Hebrews 11:18

18 even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” ^[a]

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 Instead, they were longing for a better country, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son,

18 even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”

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

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.

Footnotes

• [a] Genesis 21:12