Acts 7:17

KJV

¶ But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} when {G2531} the time {G5550} of the promise {G1860} drew nigh {G1448}, which {G3739} God {G2316} had sworn {G3660} to Abraham {G11}, the people {G2992} grew {G837} and {G2532} multiplied {G4129} in {G1722} Egypt {G125},

Complete Jewish Bible

“As the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise God had made to Avraham, the number of our people in Egypt increased greatly,

Berean Standard Bible

As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased greatly in number.

American Standard Version

But as the time of the promise drew nigh which God vouchsafed unto Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:17, spoken by Stephen in his defense before the Sanhedrin, highlights God's unwavering faithfulness and precise timing in fulfilling His ancient covenant with Abraham. It describes the period in Egypt when the descendants of Abraham, though in a foreign land and facing future oppression, rapidly "grew and multiplied," setting the stage for their miraculous deliverance and demonstrating God's sovereign hand orchestrating history according to His divine promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Stephen's sweeping historical recount of Israel, delivered as his defense against accusations of blasphemy against Moses, God, the Temple, and the Law. Stephen systematically traces God's interaction with His people from Abraham through the patriarchs, Moses, and the wilderness period, culminating in the building of the Temple. His purpose is to demonstrate God's consistent presence and work outside of the Temple and before the Law, and to subtly expose Israel's persistent pattern of rebellion and rejection of God's chosen leaders, foreshadowing their rejection of Jesus. Acts 7:17 specifically sets the scene for the Exodus narrative, emphasizing that the immense growth of the Israelites in Egypt was not coincidental but a direct fulfillment of God's sworn promise, preparing them to become a great nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Acts 7:17 is the final phase of Israel's 400-year sojourn in Egypt, a period prophesied to Abraham in [Genesis 15:13](/genesis/15-13 "God's Covenant with Abraham, Prophecy of Affliction"). Jacob's family, initially numbering about seventy souls, had migrated to Egypt during a severe famine and were initially welcomed, settling in the fertile land of Goshen. Over several centuries, their population exploded, a phenomenon that would eventually alarm a new Egyptian dynasty (likely the New Kingdom pharaohs who were not familiar with Joseph), leading to their enslavement and brutal oppression. Stephen's mention of their growth and multiplication underscores the miraculous nature of God's providence, ensuring the fulfillment of His promise even as the conditions for His people became increasingly dire, laying the groundwork for their emergence as a distinct and numerous nation.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 7:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Stephen's speech and the broader book of Acts. Foremost is **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Promises**, particularly the Abrahamic Covenant. The phrase "the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham" underscores the integrity and reliability of God's word, which He upholds across generations, even when human circumstances seem to contradict it. Another crucial theme is **Divine Timing and Sovereignty**. The "time of the promise" highlights that God's plans unfold according to His perfect, pre-ordained schedule, not human expectations or perceived delays. This growth in Egypt was a necessary preparatory phase, demonstrating God's complete control over historical events. Finally, the verse illustrates **Providential Growth and Multiplication**, directly fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars ([Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Numerous Descendants to Abraham")) and to Jacob that he would become a great nation in Egypt ([Genesis 46:3](/genesis/46-3 "God's Promise to Jacob in Egypt")). This exponential increase, even under foreign rule, was God's active work, preparing the "people" for nationhood and their eventual exodus.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Time (Greek, _chrónos_):** This word refers to a general space or duration of time, as opposed to *kairos* which denotes a specific, opportune moment. Here, *chrónos* emphasizes that the long period leading up to the Exodus was not arbitrary or delayed, but a divinely appointed duration during which God was meticulously working out His plan. It signifies a measured, predetermined interval within God's sovereign timeline, leading inevitably to the fulfillment of His promise.
* **Promise (Greek, _epangelía_):** This term signifies an announcement, a pledge, or especially a divine assurance of good. In this context, it refers specifically to the covenantal promises God made to Abraham, particularly concerning his numerous descendants and their inheritance of the land. The use of *epangelía* highlights the absolute certainty and divine origin of this commitment, distinguishing it from mere human intention or prediction.
* **Sworn (Greek, _omnýō_):** This verb means "to take or declare on oath." When God swears, it underscores the solemnity, immutability, and absolute certainty of His word. It is a divine attestation that seals the promise, making it utterly reliable and unbreakable. God's oath to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 22:16-18](/genesis/22-16-18 "God's Oath to Abraham after Isaac's Sacrifice")) provides an unshakeable foundation for the subsequent historical developments, including the multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But when the time of the promise drew nigh":** Stephen begins by contrasting what might seem like a long period of waiting with the imminent arrival of God's appointed moment. The phrase "drew nigh" (Greek: *engízō*) indicates a precise, approaching culmination. This emphasizes God's perfect, sovereign timing, demonstrating that the 400 years in Egypt were not a delay, but a necessary preparatory phase orchestrated by God for the fulfillment of His covenant.
* **"which God had sworn to Abraham":** This clause identifies the specific promise as the Abrahamic covenant, highlighting its divine origin and the unchangeable nature of God's commitment. The word "sworn" (Greek: *omnýō*) underscores the solemnity and absolute certainty of God's oath, making the promise utterly reliable and guaranteed to come to pass, regardless of human circumstances or perceived obstacles.
* **"the people grew and multiplied in Egypt":** This is the direct, visible fulfillment of the promise. Despite being in a foreign land, and eventually under oppressive conditions, the descendants of Abraham experienced exponential demographic growth. This multiplication was not merely a natural demographic process but a miraculous, providential work of God, confirming His faithfulness to His word and preparing a vast population for the Exodus and the formation of a nation.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's speech employs several literary devices to convey his message effectively. The entire passage is a masterful example of **Narrative Summary**, where Stephen condenses centuries of Israelite history into a concise yet powerful account, highlighting key moments of divine intervention and human response. Within this verse, there is a strong element of **Divine Foreshadowing**, as the rapid growth of the Israelites in Egypt clearly anticipates their emergence as a mighty nation and their subsequent deliverance through the Exodus. The phrase "God had sworn" also evokes **Covenantal Language**, emphasizing the binding and unbreakable nature of God's promises, which serve as the underlying framework for all of Israel's history. Furthermore, the verse subtly employs **Juxtaposition** by placing the fulfillment of God's promise ("grew and multiplied") within the context of their dwelling in "Egypt," a land that would soon become their place of bondage, thereby highlighting God's power to work His will even in hostile environments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:17 serves as a powerful theological statement about the character of God, particularly His unwavering faithfulness and meticulous sovereignty over history. It reminds us that God's promises are not subject to human limitations, delays, or even hostile circumstances. Just as He meticulously orchestrated the growth of Israel in Egypt over centuries to fulfill His ancient oath to Abraham, so too does He work in the lives of His people today, bringing His purposes to pass in His perfect timing. This verse lays the groundwork for understanding the Exodus as a direct consequence of God's covenantal faithfulness, not merely a response to Israel's suffering. It teaches us to trust in God's long-term plan, even when the immediate situation seems bleak or the fulfillment of promises appears distant.

* [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Initial Promise to Abraham") - The foundational promise to Abraham to make him a great nation and bless all families of the earth through him.
* [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "God is Faithful to His Promises") - A New Testament affirmation of God's reliability: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)."
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "The Lord is Patient, Not Slow") - Addresses the perception of delay in God's promises, affirming His patience and perfect timing: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:17 offers profound encouragement and a call to patient faith for believers today. In a world that often demands instant gratification and quick results, Stephen's historical account reminds us that God operates on a divine timetable, not ours. We can find solace in knowing that God is faithful to every promise He has made, whether it pertains to our personal lives, the growth of His church, or the ultimate consummation of His kingdom. Even in seasons of waiting, difficulty, or apparent stagnation, this verse assures us that God is actively at work behind the scenes, orchestrating circumstances and preparing us for the next phase of His plan. Our spiritual growth, and the expansion of the Gospel, are part of this same divine providence. It calls us to cultivate unwavering trust, knowing that God's sworn word is immutable and His timing is perfect, always leading to the glorious fulfillment of His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Stephen's emphasis on God's precise timing in Acts 7:17 encourage your trust in God's timing in your own life, especially when facing delays or uncertainties?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seemed to contradict them?**
* **Considering the "grew and multiplied" aspect, how can believers today contribute to the spiritual growth and multiplication of God's people, both individually and corporately?**

### FAQ
**What was "the promise" referred to in Acts 7:17 that God had sworn to Abraham?**

Answer: The "promise" refers primarily to the Abrahamic Covenant, a series of unconditional promises God made to Abraham. Key aspects relevant here include the promise that Abraham would have innumerable descendants, becoming a great nation ([Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Make Abraham a Great Nation"); [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Numerous Descendants")). This promise also included the land of Canaan and the blessing of all nations through his offspring. Stephen emphasizes this promise to highlight God's faithfulness and the divine origin of Israel's existence, even before the Law or the Temple.

**Why does Stephen emphasize this specific historical detail about Israel's growth in Egypt?**

Answer: Stephen emphasizes the growth and multiplication of the Israelites in Egypt for several strategic reasons within his defense. Firstly, it underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that He was actively working even when His people were in a foreign land and would soon face severe oppression. Secondly, it highlights God's sovereign control over history, showing that the immense population growth was not accidental but a divinely orchestrated preparation for the Exodus and the formation of a nation. Thirdly, it serves to counter the Sanhedrin's narrow view of God's presence, showing that God's work and promises were fulfilled outside of the Temple and before the giving of the Law, thus setting the stage for his argument that God's presence is not confined to human structures. This detail ultimately illustrates the continuity of God's plan, leading to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:17, while recounting a pivotal moment in Israel's history, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His church. The "promise which God had sworn to Abraham" was not merely about a physical nation or a specific land, but ultimately pointed to the spiritual seed, Christ Himself, through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ, the Seed of Abraham")). Just as God meticulously orchestrated the timing and growth of physical Israel in Egypt to prepare for the Exodus, so too did He orchestrate all of history, in His perfect *chrónos*, for the advent of His Son, the ultimate Deliverer. The "people" who "grew and multiplied" in Egypt foreshadow the spiritual "people" of God, the church, which has grown and multiplied exponentially since Pentecost, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")). Every promise of God, whether concerning redemption, new life, or eternal inheritance, finds its resounding "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ Jesus ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Thus, the faithfulness of God demonstrated in Acts 7:17 serves as a powerful testimony to the even greater faithfulness He displayed in sending His Son to fulfill all His promises, gathering a new, spiritual Israel from every tribe and tongue, who continue to "grow and multiply" in faith and number ([Acts 2:47](/acts/2-47 "The Lord Added to Their Number Daily")).

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

Acts 7:6

And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil four hundred years.

Exodus 1:7

And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them.

Exodus 1:12

But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Acts 13:17

The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

2 Peter 3:8

¶ But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

2 Peter 3:9

¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Psalms 105:24

And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies.