What does Hebrews 11:19 mean?
"Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure." - Hebrews 11:19

Hebrews 11:19 (KJV) states, "Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure." This verse is part of the Biblical passage known as the "Hall of Faith" or "Faith Hall of Fame," where the author of Hebrews lists the heroes of faith in the Old Testament. This specific verse refers to the faith of Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation.
The context of this verse is essential for understanding its meaning. Abraham had been promised a son by God, and after many years, God fulfilled this promise by allowing Sarah, Abraham's wife, to conceive and give birth to Isaac. However, in Genesis 22, God tests Abraham's faith by asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, as a burnt offering. Abraham obediently agrees to follow God's command, showing remarkable faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises, even if it seems impossible or contradictory.
In Hebrews 11:19, the author affirms that Abraham's faith was so strong that he believed that God could raise Isaac from the dead if necessary to fulfill His promises. This trust in God's power and faithfulness is what made Abraham a shining example of faith. The phrase "in a figure" or "symbolically" in some translations, refers to the fact that Isaac was spared from death, and this event foreshadowed the future resurrection of Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to provide a sacrifice for humanity's sin.
One of the key themes in this verse is the nature of faith and its relationship to God's promises. It highlights the idea that true faith involves an unwavering belief in God's ability to overcome any obstacle or fulfill any promise, even when circumstances seem impossible. Abraham's faith was not based on evidence or human reasoning but on his trust in God's character and power. This serves as a powerful reminder for believers to hold on to their faith in God's promises, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Another important theme in this verse is the concept of sacrifice and obedience. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Isaac, demonstrates his obedience to God, even in the most difficult and emotionally trying circumstances. This serves as a model for believers to submit to God's will, trusting that His plans are ultimately for their good and His glory.
The symbolism in this verse is profound, as it points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. The willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son mirrors God's sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus, for the redemption of humanity. The mention of God's ability to raise Isaac from the dead also foreshadows the resurrection of Jesus, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith.
In conclusion, Hebrews 11:19 is a powerful affirmation of the nature of faith and its central role in the lives of believers. It uses the example of Abraham's unwavering trust in God's promises, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances, to encourage and inspire believers to hold fast to their faith. The verse also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises in the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the profound symbolism and significance of this event in the Christian faith.
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Hebrews 11:19 Artwork
Hebrews 11:19 - "Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure."
"Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure." - Hebrews 11:19
Hebrews 11:16
Hebrews 11:16
Hebrews 3:19 - "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."
Hebrews 11 the faith hall of fame
Hebrews 11:2 - "For by it the elders obtained a good report."
Hebrews 10:19 - "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,"
Hebrews 11 the faith hall of fame
Hebrews 11 the faith hall of fame
Hebrews 11:18 - "Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:"
Hebrews 11:14 - "For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country."
Hebrews 13:19 - "But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner."
Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 3:11 - "So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)"
Hebrews 11:20 - "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come."
"For by it the elders obtained a good report." - Hebrews 11:2
Hebrews 1:11 - "They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;"
Hebrews 11:10 - "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."
Hebrews 11:38 - "(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."
Hebrews 11:39 - "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:"
Hebrews 6:19 - "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;"
Hebrews 11:30 - "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days."
Hebrews 11:25 - "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;"
Hebrews 7:19 - "For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God."
Hebrews 12:19 - "And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:"
Hebrews 11:36 - "And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:"
Hebrews 11:1 a picture of a person learning to walk by faith
Hebrews 11:1 a picture of a person learning to walk by faith
Hebrews 11:1 a picture of a person learning to walk by faith