Patriarch · Old Testament
The Story of Isaac
Also: Isaka (Kiswahili)
Son of Abraham and Sarah, born according to God's promise; father of Esau and Jacob.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, as God had promised. His name echoes Sarah's laughter. Genesis 21:1–7
Abraham was told to offer him on Mount Moriah, but God provided a ram. Isaac married Rebekah, who bore the twins Esau and Jacob. Genesis 22:1–14Genesis 24:67Genesis 25:21–26
God renewed to Isaac the promise made to Abraham. In old age Isaac blessed Jacob in place of Esau. He died at 180. Genesis 26:2–5Genesis 27:1–40Genesis 35:28–29
Told in: Genesis
Life at a glance
- Parents
- Abraham and Sarah Genesis 21:2–3
- Wife
- Rebekah Genesis 24:67
- Sons
- Esau and Jacob Genesis 25:25–26
- Death
- At 180; buried by Esau and Jacob Genesis 35:28–29
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Isaac
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
The son of the promise
Isaac is born when Abraham is a hundred and is circumcised on the eighth day.
On Mount Moriah
Isaac carries the wood and asks where the lamb is; Abraham answers that God will provide. God stops Abraham and provides a ram.
Marries Rebekah
Abraham's servant brings Rebekah; Isaac takes her as his wife and loves her, and is comforted after his mother's death.
Esau and Jacob are born
Isaac prays for Rebekah, who is barren; she conceives twins, and the LORD says the older will serve the younger.
In Gerar: the promise and the wells
In a famine the LORD appears to Isaac and confirms the promise to Abraham. Isaac digs wells, and at Beersheba the LORD appears to him again.
More about this event
Places named: Gerar, Beersheba
Blessing Jacob instead of Esau
Old and blind, Isaac means to bless Esau, but Rebekah and Jacob deceive him and he blesses Jacob. He then blesses Esau with a lesser blessing.
More about this event
Supporting passage: Genesis 28:1–5
Later recollection of this event: Hebrews 11:20
Death of Isaac
Isaac dies at Hebron at 180, and his sons Esau and Jacob bury him.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Isaac. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollections of these events
- Hebrews 11:20 recalls “Blessing Jacob instead of Esau”
Later recollection
Direct reference
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
Family and relationships
Books associated with Isaac
- Genesis Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
Promise
- How does Genesis 26:2-5 connect Isaac to the promise made to Abraham?
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