Genesis 22:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The command is explicit and devastating: sacrifice your only son Isaac.
The Context of Genesis 22:2
This is the ultimate test—Isaac is both Abraham's beloved son and the heir through whom God's covenant promises will be fulfilled.
What Does Genesis 22:2 Mean?
This is the ultimate test—Isaac is both Abraham's beloved son and the heir through whom God's covenant promises will be fulfilled. The command emphasizes the relationship: thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest. Each phrase deepens the weight.
The severity of the command reveals the depth of the test. Abraham is told to go to the land of Moriah (later identified with Jerusalem) and offer Isaac as a burnt offering. No other instructions, no certainty of what comes next.
Genesis 22:2 in the Original Language
olah (עֹלָה), 'burnt offering' — an offering wholly consumed by fire, signifying complete surrender.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 22:2
What does Genesis 22:2 mean?
The command is explicit and devastating: sacrifice your only son Isaac.
What is the context of Genesis 22:2?
This is the ultimate test—Isaac is both Abraham's beloved son and the heir through whom God's covenant promises will be fulfilled.