By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
Read it in contextFaith through costly decisions
Start reading at Hebrews 11:17 (Hebrews 11:17 to Hebrews 11:31).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Further examples show faith expressed in obedience, relinquishment, identification with God's people, and action grounded in His promise.
11:17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
11:18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
11:19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
11:20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
11:21By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
11:22By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
11:23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
11:24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
11:25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
11:26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
11:27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
11:28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
11:29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
11:30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.
11:31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? The author is unknown. Paul is a longstanding attribution, while Barnabas and Apollos are among other historical proposals; none can be established with certainty. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Hebrews 11:1–11:40): The writer addresses the same community through examples of people who lived by faith; these historical figures are witnesses in the argument. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A community of Christians who had endured suffering and needed perseverance. They are traditionally identified as Jewish Christians, but their precise location and ethnic composition are uncertain. Biblical references: Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 10:32; Hebrews 13:22. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Hebrews, Epistle to the, authorship and addressees. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Faith through costly decisions. Read Hebrews 11:17 through Hebrews 11:31 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Further examples show faith expressed in obedience, relinquishment, identification with God's people, and action grounded in His promise. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The writing refers to the readers' earlier suffering and continuing need for endurance. It does not supply a calendar date or identify its author. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The exact destination and place of composition are not explicitly settled. The reference to those of Italy is a greeting and does not by itself establish where the writer is located. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Faith through costly decisions (Hebrews 11:17 to Hebrews 11:31).
Start reading at Hebrews 11:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus' priesthood, sacrifice, and help for the tempted govern the exposition. The repeated warnings and calls to hold fast belong to that same argument and should not be explained away. See Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:38. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Hold fast, encourage one another, and obey the word heard. Read assurance and access through Christ alongside the warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back. interpretation
Uncertain; Pauline authorship is held by manyNot known
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author.
Early traditionAncient opinion was divided. Some in the East accepted Pauline authorship; Origen concluded that only God knows who wrote it. Tertullian suggested Barnabas.
What is debatedThe author is genuinely unknown. The polished Greek and the manner of citing Scripture differ from Paul's letters. Claiming certainty here overstates the evidence.
Hebrews recalls the test and explains Abraham’s confidence in God’s power to raise the dead. That explanation is identified as the later inspired commentary rather than wording added to Genesis.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Hebrews 11
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Connection to the wholeThe opening description of faith is developed through early examples whose trust takes visible form in action and patient expectation.
Connection to the wholeFurther examples show faith expressed in obedience, relinquishment, identification with God's people, and action grounded in His promise.
Connection to the wholeThe chapter includes both deliverance and suffering, refusing to measure faith only by immediate escape, and leads into the call to run with endurance.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Hebrews
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The text does not name its author. It addresses hearers already acquainted with the faith and with suffering, urging them to hold fast. Its exposition of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice must be read with its repeated warnings against neglect, unbelief, and drawing back.
Connection to the wholeThe opening establishes the Son's greatness, warns against neglecting salvation, and explains His participation in flesh and blood and help for the tempted.
Connection to the wholeThe doctrinal argument leads to sustained exhortation, examples of faith, and warnings that preserve the readers' responsibility to continue.
Connection to the wholePractical instructions and final requests apply the preceding exhortation to the readers' conduct together and their continuing confession.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.