Abraham in the Bible

Meaning: father of a great multitude

Thematic Bible














Therefore it is by faith, that it might be of grace; in order that the promise might be secured to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (as it is written "that I have constituted thee father of many nations,") before God, in whom he trusted, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth things that are not as if existing. Who contrary to hope, in hope believed, that he should be the father of many nations, according to what was said, "So shall thy seed be."

Show 3 more verses


And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness;" and he was called "the friend of God."




the oath which he sware to Abraham our father,

For not by the law [came] the promise to Abraham and his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but by the righteousness of faith.

Now I say that Jesus Christ was the minister of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

For God when he gave the promise to Abraham forasmuch as he had nothing greater to swear by, sware by himself, saying, "Verily, blessing, I will bless thee, and multiplying, I will multiply thee."

as Abraham believed in God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Know then that they who are of faith, these are the children of Abraham. And the scripture foreseeing that by faith God would justify the Gentiles, preached the gospel before unto Abraham, saying, that "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." read more.
Wherefore they who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law, are under a curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who continueth not in all the things written in the book of the law to do them." But that by the law no man is justified before God is evident: because "The just by faith shall live." Now the law is not by faith: but "The man that doeth these things shall live by them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who is hanged on a tree:" that unto the Gentiles the benediction pronounced on Abraham might come by Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith. Brethren, I speak humanly; to use a similitude, a man's testament, if it be passed in legal form, no man can vacate, or add thereunto. But to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, To seeds, as unto many persons; but as to an individual, and to thy seed, which is Christ. Now this I say, the covenant confirmed of God to Christ, the law, which was given three hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, so as to vacate the promise. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more by promise; but to Abraham God gave it freely by promise.

But if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondwoman, and the other by a free. Now the son of the bond-maid was born after the flesh, but that by the free woman was by promise. Which things are allegorical; for these are the two covenants, the one from mount Sinai, gendering unto bondage, which is represented by Agar. read more.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds with Jerusalem that now is, and is in bondage with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice, thou barren who bearest not, cry out and shout for joy, thou that travailest not, for more are the children of her that was desolate, than of her which had an husband." So we, brethren, as Isaac, are the children of the promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so is it now. But what saith the scripture? "Cast out the bond-woman and her son for the son of the bond-maid shall in no wise inherit with the son of the free woman." So then, brethren, we are not the children of the bondwoman, but of the free.



WHAT then shall we say that Abraham our father hath obtained by the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he hath cause for glorying; though not before God. For what doth the scripture say? Abraham truly believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. read more.
Now to him that worketh, the reward is not brought to account as a favour, but as a debt. But to him who doth not work, but believeth in him who justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reckoned in account for righteousness. As David also describeth the blessedness of that man, to whom God imputeth righteousness without works, "Blessed are they whose unrighteousnesses are forgiven, and whose sins are covered up. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will in nowise impute sin." This blessedness then, [is it] for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it imputed to him? when circumcised, or while uncircumcised? Not when circumcised, but whilst uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had when uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all those who believe, though uncircumcised; that to them also the righteousness might be imputed: and the father of circumcision, not to those who are of the circumcision merely, but who also tread in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, which he exercised while uncircumcised. For not by the law [came] the promise to Abraham and his seed, that he should be heir of the world, but by the righteousness of faith. For if they who are of the law are heirs, faith becomes vain, and the promise is useless: for the law causeth wrath: for where there is no law, neither is there transgression. Therefore it is by faith, that it might be of grace; in order that the promise might be secured to all the seed; not only to that which is of the law, but to that which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (as it is written "that I have constituted thee father of many nations,") before God, in whom he trusted, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth things that are not as if existing. Who contrary to hope, in hope believed, that he should be the father of many nations, according to what was said, "So shall thy seed be." And not being weak in faith, he regarded not his own body now deadened, being about an hundred years old, nor the deadness of Sarah's womb: for he disputed not against the promise of God with unbelief; but was mighty in faith, giving glory to God; and enjoyed the fullest assurance, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

as Abraham believed in God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Know then that they who are of faith, these are the children of Abraham. And the scripture foreseeing that by faith God would justify the Gentiles, preached the gospel before unto Abraham, saying, that "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." read more.
Wherefore they who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

By faith Abraham, called to go forth unto a place which he should in future obtain as an heritage, obeyed; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the co-heirs of the same promise. For he expected a city having foundations, of which God is the planner and architect.

By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promise, presented in sacrifice his only begotten son, unto whom it had been said, "That by Isaac shall there be a seed bearing thy name:" reasoning that God was able to raise him up again, even from the dead; from whence also figuratively he had received him.

Was not our father Abraham justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith consummated. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness;" and he was called "the friend of God." read more.
Observe therefore that by works a man is justified, and not by faith merely.






He replied, Men, brethren, and fathers, hear me: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him, Go forth out of thy country, and from among thy relations, and come hither to a land which I will shew thee.

By faith Abraham, called to go forth unto a place which he should in future obtain as an heritage, obeyed; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going.


and think not to say in yourselves, We have Abraham for our father: for I say unto you, that God is able out of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, to be loosed from this bond on the sabbath-day?

There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom, and yourselves cast out.

Then said Jesus unto him, To-day is salvation come to this house, because that he also is a son of Abraham.

They answered him, We are Abraham's seed, and never were in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, That we shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, That every one who committeth sin is the slave of sin. But the slave abideth not in the family for ever: but the son abideth for ever. read more.
If the Son therefore make you free, ye will be truly free. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word has no place in you. I speak what I have seen with my Father: and ye do therefore what ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him, Our Father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were the children of Abraham, ye would have done the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man who hath told you the truth, which I have heard from God. Abraham did not so.








By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promise, presented in sacrifice his only begotten son,

Was not our father Abraham justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?









And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness;" and he was called "the friend of God."


There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom, and yourselves cast out.

And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

Now it came to pass that the poor man died, and was carried up by angels into the bosom of Abraham. Then the rich man also died, and was buried: and in hell, lifting up his eyes, being in torments, he seeth Abraham at a vast distance, and Lazarus in his bosom. And crying out, he said, Father Abraham, have compassion on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented with this flame. read more.
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou hast received thy good things during thy life, and Lazarus, in like manner, what was afflictive: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And besides all these considerations, between us and you there is a vast chasm fixed: so that they who might be willing to pass from hence to you, cannot; neither can they pass through to us, from thence. And he said, I entreat thee then, father, that thou wouldest send him to my paternal mansion: for I have five brothers: that he may testify to them, that they also come not into this place of torment. Abraham saith to him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hearken to them. But he said, Ah no, father Abraham! but if one came to them from the dead, they will repent. Then he said to him, If they hearken not to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.














Then he went out from the country of the Chaldeans, and, dwelt in Charran: and from thence, after his father was dead, God removed him as a sojourner into this very country, in which we now dwell.







For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondwoman, and the other by a free. Now the son of the bond-maid was born after the flesh, but that by the free woman was by promise. Which things are allegorical; for these are the two covenants, the one from mount Sinai, gendering unto bondage, which is represented by Agar. read more.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds with Jerusalem that now is, and is in bondage with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice, thou barren who bearest not, cry out and shout for joy, thou that travailest not, for more are the children of her that was desolate, than of her which had an husband." So we, brethren, as Isaac, are the children of the promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so is it now. But what saith the scripture? "Cast out the bond-woman and her son for the son of the bond-maid shall in no wise inherit with the son of the free woman."



FOR this Melchisedec, king of Salem, a priest of God most high, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth share of all the spoil: being, as the interpretation of his name imports, first, King of righteousness, and then also King of Salem, that is, King of peace: without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but in exact resemblance with the Son of God, abideth a priest for ever. read more.
Now observe how great is this [Melchisedec], to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave the tenth of the spoils. For they indeed of the sons of Levi, who are admitted to priesthood, have an order to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though also sprung from the loins of Abraham. But he who derived not his genealogy from them, received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him who had the promises; but without all dispute the inferior receives benediction from the superior. And here indeed dying men receive the tithes, but there he hath a testimony borne to him that he liveth. And, if I may so say, through Abraham even Levi, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes. For he was as yet in the loins of his father when Melchisedec met him.



For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondwoman, and the other by a free. Now the son of the bond-maid was born after the flesh, but that by the free woman was by promise. Which things are allegorical; for these are the two covenants, the one from mount Sinai, gendering unto bondage, which is represented by Agar. read more.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds with Jerusalem that now is, and is in bondage with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, "Rejoice, thou barren who bearest not, cry out and shout for joy, thou that travailest not, for more are the children of her that was desolate, than of her which had an husband." So we, brethren, as Isaac, are the children of the promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so is it now. But what saith the scripture? "Cast out the bond-woman and her son for the son of the bond-maid shall in no wise inherit with the son of the free woman."






FOR this Melchisedec, king of Salem, a priest of God most high, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;














Then he went out from the country of the Chaldeans, and, dwelt in Charran: and from thence, after his father was dead, God removed him as a sojourner into this very country, in which we now dwell.















By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promise, presented in sacrifice his only begotten son,










































































nor, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, not the children of the flesh, these are the children of God: but the children of the promise are accounted for the seed. For the word of promise is this, At that time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. read more.
And not only so; but when Rebecca also had conception by one, even Isaac our father; (though the children were not yet born, nor had done any thing good or evil, that according to the election of God the purpose might abide, not from works, but from him who called;) it was said unto her, "That the elder shall be servant to the younger." As it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated."




Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And "in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed."



to perform mercy towards our fathers, and to remember his own holy covenant: the oath which he sware to Abraham our father, to give us, that we, secure from fear, rescued from the hands of our enemies, should serve him, read more.
in righteousness and holiness before him, all the days of our life.

But to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, To seeds, as unto many persons; but as to an individual, and to thy seed, which is Christ.




By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promise, presented in sacrifice his only begotten son, unto whom it had been said, "That by Isaac shall there be a seed bearing thy name:" reasoning that God was able to raise him up again, even from the dead; from whence also figuratively he had received him.

By faith Abraham, called to go forth unto a place which he should in future obtain as an heritage, obeyed; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going.









Your father Abraham exulted for joy that he should see this day of mine: and saw it, and rejoiced.








for he disputed not against the promise of God with unbelief; but was mighty in faith, giving glory to God;













Who contrary to hope, in hope believed, that he should be the father of many nations, according to what was said, "So shall thy seed be."


Your father Abraham exulted for joy that he should see this day of mine: and saw it, and rejoiced.


But to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, To seeds, as unto many persons; but as to an individual, and to thy seed, which is Christ.


For he verily took not on him the angelic nature, but assumed that of the seed of Abraham.



























Your father Abraham exulted for joy that he should see this day of mine: and saw it, and rejoiced.




Was not our father Abraham justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?






and said to him, Go forth out of thy country, and from among thy relations, and come hither to a land which I will shew thee. Then he went out from the country of the Chaldeans, and, dwelt in Charran: and from thence, after his father was dead, God removed him as a sojourner into this very country, in which we now dwell. Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not so much as the print of his foot: yet he promised to give it for a possession to him and to his seed after him, when he had no son. read more.
Then spake God to him thus, That his seed should sojourn in a foreign land: and that they should enslave it, and grievously afflict it, four hundred years. And the nation by which they shall be enslaved will I judge, said God: and after these things they shall come out, and shall worship me in this place. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so he begat Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs.

By faith Abraham, called to go forth unto a place which he should in future obtain as an heritage, obeyed; and he went forth, not knowing whither he was going. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the co-heirs of the same promise. For he expected a city having foundations, of which God is the planner and architect. read more.
By faith also that very Sarah, who was barren, received ability for the conception of seed, and past the usual time of life brought forth a child, because she accounted that he who promised it, would be true to his promise. Wherefore even from one person, and he become dead in respect to these matters, there sprang a race, as the stars of heaven for multitude, and as the sand, which is on the shore of the sea, innumerable. All these died in faith, not having received the promises, but beholding them at a great distance, though believing and embracing them, and confessing that they were strangers and sojourners in the land. Now they who speak thus, shew evidently that they are in earnest search of their native country. And if indeed they had fixed their minds on that from whence they had gone forth, they might have had opportunity to go back to it again. But now their longing desires are after a better country, that is, the heavenly one: wherefore God is not ashamed of them to be called their God: for he hath prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promise, presented in sacrifice his only begotten son,





By faith Abraham, when tried, offered up Isaac; and he who had received the promise, presented in sacrifice his only begotten son, unto whom it had been said, "That by Isaac shall there be a seed bearing thy name:" reasoning that God was able to raise him up again, even from the dead; from whence also figuratively he had received him.







And so after long patient waiting he obtained the promise.


























This blessedness then, [is it] for the circumcision, or for the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was imputed to Abraham for righteousness.

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.















of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named;








References