By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going.(A) By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise.(B) 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.(C)

11 By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she[a] considered that the one who had promised was faithful.(D) 12 Therefore, from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and as innumerable as the grains of sand along the seashore.(E)

13 These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance,(F) greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.(G) 14 Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16 But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.(H)

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.(I) He received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son, 18 the one to whom it had been said, Your offspring[b] will be traced through Isaac.[c](J) 19 He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead;(K) therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking.[d]

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Footnotes

  1. 11:11 Or By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—received the ability to procreate since he
  2. 11:18 Lit seed
  3. 11:18 Gn 21:12
  4. 11:19 Or back, as a foreshadowing, or as a type

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