Hebrews Chapter 11 · Verse 20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
Original Language Analysis
Πίστει
By faith
G4102
Πίστει
By faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
1 of 10
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
μελλόντων
things to come
G3195
μελλόντων
things to come
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
3 of 10
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
εὐλόγησεν
blessed
G2127
εὐλόγησεν
blessed
Strong's:
G2127
Word #:
4 of 10
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Isaac lived approximately 1850 BC. Ancient Near Eastern culture invested profound significance in paternal blessings, which conveyed inheritance rights, family leadership, and covenant promises. The firstborn typically received the primary blessing, making Isaac's intended blessing of Esau culturally normative. However, God had revealed to Rebekah before the twins' birth that 'the elder shall serve the younger' (Genesis 25:23), overruling cultural custom through sovereign election. Isaac's confirmation of Jacob's blessing, despite the deception, acknowledged God's predetermined purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Isaac's submission to God's sovereign purposes challenge your own response when God's will contradicts your preferences?
- What does this passage teach about God's electing grace working through imperfect human instruments?
- In what ways should faith in God's future promises shape how you invest in the next generation?
Analysis & Commentary
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Despite being old and blind, Isaac blessed his sons by faith, speaking prophetically about their futures. The Greek peri mellontōn (περὶ μελλόντων, 'concerning things to come') indicates Isaac's blessings weren't mere wishes but prophetic declarations about God's sovereign purposes for his descendants. Though Isaac initially intended to bless Esau, God's elective purposes ensured Jacob received the covenant blessing (Genesis 27).
Isaac's faith appears in his acceptance of God's sovereign choice after discovering Jacob's deception. Rather than cursing Jacob or revoking the blessing, Isaac confirmed it: 'Yea, and he shall be blessed' (Genesis 27:33). This demonstrates faith's submission to divine sovereignty even when it contradicts personal preference. Isaac recognized God's hand overruling his own plans, surrendering to purposes higher than his own will.
This illustrates the Reformed doctrine of unconditional election—God's choice of Jacob over Esau 'not of works, but of him that calleth' (Romans 9:11-13). Isaac's patriarchal blessing carried covenantal authority, transmitting promises from Abraham through the chosen line. His faith believed God's purposes would prevail through his descendants, trusting divine promises regarding future realities he would never see fulfilled in his lifetime.