Definition

Proper noun 1. A biblical patriarch: In the Old Testament of the Bible, Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah, the father of Jacob and Esau, and one of the three great patriarchs of the Israelites. 2. A symbolic figure of faith and sacrifice: He is notably known for the story in which his father, Abraham, demonstrated his faith by being willing to sacrifice Isaac at God's command, a test that was stopped by divine intervention.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • According to the Book of Genesis, Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age.
  • The story of Abraham and Isaac is a foundational narrative about faith and obedience.
  • Isaac is a significant figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Advanced Usage

• "To be an Isaac": Used metaphorically to describe someone who is a long-awaited or miraculous child, or someone placed in a situation of ultimate trust or sacrifice.
  • After years of trying, their son felt like their little Isaac, a true gift.
• "The Binding of Isaac": A common term for the biblical episode (the ) where Abraham is tested by God.
  • The Binding of Isaac is a central text for theological discussions on faith and ethics.

Variants and Related Words

• Isaacian (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the biblical Isaac (rare, scholarly usage).
• Patriarch: A title for the founding fathers of a tribe or faith, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Synonyms

• Patriarch: A venerable male figure, especially a founder.
• Son of the promise: A descriptive term referencing Isaac's birth as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.

Related Phrases and Cultural References

• "Sacrifice of Isaac": Refers directly to the biblical story and is a common subject in art, literature, and theology.
• "Seed of Isaac": A phrase used to denote the descendants of Isaac, particularly the Israelites.

Noun

1. (Old Testament) the second patriarch; son of Abraham and Sarah who was offered by Abraham as a sacrifice to God; father of Jacob and Esau