Hebrews 11:18

18 of whom it was said, 1"Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."

Hebrews 11:18 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 11:18

Of whom it is said
That is, of Isaac, Abraham's own son, whom he offered up; or rather, "to whom it was said", as the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions render it; that is, to Abraham, for to him was this said, ( Genesis 21:12 )

that in Isaac shall thy seed be called;
that numerous natural seed of his, which should inherit the land of Canaan; and his special famous seed, the Messiah, to whom the promises were made; (See Gill on Romans 9:7).

Hebrews 11:18 In-Context

16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,
18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."
19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Romans 9:7; Cited from Genesis 21:12
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.