Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Genesis 22:1

Next

¶ 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].

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.

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

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

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

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].

Commentary

This verse marks the beginning of one of the most profound and challenging narratives in the Bible: God's command to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac.

Historical and cultural context: "After these things" refers to the events of the previous chapter, where God's promise of an heir through Sarah was fulfilled with the birth of Isaac (Genesis 21), and the potential conflict with Ishmael was resolved by Hagar and Ishmael being sent away. Isaac is now the sole heir of the promise. This test occurs when Abraham is likely old, and Isaac is a young man (traditionally thought to be in his teens or early twenties).

Key themes and messages: The central theme introduced here is God testing Abraham's faith and obedience. It is a test of whether Abraham's loyalty and trust in God surpassed even his love for the son through whom God had promised to build a great nation.

Linguistic insights: The King James Version uses the word "tempt," which in modern English often implies enticement to sin. However, the Hebrew word used here is נָסָה (nasah), which means to "test," "try," or "prove." This is not God trying to make Abraham sin, but rather proving the depth and sincerity of his faith and obedience. It is a test designed to reveal and strengthen Abraham's character and relationship with God.

Abraham's Response: Abraham's immediate response, "Behold, here I am" (Hebrew: הִנְנִי - hinneni), is a common biblical expression signifying readiness, attention, and willingness to respond to God's call or command. It shows his immediate availability and submission to God's voice.

Significance: This opening verse sets the stage for the ultimate test of Abraham's faith, demonstrating the extraordinary nature of God's command and Abraham's remarkable response. It highlights the intense nature of the trial God was about to put Abraham through.

Cross-references: The New Testament confirms that this event was indeed a test of faith (Hebrews 11:17). The nature of God's testing is contrasted with temptation to evil in James 1:13.

Practical application: This verse reminds us that God sometimes allows or initiates tests in our lives, not to make us fall, but to refine our faith, reveal our hearts, and draw us closer to Him. Our response, like Abraham's "Here I am," is crucial.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:17 (28 votes)

    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 (17 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

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

  • James 1:12 (16 votes)

    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 (16 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 (15 votes)

    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].