Acts 7:13

KJV

And at the second [time] Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} at {G1722} the second {G1208} time Joseph {G2501} was made known {G319} to his {G846} brethren {G80}; and {G2532} Joseph's {G2501} kindred {G1085} was made {G1096} known {G5318} unto Pharaoh {G5328}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The second time, Yosef revealed his identity to his brothers, and Yosef’s family became known to Pharaoh.

Berean Standard Bible

On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh.

American Standard Version

And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s race became manifest unto Pharaoh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:13 marks a pivotal moment in Stephen's historical recounting, highlighting Joseph's dramatic self-revelation to his brothers during their second visit to Egypt, a truth that subsequently extended to Pharaoh and his court. This act of recognition and reconciliation was not merely a family affair but a divinely orchestrated event, crucial for the preservation and future growth of Jacob's family, the nascent nation of Israel, setting the stage for their sojourn in Egypt and ultimately, their deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:13 is embedded within Stephen's lengthy defense speech before the Sanhedrin, a masterful theological and historical narrative stretching from Abraham to Moses. Stephen, accused of blasphemy against the Temple and the Law, strategically re-tells Israel's history, emphasizing God's continuous work outside the land and Temple, and the recurring pattern of Israel's rejection of God's chosen deliverers—a pattern that culminates in their rejection of Jesus. The story of Joseph, beginning in [Acts 7:9](/acts/7-9 "Acts 7:9 - Joseph Sold into Egypt"), serves as a prime example: Joseph was rejected by his brothers, sold into slavery, yet God exalted him to a position of power, through which he became a savior to his family. This verse, therefore, underscores a moment of divine reversal and revelation, setting the stage for the family's migration to Egypt, which is a key part of Stephen's argument about God's presence with His people even in foreign lands, anticipating the ultimate rejection of Christ by His own people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Acts 7:13 hark back to the patriarchal period, specifically the severe famine that gripped Canaan and forced Jacob's family to seek sustenance in Egypt. Joseph, having been sold into slavery and divinely elevated to the second-highest position in Egypt, was the steward of the land's grain supply. The cultural norms of the time would have made Joseph's initial concealment of his identity a profound test for his brothers, assessing their character and repentance. The "second time" signifies a deliberate, pre-planned encounter, typical of Joseph's strategic and divinely guided actions. For Joseph's "kindred" to be made known to Pharaoh was essential, as it legitimized their presence in Egypt and secured their settlement in the fertile land of Goshen, a crucial step for the family's survival and growth into a numerous people, as prophesied to Abraham in [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham: Sojourn in Egypt").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Providence** is paramount; Joseph's entire journey, from betrayal to exaltation, was orchestrated by God to preserve His covenant people, as Joseph himself articulates in [Genesis 45:5](/genesis/45-5 "Joseph's Explanation of God's Purpose"). Secondly, **Reconciliation and Forgiveness** are central. Joseph's revelation, though initially terrifying for his brothers, paved the way for profound reconciliation and the healing of deep family wounds, demonstrating the transformative power of grace over past injustices. Thirdly, the theme of **Preparation for a Nation** is evident. The recognition of Joseph and his family by Pharaoh was instrumental in securing their safe passage and settlement in Egypt, allowing them to multiply significantly over generations, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham and setting the stage for their eventual exodus as a mighty nation, as described in [Exodus 1:7](/exodus/1-7 "Israel's Growth in Egypt").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **second (Greek, _deúteros'_):** This word, derived from a comparative form of "two," signifies the ordinal position, emphasizing that this was the *second* visit of Joseph's brothers to Egypt. This "second time" is crucial, as it contrasts with the first visit where Joseph's identity remained hidden. The repetition highlights a deliberate, divinely orchestrated sequence of events leading to the dramatic revelation.
* **was made known (Greek, _anagnōrízomai'_):** This verb, in the middle voice, means "to make (oneself) known" or "to recognize." It emphasizes Joseph's active role in revealing his identity. It was not a passive discovery by his brothers, but a deliberate, personal unveiling on Joseph's part, creating a moment of profound truth and emotional confrontation that led to reconciliation.
* **kindred (Greek, _génos'_):** This term refers to "kin" or "offspring," encompassing Joseph's entire family, his lineage, and by extension, the burgeoning clan of Jacob. The fact that Joseph's *kindred* was made known to Pharaoh signifies the official recognition and acceptance of the entire family unit, not just Joseph, into the Egyptian sphere, securing their future and providing the necessary conditions for their growth into a nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at the second [time] Joseph was made known to his brethren":** This clause describes the climactic moment of Joseph's self-revelation to his brothers. After initially concealing his identity and testing their character during their first visit, Joseph, overwhelmed by emotion, chose to disclose who he truly was. This act of "making himself known" was a deliberate, powerful initiative on Joseph's part, transforming their relationship from one of master and supplicants to one of reunited family, paving the way for forgiveness and reconciliation.
* **"and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh":** This second clause describes the broader, public consequence of Joseph's revelation. Once his identity was known to his brothers, the next logical and necessary step was for his entire family—his "kindred" or "clan"—to be formally introduced and recognized by Pharaoh. This official acknowledgment by the highest authority in Egypt was crucial for securing the family's safety, their settlement in Goshen, and ultimately, their ability to grow and multiply, fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 7:13 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Joseph's narrative, particularly his rejection by his brothers and subsequent exaltation to a position of saving power, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Joseph was rejected by his own yet became a savior for them, so too would Jesus be rejected by His own people, only to become the ultimate Savior. The verse also exhibits **Parallelism**, with the two clauses mirroring each other ("Joseph was made known to his brethren" and "Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh"), emphasizing the dual impact and significance of this revelation—personal reconciliation and national establishment. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the broader narrative, as the brothers' malicious act of selling Joseph into slavery ultimately became the means through which God preserved their lives and the lineage of Israel, demonstrating God's ability to work through human sin for His redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:13 powerfully underscores God's meticulous and sovereign orchestration of history, demonstrating His ability to bring about His purposes through human actions, even those born of sin or ignorance. The revelation of Joseph, long presumed lost or dead, to his brothers and then to Pharaoh, is a profound testament to divine timing and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It highlights that God often works in hidden ways, preparing individuals and circumstances over extended periods, only to reveal His hand at the appointed moment. This event is not merely a historical anecdote but a theological statement about God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His power to reconcile the estranged, and His providential care for the preservation of His chosen people, ensuring the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come.

* [Genesis 45:1-8](/genesis/45-1-8 "Joseph Reveals Himself and Explains God's Plan")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Luke 24:30-31](/luke/24-30-31 "Jesus Revealed to Disciples at Emmaus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic revelation of Joseph in Acts 7:13 offers profound lessons for our lives today. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in our personal histories, often working behind the scenes through trials and tribulations to bring about His greater purposes. Just as Joseph's suffering ultimately led to the salvation of his family, so too can God redeem our difficult circumstances, transforming pain into purpose and brokenness into blessing. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unjust, knowing that He is meticulously weaving together every detail for our good and His glory. Furthermore, Joseph's act of revealing himself and offering forgiveness, despite immense betrayal, serves as a powerful model for reconciliation. It challenges us to extend grace and seek healing in fractured relationships, mirroring the divine forgiveness we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "second time" of Joseph's revelation encourage you to trust in God's perfect timing in your own life, especially when waiting for clarity or resolution?**
* **In what ways might God be working behind the scenes in your current circumstances, preparing a "revelation" or resolution that you cannot yet perceive?**
* **Considering Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers, what steps can you take to extend grace or seek reconciliation in a strained relationship in your life?**
* **How does understanding God's providential care for Joseph and his family strengthen your faith in His ability to care for you and your future?**

### FAQ
**Why is this event important enough for Stephen to mention in his defense?**

Answer: Stephen's mention of Acts 7:13 is crucial because it serves multiple purposes within his defense. First, it highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant people even when they are in a foreign land, demonstrating that God's presence and power are not confined to the Temple or the land of Israel. Second, it exemplifies a recurring pattern in Israel's history: God sends a deliverer (Joseph, Moses, and ultimately Jesus), who is initially rejected by His own people but is later exalted by God and becomes a source of salvation for those who once opposed Him. By emphasizing Joseph's "making himself known" and becoming a savior, Stephen subtly draws a parallel to Jesus, whom the Sanhedrin had rejected but whom God had exalted as Lord and Christ, the true deliverer for Israel and the world, as stated in [Acts 5:31](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus Exalted as Prince and Savior").

**What is the significance of the "second time" in Joseph's revelation?**

Answer: The "second time" is highly significant because it underscores the deliberate nature of Joseph's actions and God's providential timing. During the first visit, Joseph recognized his brothers but chose not to reveal himself, instead testing their character and bringing Benjamin into the picture. This delay allowed for a deeper process of repentance and humility among his brothers. The "second time" marks the culmination of this process, a moment of profound recognition and reconciliation that could only occur after the necessary preparation. The narrative structure emphasizes that God's plans unfold in stages, often requiring patience and a willingness to be tested before ultimate revelation and blessing, much like the disciples' recognition of Jesus on the road to Emmaus in [Luke 24:30-31](/luke/24-30-31 "Luke 24:30-31 - Jesus Revealed at Emmaus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:13, detailing Joseph's dramatic self-revelation to his estranged brothers and his subsequent recognition by Pharaoh, serves as a profound **Christological type**. Joseph, initially rejected by his own family and sold into slavery, was exalted by God to a position of power and became the savior of his people, providing bread during a famine. This narrative powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ, who came to His own, but "His own people did not receive Him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - Jesus Came to His Own")). Like Joseph, Jesus was rejected, suffered, and was "made known" through His resurrection and exaltation to the right hand of God, becoming the ultimate provider of spiritual sustenance and salvation for all who believe. The "second time" Joseph was made known to his brethren can be seen as a prophetic echo of Christ's future revelation to Israel, particularly in the End Times, when they will look upon Him whom they have pierced and recognize Him as their Messiah ([Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Looking on Him Whom They Have Pierced")). Just as Joseph's reconciliation brought his family into a place of blessing, Christ's ultimate revelation will bring about the full salvation and restoration of Israel, alongside the Gentiles, demonstrating God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people ([Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Fullness of the Gentiles and Israel's Salvation")).

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 45:1

¶ Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known unto his brethren.

Genesis 45:18

And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.

Genesis 46:31

And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which [were] in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;

Genesis 47:10

And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.