Hebrews 11:18

18 God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I promised." ¹

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, it was a better country they longed for, the heavenly country. And so God is not ashamed for them to call him their God, because he has prepared a city for them.

17 It was faith that made Abraham offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice when God put Abraham to the test. Abraham was the one to whom God had made the promise, yet he was ready to offer his only son as a sacrifice.

18 God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that you will have the descendants I promised."

19 Abraham reckoned that God was able to raise Isaac from death - and, so to speak, Abraham did receive Isaac back from death.

20 It was faith that made Isaac promise blessings for the future to Jacob and Esau.

Cross References

• 1. 11.18Genesis 21.12.