Binding Quote by Elie Wiesel
![“I am looking for the word which is there and shouldn't be there. I wonder, why is it there? Or I look for problems: the Akedah [the Binding of Isaac - Genesis 22]. It still baffles me. Each time I read it - and I read it at least twice a year - each time I discover new layers in it. Always. So…” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1fc/elie-wiesel-341_binding_i-am-looking-for-the-word-which-is-there_2710266.jpg)
“I am looking for the word which is there and shouldn't be there. I wonder, why is it there? Or I look for problems: the Akedah [the Binding of Isaac - Genesis 22]. It still baffles me. Each time I read it - and I read it at least twice a year - each time I discover new layers in it. Always. So this is of more concern to me than the minimalists.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Night by Elie Wiesel, 1956
The quote reflects a deep, recurring fascination with hidden meanings and layers in sacred texts, especially the Binding of Isaac, suggesting an endless quest for understanding.
In simple terms: A persistent search for hidden meaning in a biblical story.
Key Takeaway
Embrace continual inquiry.
Themes
faith
interpretation
scripture
search
mystery
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal study
- religious education
- sermon preparation
- academic research
Key Concepts
theology
exegesis
symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you bring to your reading?
- How does repeated study change perception?
A Different Perspective
Interpretation can be limited by personal bias and cultural context.
![“[ Rabbi Shlomo ben Isaac] was the greatest commentator [of the Bible] we ever had.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/22b/elie-wiesel-341_bible_rabbi-shlomo-ben-isaac-was-the-greatest_1012379.jpg)
![“I think [Sacrifice of Isaac] is the most important event in the Bible except for Sinai.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56c/elie-wiesel-341_bible_i-think-sacrifice-of-isaac-is-the-most-i_972902.jpg)
![“If you make a determination that [story of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac] is not historical, do you throw it away? I don't think we can say whether it's precisely, scientifically historical.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/505/elie-wiesel-341_abraham_if-you-make-a-determination-that-story-o_831812.jpg)
![“For me [Patriarchs] exist. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob exist today. They are people that you see with white beards. I have no doubt of their existence.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/038/elie-wiesel-341_abraham_for-me-patriarchs-exist-abraham-isaac-an_406065.jpg)
![“The story [of the Sacrifice of Isaac ] is much more a part of theology than of history.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/419/elie-wiesel-341_history_the-story-of-the-sacrifice-of-isaac-is-m_133978.jpg)
![“My interpretation is different. God asks Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" [Genesis 4:9] And Cain answers "Lo yadati, "I don't know" or "I didn't know." Then comes a period, followed by "Am I my brother's keeper?"” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/540/elie-wiesel-341_abel_my-interpretation-is-different-god-asks_1399388.jpg)
![“[Chinese] are a huge empire now, you'll soon be - in a few years two billion people in the world. So, you should be more compassionate, more understanding. And above all, you don't need all their trouble.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/751/elie-wiesel-341_billions_chinese-are-a-huge-empire-now-you-ll-soo_28398.jpg)
