this reception was "in a figure" (`en parabolḗ`). Isaac was spared from death at the last moment, an event so dramatic and unexpected that it was akin to a resurrection. This deliverance served as a powerful symbolic act, a "parable" or "type," foreshadowing the ultimate, literal resurrection of Jesus Christ and God's power over death.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs **Typology** in this verse, presenting Isaac's near-sacrifice and subsequent deliverance as a prefigurement or "type" of Christ's death and resurrection. Isaac, the "only son" offered by his father, parallels Jesus, the "only begotten Son" offered by God the Father. Isaac's return from the altar, though not a literal resurrection, serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of life restored from the brink of death, pointing to the true conquest of death achieved by Christ. The phrase "even from the dead" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme nature of the situation and Abraham's absolute conviction, as Isaac was effectively "as good as dead" in Abraham's mind and intent. This literary technique amplifies the magnitude of Abraham's faith and the divine significance of the event.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 11:19 profoundly connects Abraham's faith to the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, particularly His power over death. Abraham's conviction that God could raise Isaac from the dead demonstrates an early, yet remarkably clear, understanding of God's absolute sovereignty and His nature as the life-giver. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a radical trust that empowers obedience even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. It highlights that true faith is always grounded in the character and promises of God, believing that He is faithful to His word and mighty to perform it, even if it requires overcoming the ultimate barrier of death. This theological truth lays the groundwork for the New Testament's emphasis on Christ's resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian faith and the guarantee of our own future resurrection.

* [Romans 4:17](/romans/4-17 "God Who Gives Life to the Dead")
* [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "Christ the Firstfruits")
* [John 11:25](/john/11-25 "Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 11:19 serves as a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today, urging us to cultivate a faith that trusts in God's omnipotence, especially when circumstances appear insurmountable or contradictory to His promises. Abraham's example teaches us that true faith is not a blind leap but a reasoned conviction based on God's revealed character and His infallible word. In our own lives, we often encounter situations that feel like "dead ends"—unfulfilled dreams, relational brokenness, physical ailments, or spiritual dryness. Like Abraham, we are called to believe that God is able to do the impossible, to bring life out of death, and to fulfill His purposes in ways beyond our comprehension. This verse invites us to surrender our most cherished "Isaacs" to God, trusting that His plans are perfect and His power limitless, even if it means believing for a "resurrection" in our own circumstances. It reminds us that our faith is not in our ability to perform, but in God's power to restore, redeem, and resurrect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "impossible" situation in your life are you currently struggling to trust God with, and how might Abraham's faith in God's resurrection power encourage you?**
* **How does Abraham's "reasoned faith" (`accounting`) challenge the idea that faith is merely blind belief, and what does this imply about how we should approach God's commands and promises?**
* **In what ways might God be asking you to "sacrifice" something precious, trusting that He will ultimately bring about a greater "resurrection" or fulfillment of His promises?**
* **How does understanding Isaac's "figurative" resurrection deepen your appreciation for the literal resurrection of Jesus Christ and its implications for your hope?**

### FAQ

**What does "in a figure" mean in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "in a figure" (Greek: `en parabolḗ`) means "in a parable," "in a symbolic representation," or "figuratively speaking." It signifies that Isaac's deliverance from the altar, where he was as good as dead in Abraham's intent, served as a powerful illustration or prophetic picture. It was not a literal resurrection from death, but an event so dramatic and unexpected that it was *like* a resurrection, pointing forward to the ultimate and literal resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was a divine object lesson, a type or shadow of the greater reality to come, demonstrating God's power over life and death.

**Did Abraham truly believe God would literally raise Isaac from the dead?**

Answer: Yes, the text strongly indicates that Abraham had a genuine belief in God's power to literally raise Isaac from the dead. The Greek word `egeírō` (to raise up) is consistently used in the New Testament for literal resurrection (e.g., [Matthew 27:63](/matthew/27-63 "Matthew 27:63 - After Three Days I Will Rise")). Abraham's faith was not just that God *could* prevent Isaac's death, but that even if Isaac died, God *was able* to restore him to life to fulfill His covenant promises. This profound theological insight, centuries before the resurrection of Christ, highlights the depth of Abraham's understanding of God's omnipotence and faithfulness, as also noted in [Romans 4:17](/romans/4-17 "Romans 4:17 - God Who Gives Life to the Dead").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 11:19 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Abraham's willingness to offer his "only son" Isaac, and Isaac's figurative return from the dead, serves as a powerful **type** or foreshadowing of God the Father's offering of His "only begotten Son," Jesus, for the sins of the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). While Isaac was spared the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus truly became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), enduring the cross and death itself. The "figure" of Isaac's resurrection becomes the **reality** in Christ's literal, bodily resurrection from the grave ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ Died and Rose Again")). Just as Abraham received Isaac back, God the Father received His Son back from the dead, demonstrating His supreme power over death and securing eternal life for all who believe ([Romans 6:9-10](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Death and Resurrection")). Thus, Isaac's story is not merely an ancient account of faith, but a divinely orchestrated preview of the ultimate redemptive act through which humanity finds reconciliation and new life in Christ, the true Son of Promise and the Firstfruits of the resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits")).

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

Matthew 9:28

And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

Hebrews 11:11

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Hebrews 11:12

Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

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.

Romans 4:17

¶ (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Romans 4:21

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Ephesians 3:20

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,