Acts 7:12

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

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}.

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

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

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

Acts 7:12 is a verse from Stephen's powerful defense speech before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel from Abraham to the building of the Temple. This particular verse highlights a pivotal moment in the life of Jacob and his family, setting the stage for their relocation to Egypt and the eventual formation of the nation of Israel.

Context

In this part of his sermon, Stephen is detailing the story of Joseph and his brothers, emphasizing God's sovereign hand in preserving His chosen people. The preceding verses in Acts 7:9-11 describe how Joseph was sold into Egypt by his jealous brothers, yet God was with him, elevating him to a position of power. A severe famine then struck the land of Canaan, where Jacob and his family resided, as well as all of Egypt. This verse, Acts 7:12, describes Jacob's practical response to the crisis: hearing that there was "corn" (grain or provisions) available in Egypt, he dispatched his sons to acquire food, initiating the first of their two journeys to Egypt.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Preservation: This verse underscores God's meticulous oversight of history. The famine, Joseph's position, and Jacob's decision to send his sons were all part of God's larger plan to preserve the covenant family and lead them to Egypt, where they would multiply into a great nation, as foretold to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14).
  • Practical Faith in Crisis: Jacob, a patriarch of faith, responded to a dire physical need with practical action. His decision to send his sons to Egypt for food was not just a human reaction but a step that unknowingly aligned with God's unfolding purposes for his descendants.
  • Beginning of a New Era: This journey marks the beginning of the Israelites' sojourn in Egypt, a period that would last for over 400 years and culminate in the Exodus. It was a crucial step in the development of the twelve tribes into a distinct people.

Linguistic Insights

The term "corn" in the King James Version (KJV) in this context refers broadly to grain or any cereal crop, such as wheat or barley, which were staple foods in the ancient Near East. It does not refer to maize (what modern English speakers typically call "corn"), which originated in the Americas and was unknown in the biblical world at this time. This KJV usage simply means "food provisions" or "grain."

Reflection and Application

The account in Acts 7:12, though brief, offers powerful insights for today. It reminds us that God's overarching plan often unfolds through ordinary human decisions and challenging circumstances. Just as Jacob sought sustenance for his family, we are called to act wisely and responsibly in times of need, trusting that God can use our practical steps to fulfill His greater purposes. This narrative encourages us to look for God's hand in life's seemingly mundane or difficult moments, recognizing His faithfulness in preserving and guiding His people through all generations, leading them towards His ultimate fulfillment as seen in Romans 8:28.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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