Acts 7:11

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Now {G1161} there came {G2064} a dearth {G3042} over {G1909} all {G3650} the land {G1093} of Egypt {G125} and {G2532} Chanaan {G5477}, and {G2532} great {G3173} affliction {G2347}: and {G2532} our {G2257} fathers {G3962} found {G2147} no {G3756} sustenance {G5527}.

Now there came a famine that caused much suffering throughout Egypt and Kena‘an

Then famine and great suffering swept across Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers could not find food.

Now there came a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

Commentary

Acts 7:11 details a critical moment in Israel's early history, recounted by Stephen during his defense before the Sanhedrin. It describes the severe famine that gripped both Egypt and Canaan, forcing Jacob's family—the nascent nation of Israel—to seek food and ultimately relocate to Egypt.

Context

This verse is part of Stephen's extensive historical summary, found in Acts chapter 7, which traces God's dealings with Israel from Abraham through the wilderness period. Stephen uses this historical narrative to demonstrate God's faithfulness and Israel's recurring pattern of rebellion and rejection of God's messengers. Specifically, Acts 7:11 refers to the seven-year famine prophesied and prepared for by Joseph, as detailed in the book of Genesis. This economic crisis served as God's providential means to bring Jacob's family into Egypt, setting the stage for their later growth into a nation and eventual exodus. The desperation for food is evident as "our fathers found no sustenance," directly leading to their journey.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence Amidst Adversity: The famine, though a time of "great affliction," was not an arbitrary event but part of God's overarching plan. It was the catalyst that brought Jacob's family into Egypt, where they would multiply significantly, fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham. This highlights how God can use challenging circumstances to advance His purposes and guide His people.
  • Human Dependence on God: The phrase "our fathers found no sustenance" powerfully illustrates humanity's absolute reliance on God for basic needs. Even the most resourceful people are vulnerable when natural resources fail. This scarcity underscores the need to trust in God's provision and guidance.
  • The Journey to Egypt: This famine directly led to the patriarchs' descent into Egypt, a pivotal moment in Israel's history that laid the groundwork for the Exodus narrative. Stephen connects this historical event to God's continuous guidance over His people, even through periods of distress. Genesis 42:1-3 describes Jacob sending his sons to Egypt to buy grain, unaware of Joseph's position.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "dearth" is limos (λιμός), which specifically means "famine" or "hunger," indicating a widespread and severe lack of food. "Affliction" comes from thlipsis (θλῖψις), denoting pressure, tribulation, or distress, emphasizing the suffering caused by the famine. "Sustenance" is chortasmata (χορτάσματα), referring to food or nourishment, highlighting the complete lack of provisions and the desperate situation faced by Jacob's family.

Practical Application

Acts 7:11 reminds us that periods of scarcity or "great affliction" are not outside of God's knowledge or control. Just as God used the famine to position His chosen people for future blessings, He can use our present difficulties to shape us, teach us dependence on Him, and move us toward His greater purposes. It reinforces the truth that God provides for His children, both physically and spiritually. While we seek physical food, we are also reminded that true nourishment comes from God's Word, as stated in Deuteronomy 8:3 and echoed by Jesus in Matthew 4:4. Our trust should remain in God's faithfulness even when circumstances seem dire.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 41:54 (3 votes)

    And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

  • Genesis 41:57 (3 votes)

    And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy [corn]; because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands.

  • Genesis 45:11 (2 votes)

    And there will I nourish thee; for yet [there are] five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

  • Genesis 43:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the famine [was] sore in the land.

  • Psalms 105:16 (2 votes)

    Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.

  • Genesis 47:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ And [there was] no bread in all the land; for the famine [was] very sore, so that the land of Egypt and [all] the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.

  • Genesis 47:15 (2 votes)

    And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, Give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money faileth.