Acts 7:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:16 is a pivotal verse within Stephen's extended defense before the Sanhedrin, recounting the burial of the patriarchs in Sychem. This seemingly straightforward historical detail serves to underscore God's enduring covenant promises to Israel, particularly concerning the land, while also implicitly highlighting the nation's complex and often resistant relationship with divine revelation and chosen leaders throughout its history. The verse's specific reference to Abraham's purchase of the sepulchre in Sychem presents a textual nuance that invites deeper theological and historical reflection on Stephen's rhetorical strategy and the overarching narrative of God's faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:16 is embedded within Stephen's comprehensive historical sermon, delivered in response to false accusations of blasphemy against Moses and God, and against the Temple and the Law. Beginning in [Acts 7:2](/acts/7-2 "Acts 7:2 - Stephen's Defense Begins"), Stephen meticulously traces Israel's history from Abraham's call, through the patriarchs, Moses, the wilderness wanderings, and the building of the Tabernacle and Temple. This verse specifically falls within the patriarchal section, following the account of Jacob and his sons going down to Egypt and their subsequent deaths. Stephen's purpose is not merely to recount history but to demonstrate God's consistent work outside of the Temple and to expose a pattern of Israel's rejection of God's chosen messengers, culminating in their rejection of Jesus. The burial of the patriarchs in the promised land, even if only in a burial plot, signifies the enduring nature of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the hope of future inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cultural importance of burial in one's ancestral land, particularly for the patriarchs, was profound. It symbolized a deep connection to the covenant promises and a tangible expression of faith in God's future fulfillment. For the patriarchs, being buried in Canaan, even before full possession of the land, was a testament to their belief in God's word. Sychem (Shechem) itself held significant historical and religious importance as an ancient city, a place of covenant renewal (e.g., [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")), and the traditional burial site of Joseph ([Joshua 24:32](/joshua/24-32 "Joshua 24:32 - Joseph's Burial")). Stephen's audience, the Sanhedrin, would have been intimately familiar with these historical accounts and cultural norms, making his detailed recitation a powerful, albeit confrontational, rhetorical strategy. His nuanced presentation of these historical facts, particularly the textual discrepancy regarding the land purchase, serves to challenge their assumptions and highlight the broader theological truths he seeks to convey.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Stephen's discourse and the book of Acts. Firstly, it underscores **God's Enduring Covenant Faithfulness**. Despite the long wait and the patriarchs' sojourn in Egypt, God's promise of the land, initiated with [Abraham in Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abraham"), remained steadfast, even if initially realized only through burial plots. Secondly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Presence Unconfined by Location**. By highlighting God's interactions with Abraham and the patriarchs outside of the later Temple structure, Stephen challenges the Sanhedrin's rigid focus on the Jerusalem Temple as the sole locus of God's presence, preparing the ground for the universal mission of the Church. Lastly, the historical account, including any perceived discrepancies, serves to establish **Stephen's Authority and Deep Scriptural Knowledge**, refuting the accusations of blasphemy and demonstrating his profound understanding of Israel's sacred history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abraám (Greek, _Abraám'_):** This word refers to Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch, foundational to Israel's covenant history. In Acts 7:16, the Strong's data notes that "the text should probably read Jacob." This highlights the central textual discussion point of the verse, where Stephen attributes a purchase to Abraham that Old Testament accounts typically attribute to Jacob. This choice by Stephen, whether intentional conflation or a summary, is key to understanding the verse's rhetorical purpose.
* **metatíthēmi (Greek, _metatíthēmi'_):** Translated as "were carried over," this verb signifies the act of transferring or transporting. Here, it refers to the physical relocation of the patriarchs' remains from Egypt to Sychem for burial, emphasizing the fulfillment of their desire to rest in the promised land, even if only in death.
* **Sychém (Greek, _Sychém'_):** This is the Greek transliteration of Shechem, a significant ancient city in Palestine. Its mention as the burial site is crucial because Old Testament accounts link it to Jacob's purchase of land and Joseph's burial, creating the specific historical tension within Stephen's statement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And were carried over into Sychem":** This phrase refers to the bodies of Jacob and his sons (implied from the preceding verses, Acts 7:15, which mentions Jacob's death and the burial of "our fathers" in Sychem). It signifies the fulfillment of the patriarchs' desire to be buried in the land of promise, even if they did not fully possess it in their lifetime. The journey from Egypt back to Canaan for burial was a significant act of faith and adherence to tradition.
* **"and laid in the sepulchre":** This details the act of burial itself, emphasizing the final resting place of these foundational figures of Israelite history. The "sepulchre" (grave/tomb) is central to the verse's historical and theological discussion.
* **"that Abraham bought for a sum of money":** This is the most debated clause. Old Testament accounts (specifically [Genesis 23](/genesis/23 "Genesis 23 - Abraham Buys a Burial Plot") and [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Final Blessings and Death")) state that Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah in Hebron from Ephron the Hittite, where he, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob were buried. However, [Genesis 33:19](/genesis/33-19 "Genesis 33:19 - Jacob Buys Land in Shechem") records Jacob buying a parcel of land in Shechem from the sons of Hamor (Emmor), where Joseph's bones were later buried ([Joshua 24:32](/joshua/24-32 "Joshua 24:32 - Joseph's Burial in Shechem")). Stephen's attribution to Abraham, concerning a sepulchre in Sychem, appears to conflate these two distinct purchases or traditions.
* **"of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem":** This final phrase directly aligns with the Old Testament account of Jacob's purchase in [Genesis 33:19](/genesis/33-19 "Genesis 33:19 - Jacob Buys Land in Shechem"), where Jacob bought land from "the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father." This consistency with Jacob's purchase, while the purchaser is named Abraham, creates the textual tension that scholars address.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's account in Acts 7:16 employs **Rhetorical Condensation** and **Historical Allusion**. Rather than providing a precise, detailed historical record as a modern historian might, Stephen engages in a form of **Synoptic Narration**, summarizing complex Old Testament events. His primary goal is not historical exactitude for its own sake, but theological and rhetorical impact. By alluding to the patriarchal burials, he taps into foundational narratives familiar to his Jewish audience, emphasizing the deep connection between the patriarchs, the promised land, and God's covenant. The apparent discrepancy regarding the purchaser (Abraham vs. Jacob) can be understood as Stephen's **Rhetorical Emphasis**, where he attributes the purchase to Abraham as the overarching figure of the covenant, or as a common ancient practice of summarizing or conflating related events for the sake of narrative flow and theological point, rather than a factual error.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:16, despite its textual complexities, powerfully reinforces the theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, especially concerning the land. The patriarchs' desire to be buried in Canaan, even if only in a small plot, was a profound act of faith, demonstrating their belief that God would ultimately fulfill His word to give their descendants the entire land. This act of burial served as a tangible link between generations, a physical manifestation of the enduring hope in God's future plan for Israel. Stephen uses this historical detail to remind his audience of God's consistent working throughout history, often in ways that transcended human expectations or specific geographical limitations, setting the stage for his broader argument about God's presence not being confined to the Temple.

* [Genesis 23:16](/genesis/23-16 "Genesis 23:16 - Abraham Buys Machpelah")
* [Genesis 33:19](/genesis/33-19 "Genesis 33:19 - Jacob Buys Land in Shechem")
* [Joshua 24:32](/joshua/24-32 "Joshua 24:32 - Joseph's Burial in Shechem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:16, within the broader context of Stephen's sermon, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to engage with Scripture not merely as a collection of isolated facts, but as a dynamic narrative of God's redemptive work. Stephen's deep immersion in Israel's history allowed him to articulate God's truth with power and conviction, even in the face of intense opposition. This encourages us to cultivate a similar depth of biblical understanding, enabling us to discern God's purposes and articulate our faith effectively. Furthermore, the patriarchs' unwavering faith, evidenced by their desire for burial in the promised land, reminds us to trust in God's promises, even when their full realization seems distant or when our present circumstances are challenging. Like them, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, confident in God's faithfulness to complete what He has begun. Finally, Stephen's courage in delivering such a confrontational message, knowing the risks, serves as a powerful model for us to stand firm in our faith and speak truth, regardless of the cost or popular opinion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Stephen's detailed historical account challenge our own understanding of God's work throughout history and His unfolding plan?**
* **What does the patriarchs' desire for burial in the promised land teach us about the nature of faith and trusting in God's long-term promises?**
* **In what ways are we called to stand firm in our faith and share God's truth, even when it is unpopular or difficult, following Stephen's example?**

### FAQ

**Is there a discrepancy between Acts 7:16 and the Old Testament accounts of patriarchal burials?**

Answer: Yes, there appears to be a textual nuance or apparent discrepancy. The Old Testament records two distinct land purchases relevant to patriarchal burials:
1. **Abraham's Purchase:** [Genesis 23:16](/genesis/23-16 "Genesis 23:16 - Abraham Buys Machpelah") states that Abraham bought the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite in Hebron, where he, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob were buried ([Genesis 49:30-31](/genesis/49-30-31 "Genesis 49:30-31 - Jacob's Burial Instructions")).
2. **Jacob's Purchase:** [Genesis 33:19](/genesis/33-19 "Genesis 33:19 - Jacob Buys Land in Shechem") states that Jacob bought a parcel of land in Shechem from the sons of Hamor (Emmor), where Joseph's bones were later buried ([Joshua 24:32](/joshua/24-32 "Joshua 24:32 - Joseph's Burial in Shechem")).

Acts 7:16 attributes the purchase of a sepulchre in Sychem from the sons of Emmor to Abraham. Commentators offer several explanations for Stephen's statement:
* **Generalization/Conflation:** Stephen may be speaking generally, attributing the purchase to Abraham as the overarching patriarch through whom the land promise came, or he may be conflating the two distinct purchases for rhetorical brevity, a common practice in ancient historical summaries.
* **Focus on Shechem:** The emphasis might be 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. Stephen's point is the undisputed fact of ancestral burial in the promised land, underscoring the enduring nature of God's covenant.
* **Pre-existing Tradition:** Stephen may have been drawing from a popular Jewish tradition or a common understanding of the history that differed slightly from the strict biblical account as we have it today.
Ultimately, Stephen's primary purpose is theological and rhetorical, not to provide a precise historical chronology, but to highlight God's faithfulness and Israel's pattern of resistance throughout their history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Stephen's entire sermon, culminating in his martyrdom, serves as a powerful Christ-centered fulfillment of Israel's history. The pattern of rejecting God's chosen messengers, so vividly illustrated through the stories of Joseph and Moses in [Acts 7](/acts/7 "Acts 7 - Stephen's Speech"), finds its ultimate and tragic culmination in Israel's rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, the true Prophet and Messiah. Just as Joseph was sold by his brothers but became their savior ([Acts 7:9-10](/acts/7-9-10 "Acts 7:9-10 - Joseph's Story")), and Moses was rejected by his own people yet led them out of bondage ([Acts 7:35](/acts/7-35 "Acts 7:35 - Moses, the Rejected Leader")), so too was Jesus, the Son of God, rejected by His own people, yet through His death and resurrection, He became the Savior of the world ([John 1:11-12](/john/1-11-12 "John 1:11-12 - He Came to His Own") and [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). The promise of the land, symbolized by the patriarchs' burial in Sychem, finds its ultimate fulfillment not in a physical plot of ground, but in the spiritual inheritance and eternal rest that believers receive through Christ ([Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9-10 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest")). The "sepulchre" in the promised land foreshadows the new creation and the hope of resurrection that is secured through Christ's victory over death ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits")). Thus, Stephen's historical narrative, including its nuanced details, ultimately points to Jesus as the true fulfillment of God's promises and the culmination of His redemptive plan for humanity.

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

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.