Acts 7:16

And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem.

And {G2532} were carried over {G3346} into {G1519} Sychem {G4966}, and {G2532} laid {G5087} in {G1722} the sepulchre {G3418} that {G3739} Abraham {G11} bought {G5608} for a sum {G5092} of money {G694} of {G3844} the sons {G5207} of Emmor {G1697} the father {G3588} of Sychem {G4966}.

Their bodies were removed to Sh’khem and buried in the tomb Avraham had bought from the family of Hamor in Sh’khem for a certain sum of money.

Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver.

and they were carried over unto Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a price in silver of the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

Acts 7:16 is part of Stephen's powerful defense speech before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel from Abraham to Solomon, highlighting God's faithfulness and Israel's recurring disobedience.

Context

In Acts 7, Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, delivers a comprehensive historical overview of Israel to counter false accusations of speaking against the Temple and the Law. This verse falls within the section detailing the patriarchal period, specifically the burial of Jacob and his sons. Stephen's aim is to demonstrate that God's presence and work were not confined to the Temple or a specific geographical location, but began with Abraham and continued through various stages of their history, often met with resistance from the people.

Key Themes

  • Ancestral Burial in the Promised Land: The desire of the patriarchs to be buried in Canaan underscored their faith in God's promise of the land as their inheritance. This act symbolized a deep connection to the covenant and the future hope of Israel.
  • God's Covenant Faithfulness: Despite the challenges and the long wait, God remained faithful to His covenant with Abraham, ensuring his descendants would eventually inherit the land, even if their initial possession was limited to burial plots.
  • Stephen's Historical Authority: By meticulously recounting Israel's history, Stephen demonstrates his deep knowledge of the Old Testament, refuting claims that he was speaking blasphemy against the Law or the prophets. His detailed account serves as a powerful, albeit confrontational, sermon.

Historical & Textual Nuance

Acts 7:16 presents a point of scholarly discussion regarding the specific details of the burial site and the purchaser. The verse states that the patriarchs were "carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem."

  • Abraham's Purchase: According to Genesis 23:16, Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite in Hebron (not Shechem) for 400 shekels of silver, where Sarah, Abraham himself, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob were buried (Genesis 49:30-31).
  • Jacob's Purchase: Genesis 33:19 states that Jacob bought a parcel of land in Shechem from the sons of Hamor (Emmor) for 100 pieces of money. This is where Joseph's bones were eventually buried (Joshua 24:32).

Commentators offer several explanations for Stephen's statement:

  1. Generalization: Stephen may be speaking generally, attributing the purchase to Abraham as the patriarch through whom the land promise came, even if the specific transaction was by Jacob.
  2. Combined Information: He might be conflating two distinct purchases or combining traditions, as his speech is a summary, not a detailed historical treatise.
  3. Focus on Shechem: The emphasis is on Shechem as a significant ancestral burial site, particularly for Joseph and some of his brothers, distinguishing it from Hebron where Jacob himself was buried.
The key takeaway for Stephen's audience was the undisputed fact of the patriarchs' burial in the promised land, underscoring the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel.

Practical Application

Acts 7:16, within Stephen's broader discourse, reminds us of several truths:

  • The Importance of Scripture: Stephen's profound knowledge of the Old Testament allowed him to powerfully articulate God's truth and defend his faith, even unto death. This encourages believers to diligently study the Scriptures.
  • God's Enduring Promises: The patriarchs' desire to be buried in the promised land speaks to their unwavering faith in God's long-term plan, even when its full realization was generations away. We too are called to trust in God's promises, knowing His faithfulness endures.
  • Courage in Testimony: Stephen faced intense opposition, yet he courageously declared God's truth. His example challenges us to stand firm in our faith and share the gospel, even when it is unpopular or difficult.
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.

  • Joshua 24:32

    And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.

  • Genesis 23:16

    ¶ And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current [money] with the merchant.

  • Exodus 13:19

    And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you.

  • Genesis 50:13

    For his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a buryingplace of Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.

  • Genesis 34:2

    And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.

  • Genesis 34:31

    And they said, Should he deal with our sister as with an harlot?

  • Genesis 33:9

    And Esau said, I have enough, my brother; keep that thou hast unto thyself.

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