Acts 7:14

Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to [him], and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

Then {G1161} sent {G649} Joseph {G2501}, and called {G3333} his {G846} father {G3962} Jacob {G2384} to him, and {G2532} all {G3956} his {G846} kindred {G4772},{G1722} threescore {G1440} and fifteen {G4002} souls {G5590}.

Yosef then sent for his father Ya‘akov and all his relatives, seventy-five people.

Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.

And Joseph sent, and called to him Jacob his father, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

Acts 7:14 is part of Stephen's extensive defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel from Abraham to the Exodus. This verse specifically details a pivotal moment in the life of the patriarch Jacob and his family during a severe famine.

Context

In this portion of his sermon, Stephen is recounting the story of Joseph, who had been sold into Egypt by his brothers (Acts 7:9). After rising to power as Pharaoh's second-in-command, Joseph orchestrated the gathering of his family to Egypt to escape a widespread famine that had ravaged the land of Canaan. This verse highlights Joseph's initiative to bring his father, Jacob, and all his relatives to settle in Egypt, an act of divine providence that preserved the nascent nation of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Preservation: The verse underscores God's meticulous care for His chosen people, ensuring their survival and growth even in the face of famine and adversity. Joseph's position in Egypt was part of God's larger plan to preserve the family of Jacob.
  • Family Reunion and Growth: It marks the significant gathering of Jacob's entire family, laying the groundwork for their eventual growth into a numerous nation in Egypt before the Exodus. This aligns with God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants.
  • Joseph's Role as Deliverer: Joseph, despite his past suffering, becomes the instrument through which God delivers his family from starvation. His actions here fulfill his prophetic dreams and demonstrate God's ability to use human agents for His purposes.

Linguistic Insights & Noteworthy Detail

The phrase "threescore and fifteen souls" (75 souls) is a significant detail in this verse. This number differs from the account in the Hebrew Masoretic Text of the Old Testament, which states that seventy souls came to Egypt (e.g., Genesis 46:27, Exodus 1:5). Stephen, in his sermon, is likely quoting from the Septuagint (LXX), the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, which often gives the number as 75 (e.g., Genesis 46:27 in some Septuagint manuscripts, and Exodus 1:5). This difference is not a contradiction but rather reflects the different textual traditions available in the first century, both of which were considered authoritative.

Practical Application

Acts 7:14 reminds us of God's faithfulness and His overarching plan. Even when circumstances seem bleak (like a widespread famine), God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events and using individuals like Joseph to fulfill His purposes and protect His people. It encourages believers to trust in God's providential care, knowing that He has a plan for their lives and can turn difficult situations into opportunities for blessing and growth. It also highlights the importance of family and community in God's design.

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 46:26

    All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt, which came out of his loins, besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls [were] threescore and six;

  • Genesis 46:27

    And the sons of Joseph, which were born him in Egypt, [were] two souls: all the souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, [were] threescore and ten.

  • Deuteronomy 10:22

    Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.

  • Exodus 1:5

    And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt [already].

  • Genesis 45:9

    Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:

  • Genesis 45:11

    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 46:12

    And the sons of Judah; Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Pharez, and Zerah: but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Pharez were Hezron and Hamul.

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