Hebrews 11:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Hebrews 11:19
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Chapter Context
Hebrews 11 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, faith. Written during before Jerusalem's destruction (c. 60-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Jewish Christians faced persecution pressure to return to Judaism's legal protections.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Hebrews and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Hebrews 11:19
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Analysis
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Abraham resolved the impossible paradox through resurrection faith. He 'accounted' (logisamenos, λογισάμενος, 'reckoned' or 'calculated'—same root used for imputed righteousness) that if Isaac died, God could and would raise him from the dead to fulfill His promises. This is Scripture's first explicit reference to resurrection faith, showing Abraham believed in God's power over death itself.
The phrase 'from whence also he received him in a figure' (en parabolē, ἐν παραβολῇ, 'in a parable' or 'as a type') indicates Abraham did receive Isaac back as from death. When the knife was raised, Isaac was as good as dead; when God provided the ram substitute, Abraham received Isaac back as if from resurrection. This served as a 'figure' or 'type'—a prophetic picture of Christ's actual death and resurrection. Isaac's three-day journey to Moriah (Genesis 22:4) prefigures Christ's three days in the tomb.
Abraham's resurrection faith reveals the essence of saving faith: confidence in God's power to bring life from death. This is the gospel pattern—Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). We are saved by faith in resurrection power (Romans 10:9). Abraham looked forward to this through types and shadows; we look back at the accomplished reality. Both are saved by faith in the same God who 'gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist' (Romans 4:17 ESV).
Historical Context
Abraham lived approximately 2000 BC, roughly 2000 years before Christ's actual death and resurrection. Yet by divine revelation and faith, Abraham grasped the principle that God can and will bring life from death to accomplish His purposes. No one had yet been resurrected, making Abraham's faith in this possibility even more remarkable. His willingness to proceed with sacrificing Isaac, believing God could restore him, demonstrated faith in God's power beyond all human experience or precedent. This prefigures our faith in Christ's resurrection—an event unique in history, requiring faith in God's testimony rather than empirical proof.
Reflection
- How does Abraham's resurrection faith strengthen your confidence that God can bring life from the 'dead' situations you face?
- In what ways is Isaac a 'figure' or type of Christ, and how does understanding this deepen your appreciation of the gospel?
- What areas of your life require faith that God can resurrect what seems dead—relationships, ministries, hopes?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Genesis 22:13, Matthew 9:28, Romans 5:14, Ephesians 3:20