Hebrews 11:18

18 with reference to whom it was said, "In Isaac your descendants will 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 now they aspire to a better [land], that is, a heavenly [one]. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham, [when he] was tested, offered Isaac, and the one who received the promises was ready to offer his one and only [son],

18 with reference to whom it was said, "In Isaac your descendants will be named,"

19 having reasoned that God [was] able even to raise [him] from the dead, from which he received him back also as a symbol.

20 By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things that were going to happen.

Footnotes

• [a] A quotation from Gen 21:12