Meaning of the Name Isaac
The Hebrew name Yitzchak means 'he laughs', from the verb 'to laugh' (tsachak). The Genesis narrative explains it by the laughter of the elderly parents who heard the promise: Sarah says, 'God has made me laugh' (Genesis 21:6).
Origin
The name Isaac is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Isaac in the Bible?
Isaac is the son promised to Abraham and Sarah and born in their old age; the covenant promise continues through his line. His binding on Mount Moriah is one of the most pondered narratives of Scripture; he marries Rebekah and becomes the father of Esau and Jacob.
The story of Isaac in the Bible
Isaac is the son promised to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, born like a miracle. His name means 'he laughs,' for laughter met the promise from the first; after his birth Sarah says God has brought her laughter, and everyone who hears will laugh with her, so the name carries the stamp of joy. His most searing scene takes place on a mountain in the region of Moriah: God tests Abraham by asking him to offer his son. Father and son climb together; Isaac asks where the lamb is, and Abraham answers that God will provide. Just as the knife is raised, a voice from heaven stops Abraham, and a ram caught by its horns in a thicket is offered in the son's place. The covenant promise continues through Isaac's line. Abraham's servant brings Rebekah to be his wife; Isaac brings her into his mother's tent, loves her, and is comforted after his mother's death. Rebekah bears him twin sons, Esau and Jacob, making Isaac the middle link in the chain of promise running from Abraham to Jacob.
Is Isaac mentioned in the Quran?
The name Isaac (İshak) is also mentioned in the Quran, where Islamic tradition regards him as a prophet and the son of Abraham; in the Bible he is the promised son, husband of Rebekah, and father of Esau and Jacob.
Verses where Isaac appears
- Genesis 21:1-6 —
Yahweh visited Sarah as he had said, and Yahweh did to Sarah as he had spoken. Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called his son who was born…
- Genesis 22:1-14 —
After these things, God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” He said, “Here I am.” He said, “Now take your son, your only son, whom you love, even Isaac, and go into the land of Moriah. Offer him there for a…
- Genesis 24:67 —
Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife. He loved her. Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.