Acts 7:12

KJV

But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when Jacob {G2384} heard {G191} that there was {G5607} corn {G4621} in {G1722} Egypt {G125}, he sent out {G1821} our {G2257} fathers {G3962} first {G4412}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But when Ya‘akov heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time.

Berean Standard Bible

When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.

American Standard Version

But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:12, embedded within Stephen's comprehensive historical defense before the Sanhedrin, marks a pivotal moment in the Genesis narrative: Jacob's strategic decision to dispatch his sons to Egypt in search of sustenance. This verse highlights the immediate and practical response of the patriarch to a severe famine, unknowingly aligning with God's overarching plan to preserve His covenant people and orchestrate their descent into Egypt, a crucial preparatory stage for their eventual growth into a great nation and the subsequent Exodus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial point in Stephen's lengthy historical recounting, which begins with Abraham and progresses through the patriarchs, Moses, and the wilderness wanderings, culminating in the building of the Temple. Specifically, Acts 7:12 follows Stephen's detailed account of Joseph's betrayal by his brothers and his subsequent elevation to power in Egypt (Acts 7:9-11). The famine, which had already been mentioned as afflicting both Canaan and Egypt, provides the immediate backdrop. Jacob's decision to send his sons is a direct consequence of this widespread scarcity, setting in motion the chain of events that would lead to the reunion of Joseph with his family and the relocation of the entire clan to Egypt, thus fulfilling ancient prophecies and advancing God's redemptive agenda. Stephen is meticulously demonstrating God's consistent faithfulness to His covenant throughout Israel's history, even through periods of hardship and human failing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The famine described in the biblical narrative (Genesis 41:53-57) was a severe and prolonged regional crisis affecting the entire ancient Near East, not just Egypt and Canaan. In such times, Egypt, with its predictable Nile River floods and advanced agricultural storage capabilities, often served as a granary for the region. The practice of sending emissaries or family members to other lands for food during famine was a common and necessary survival strategy. Jacob's family, as nomadic pastoralists, would have been particularly vulnerable to crop failures and drought, necessitating their reliance on more stable agricultural centers. The act of "sending out" (G1821, _exapostéllō_) implies a formal dispatch, underscoring the gravity of the situation and Jacob's patriarchal authority in making such a critical decision for his household. This historical detail underscores the authenticity of the Genesis account and Stephen's accurate representation of it.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 7:12 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Stephen's speech and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating how God meticulously orchestrates human events, even crises like famine, to fulfill His long-term purposes. The famine, Joseph's position, and Jacob's decision were all part of God's plan to preserve the covenant family and lead them to Egypt, where they would multiply into a great nation, as foretold to Abraham in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding Egypt"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Preservation of His People**, showcasing His faithfulness in sustaining the lineage through whom His redemptive plan would unfold, even when they faced existential threats. Thirdly, it marks the **Beginning of a New Era** for the nascent nation of Israel, as their sojourn in Egypt would profoundly shape their identity and prepare them for the Exodus, a foundational event in their national and spiritual history, recounted in [Exodus 1](/exodus/1 "The Israelites in Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This primary verb signifies not merely the physical act of hearing, but often implies understanding, heeding, or giving attention. In this context, Jacob's "hearing" about the corn in Egypt is presented as a decisive moment that prompts action, indicating his receptiveness to the vital information that would ensure his family's survival.
* **corn (Greek, _sîtos'_):** This term specifically refers to grain, particularly wheat, which was the staple food in the ancient Near East. The King James Version's use of "corn" here is an archaic English term for grain, not referring to maize (which is a New World crop). Stephen's use of _sîtos_ accurately reflects the historical reality of the food source sought by Jacob's family.
* **sent out (Greek, _exapostéllō'_):** Derived from _ek_ (out of) and _apostéllō_ (to send), this verb implies a deliberate and authoritative dispatch, often with a specific mission or purpose. Jacob did not merely allow his sons to go; he "sent them out," emphasizing his patriarchal leadership and the urgency of their mission to procure life-sustaining provisions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt":** This clause establishes the catalyst for the subsequent action. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) indicates a transition or a new development in the narrative. Jacob, the patriarch, receives crucial intelligence about the availability of grain in Egypt, a land known for its agricultural abundance even during regional famines. His hearing is not passive but leads directly to a strategic response to the dire circumstances of the famine.
* **"he sent out our fathers first":** This second clause describes Jacob's immediate and authoritative response. "Our fathers" refers to the sons of Jacob (the patriarchs of the twelve tribes) who would journey to Egypt. The adverb "first" (G4412, _prōton_) highlights that this was the initial journey, implying there would be subsequent trips or developments, and also emphasizes the urgency and priority of this mission to secure food for the family. This action sets in motion the fulfillment of God's prophetic word concerning the descent into Egypt.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's recounting in Acts 7, including verse 12, employs several literary devices. **Historical Recounting** is the overarching device, as Stephen systematically narrates the history of Israel to demonstrate God's consistent work outside the Temple and to highlight Israel's historical resistance to God's messengers. Within this, there is clear **Narrative Progression**, as each event builds upon the last, leading to the establishment of the Israelite nation. The mention of Jacob sending his sons "first" serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the subsequent journeys and the eventual relocation of the entire family to Egypt, which would have profound implications for Israel's future. There is also an element of **Divine Irony** in the broader context: the brothers' wicked act of selling Joseph into slavery ultimately becomes the means of their salvation and the preservation of the covenant lineage, demonstrating God's ability to work through human sin for His sovereign purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:12, though a brief historical detail, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous **Providence** and **Sovereignty** over human affairs. Even in the midst of a devastating famine, God had already prepared a way for the preservation of Jacob's family through Joseph's elevation in Egypt. Jacob's seemingly practical decision to send his sons for food was, in fact, a divinely orchestrated step in the unfolding of God's covenant plan, demonstrating that God's purposes are often realized through ordinary human actions and challenging circumstances. This narrative reassures believers that God is actively involved in the details of their lives, guiding them even when they are unaware of the larger divine tapestry being woven.

* [Genesis 42:1-2](/genesis/42-1-2 "Jacob Sends His Sons to Egypt for Grain")
* [Psalm 105:16-17](/psalm/105-16-17 "God's Providence in Sending Joseph Ahead")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in Acts 7:12, rooted in the ancient story of Jacob, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's grand design often unfolds through the seemingly mundane or difficult choices we make in response to life's challenges. Jacob's practical faith, responding to a physical crisis by seeking sustenance, aligns perfectly with God's hidden agenda to preserve His people. This teaches us the importance of acting responsibly and wisely in our own circumstances, trusting that God can use our efforts, even when we don't fully grasp the ultimate outcome. We are called to cultivate a posture of active trust, recognizing that our daily decisions, whether in times of plenty or scarcity, can be integral to God's greater purposes. This narrative encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties and discern God's faithful hand guiding us through all seasons of life, leading us toward His ultimate fulfillment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jacob's practical response to famine encourage or challenge my own approach to difficulties in life?**
* **In what ways can I recognize God's sovereign hand at work in my seemingly ordinary or challenging circumstances today?**
* **How does understanding God's long-term plan, as seen in Jacob's family, impact my perspective on patience and trust in His timing?**

### FAQ

**Why did Stephen choose to recount this specific historical detail in his defense?**

Answer: Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7) is a comprehensive historical survey designed to demonstrate two key points: first, that God's presence and activity were not confined to the Temple or the land of Israel, but were active throughout Israel's history, often in unexpected places (like Egypt or the wilderness); and second, to highlight a recurring pattern of Israel's resistance to God's messengers, from Joseph to Moses, and ultimately to Jesus himself. By recounting Jacob sending his sons to Egypt for "corn," Stephen emphasizes God's providence in preserving His people through Joseph, even though Joseph was rejected by his brothers. This sets the stage for the later rejection of Moses and, by implication, the Sanhedrin's rejection of Jesus, showing a consistent pattern of disobedience among God's people despite His faithfulness. It underscores that God's plan unfolds through various means, not always through conventional or expected channels.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:12, while a historical account of physical sustenance, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to find "corn" (grain) to preserve their physical lives during a famine, God the Father, in His ultimate act of love and providence, "sent out" His only Son, Jesus, to provide spiritual sustenance for a world starving for truth and life. Jesus himself proclaimed, "I am [the bread of life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"); whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The physical journey to Egypt for temporal food foreshadows the spiritual journey of faith that leads to Christ, the true and eternal "bread from heaven" ([John 6:32-33](/john/6-32-33 "John 6:32-33 - The True Bread from Heaven")). Furthermore, Jacob's family's descent into Egypt, a place of eventual bondage, ultimately led to a greater exodus and the formation of a nation. Similarly, humanity's descent into the bondage of sin necessitated Christ's coming to deliver us from spiritual slavery, leading us into the freedom of God's kingdom, a greater [exodus from sin and death](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness"). Thus, Acts 7:12, in its historical context, points forward to the ultimate provision and deliverance found in Christ, the one sent by God to give life to the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 42:1

¶ Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?

Genesis 42:24

And he turned himself about from them, and wept; and returned to them again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes.

Genesis 43:2

And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the corn which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said unto them, Go again, buy us a little food.