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The Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
Hebrews 11:20–22 gives three short examples of faith from Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. In each verse, faith is shown through words or actions that point forward to what is still ahead.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
These verses sit in a teaching section that repeats the words “by faith”. Here the writer moves quickly through Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, linking faith with blessing, worship, mention of a future departure, and instructions given as life was ending for Jacob and Joseph.
Hebrews 11:20–22Main takeaway
This passage presents faith as speaking and acting about things to come through blessing, worship, and instructions.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Isaac blesses concerning things to comeHebrews 11:20 says, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come.”
Explanation
Hebrews 11:20 says, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come.” The verse is brief, but it makes two points clear. Isaac’s blessing is an act of faith, and that blessing is connected with the future, not only with the present moment.
02Jacob blesses and worships while dyingHebrews 11:21 says Jacob, “when he was dying”, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. The verse also says he “worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff”.
Explanation
Hebrews 11:21 says Jacob, “when he was dying”, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. The verse also says he “worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff”. Faith is therefore shown in both what Jacob says and what Jacob does as his life is coming to an end.
03Joseph mentions a future departureHebrews 11:22 says Joseph, “when his end was near”, made mention of “the departure of the children of Israel”.
Explanation
Hebrews 11:22 says Joseph, “when his end was near”, made mention of “the departure of the children of Israel”. He also “gave instructions concerning his bones”. His faith is connected with a future departure and with practical instructions that relate to that future.
04The repeated pattern in these versesAll three verses begin with “By faith”, so the writer wants these examples read together. Isaac is described blessing “concerning things to come”.
Explanation
All three verses begin with “By faith”, so the writer wants these examples read together. Isaac is described blessing “concerning things to come”. Jacob and Joseph are described near the end of life. Across the passage, faith is expressed in blessing, worship, mention of a future departure, and instructions.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does Hebrews 11:20 say Isaac’s blessing concerned?
Find the exact phrase at the end of the verse that shows Isaac’s blessing looked ahead.
02What two actions are named in Hebrews 11:21 when Jacob was dying?
Read the whole verse carefully and list both the blessing and the act of worship.
03What future matter does Joseph mention, and what instructions does he give?
Notice that Hebrews 11:22 includes both a coming departure and something specific about his bones.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Hebrews 11:20–22
20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come.
21By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
22By faith Joseph, when his end was near, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.