Acts 7:18

KJV

Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

KJV (with Strong's)

Till {G891}{G3739} another {G2087} king {G935} arose {G450}, which {G3739} knew {G1492} not {G3756} Joseph {G2501}.

Complete Jewish Bible

until there arose another king over Egypt who had no knowledge of Yosef.

Berean Standard Bible

Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph, arose over Egypt.

American Standard Version

till there arose another king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:18, embedded within Stephen's comprehensive historical defense before the Sanhedrin, marks a critical inflection point in the narrative of Israel's sojourn in Egypt. This verse signals the transition from a period of favor and prosperity, established through Joseph's influence, to one of severe oppression and hardship under a new Egyptian monarch who deliberately disregarded Joseph's legacy and the contributions of his people. It sets the stage for the dramatic enslavement of the Israelites and the subsequent divine intervention through Moses.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:18 is a pivotal statement within Stephen's lengthy historical sermon, delivered as his defense against accusations of blasphemy against Moses, God, and the Temple [Acts 6:13-14](/acts/6-13-14 "Accusations Against Stephen"). Stephen meticulously traces God's dealings with Israel from Abraham, through the patriarchs, Joseph's time in Egypt, and the Mosaic period. This particular verse serves as Stephen's direct reference to [Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "Exodus 1:8 - The New King in Egypt"), establishing the historical precedent for the oppression that led to Moses's call as deliverer. By recounting Israel's history of both divine faithfulness and human rejection, Stephen subtly lays the groundwork for his concluding indictment of the Sanhedrin, implying their own rejection of God's ultimate deliverer, Jesus.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of Acts 7:18 points to a significant shift in the Egyptian dynastic rule. While the identity of "another king" is debated, many scholars suggest it refers to the rise of a native Egyptian dynasty (possibly the 18th Dynasty) after the expulsion of the Hyksos, a foreign group who had ruled parts of Egypt. During the Hyksos period, Semitic peoples like Joseph and his family might have enjoyed greater favor. However, a new native Egyptian king would have sought to consolidate power and eliminate foreign influence. The phrase "knew not Joseph" signifies more than mere ignorance; it implies a deliberate policy decision to disregard Joseph's immense contributions and the established relationship with the Israelites. This new king, likely motivated by fear of the growing Israelite population, viewed them as a potential fifth column, leading to their enslavement and forced labor to prevent their further increase and potential alliance with enemies [Exodus 1:9-10](/exodus/1-9-10 "Pharaoh's Fear of the Israelites").

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout Stephen's speech and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **the peril of forgetfulness**, demonstrating how a deliberate disregard for past contributions or historical memory can lead to severe oppression and injustice. The new king's active "not knowing" of Joseph's legacy, which had saved Egypt from famine [Genesis 41:40-41](/genesis/41-40-41 "Joseph's Authority in Egypt"), directly precipitated the suffering of the Israelites. Secondly, it underscores **divine providence amidst hardship**. Despite the intense suffering introduced by this new regime, God's overarching plan for Israel remained intact. The oppression served to multiply them greatly and ultimately led to their miraculous deliverance through Moses, fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham concerning his descendants' affliction and subsequent liberation [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Prophecy to Abraham of Affliction and Deliverance"). Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **cycles of rejection and deliverance**, a pattern Stephen uses to draw parallels between Israel's past and the Sanhedrin's present rejection of Jesus.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **another (Greek, _héteros'_):** This word (G2087) signifies "another of a different kind." It emphasizes that the new king was not merely a successor in a continuous line but represented a fundamental shift in policy and disposition towards the Israelites. This was a new regime with a distinctly different attitude and agenda.
* **arose (Greek, _anístēmi'_):** The verb (G450) means "to stand up, to rise up." In this context, it denotes the emergence of a new power, a new dynasty, or a new political order that fundamentally changed the status quo. It highlights the dynamic and impactful nature of this leadership transition.
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb (G1492) means "to see, perceive, understand, or know in a comprehensive sense." The negative "knew not" (G3756, _ou_) therefore implies much more than a lack of personal acquaintance. It signifies a deliberate and active disregard, a lack of recognition, or a conscious decision to ignore Joseph's legacy and the beneficial relationship Egypt had with the Israelites because of him. It was a political choice to erase the past for strategic purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Till another king arose":** This clause marks a decisive turning point in the historical narrative Stephen is recounting. It signifies the end of the era of favor and prosperity that the Israelites enjoyed in Egypt under Joseph's influence. The emergence of "another king" indicates not just a change of individual ruler but likely a shift in the ruling dynasty or a radical alteration in governmental policy. This new power, distinct in its approach, initiated a period of profound suffering for Jacob's descendants, setting the stage for their eventual enslavement.
* **"which knew not Joseph":** This is the crucial explanatory clause, providing the reason for the dramatic shift in Israel's fortunes. The phrase "knew not" (Greek: _ouk ēdei_) does not suggest mere ignorance or forgetfulness on the part of the new king. Rather, given the comprehensive meaning of the Greek verb _eídō_ (to know, understand, recognize), it implies a deliberate and active choice to disregard, disavow, or refuse to acknowledge Joseph's immense contributions to Egypt's survival and prosperity. This calculated historical amnesia allowed the new regime to strip the Israelites of their privileged status and justify their oppression, viewing them as a demographic threat rather than a valued part of society, as elaborated in [Exodus 1:9-10](/exodus/1-9-10 "Pharaoh's Fear of the Israelites").

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's concise statement in Acts 7:18 employs several potent literary devices. Firstly, it functions as a direct **Allusion** to [Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "Exodus 1:8 - The New King in Egypt"), grounding Stephen's historical narrative in the authoritative scriptures familiar to his Sanhedrin audience and lending credibility to his account. Secondly, the verse serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent period of severe oppression for the Israelites, which will ultimately lead to God's miraculous deliverance through Moses. This pattern of suffering preceding salvation is a recurring motif throughout biblical history. Finally, there is a profound **Irony** embedded in the situation: Joseph, who had saved Egypt from ruin and brought immense blessing, is now forgotten or deliberately disregarded by a new regime, leading to the persecution of his own people. This highlights the transient nature of human gratitude and the often-unjust shifts in political power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:18 profoundly illustrates God's sovereignty over human rulers and the consequences of forgetting divine providence. Even when human leaders choose to disregard past blessings or act with hostility, God remains faithful to His covenant promises, using even periods of adversity to achieve His greater purposes. The suffering of Israel in Egypt, initiated by a king who "knew not Joseph," was not an interruption of God's plan but an integral part of it, designed to multiply His people and prepare them for the Promised Land. This theological truth assures believers that God is actively at work, even in seemingly bleak circumstances, orchestrating events for the ultimate good of His people and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

* [Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "The New King in Egypt")
* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Prophecy to Abraham of Affliction and Deliverance")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:18 offers timeless lessons for both individuals and communities. The "forgetfulness" of the new king serves as a potent warning about the dangers of historical amnesia, whether personal or collective. Forgetting God's past faithfulness, His interventions, and the principles that have guided us can lead to spiritual and societal decline. It underscores the vital importance of remembering our heritage, the sacrifices made, and the blessings received, lest we repeat past mistakes or fail to appreciate the foundations upon which our present stands. Furthermore, the verse highlights the immense responsibility of leadership. A leader's choices, particularly their stance on history and their treatment of different groups, have profound and lasting consequences, capable of ushering in either prosperity or oppression. Finally, even in the face of such profound injustice and suffering, the narrative reminds us of God's unwavering sovereignty. The period of enslavement in Egypt, though agonizing, was part of God's plan to shape Israel and bring about their miraculous deliverance. This offers profound comfort and hope, assuring us that God is at work even when circumstances seem most dire, weaving all things into His perfect design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in our personal lives and in the history of His people, help us navigate present challenges and uncertainties?**
* **What ethical responsibilities do leaders bear in remembering and honoring the contributions of those who came before them, and how might their choices impact the well-being of a community?**
* **In what ways can we discern God's sovereign hand at work even amidst periods of suffering, injustice, or apparent forgetfulness by the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "knew not Joseph" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "knew not Joseph" (Greek: _ouk ēdei ton Iōsēph_) goes beyond a simple lack of personal acquaintance. The Greek verb _eídō_ (G1492) implies a deeper understanding, recognition, or appreciation. Therefore, this statement signifies a deliberate political and historical amnesia on the part of the new king and his administration. They chose to disregard Joseph's immense contributions to Egypt's prosperity and the beneficial relationship that had existed with the Israelites. This calculated disregard allowed them to justify the subsequent enslavement and oppression of the rapidly growing Israelite population, viewing them as a threat rather than a valued asset, as described in [Exodus 1:9-10](/exodus/1-9-10 "Pharaoh's Fear of the Israelites"). It was a strategic decision to sever ties with the past and establish a new, hostile policy.

**Why is this verse important within Stephen's speech?**

Answer: Acts 7:18 is crucial because it marks a significant turning point in Stephen's historical recounting, mirroring the shift from favor to oppression found in [Exodus 1:8](/exodus/1-8 "The New King in Egypt"). Stephen uses this historical pattern of Israel's experience—where God's people face rejection and suffering, often at the hands of those in power, yet God consistently raises up deliverers—to build his broader argument to the Sanhedrin. By detailing Israel's history of rejecting God's chosen leaders (like Moses, whom he discusses next), Stephen subtly implies the Sanhedrin's own rejection of Jesus, the ultimate deliverer. This verse, therefore, serves as a foundational element in Stephen's defense, justifying his accusations against his accusers by demonstrating their continuity with Israel's historical pattern of rejecting God's anointed.

**How does this verse relate to the broader narrative of Acts?**

Answer: This verse, and indeed Stephen's entire speech, underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history, demonstrating that the persecution faced by early Christians, including Stephen himself, was not unprecedented. It shows that God's people have always faced opposition, yet God remains faithful to His covenant promises, working even through adversity. The narrative of a forgotten past leading to oppression resonates with the early church's experience of being misunderstood and persecuted by Jewish authorities who "knew not" or rejected Jesus, the Messiah. It reinforces the theme that God's work transcends human recognition and opposition, ultimately leading to His purposes being fulfilled, often through unexpected means or individuals, and highlights the ongoing tension between God's chosen people and the world's resistance to His plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:18, with its portrayal of a "new king" who "knew not Joseph" and subsequently oppressed God's people, powerfully foreshadows the experience of Jesus Christ. Joseph, though rejected by his brothers, was exalted by Pharaoh and became the savior of his family and many nations, bringing them into a place of provision. This serves as a profound type of Christ, who was "in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him" [John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "The Word in the World"). Just as the new king disregarded Joseph's immense contribution, so too did many of Israel's leaders and people reject Jesus, the true King and ultimate Deliverer, despite His undeniable works and teachings. They became like the builders who rejected the cornerstone, as Jesus Himself prophesied [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "The Stone the Builders Rejected"). Yet, just as God raised up Moses to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage, so too did He raise Jesus from the dead, making Him "the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone" [Acts 4:11](/acts/4-11 "Jesus, the Cornerstone"). The suffering and rejection experienced by Israel under the "king who knew not Joseph" ultimately led to their miraculous deliverance, mirroring how Christ's rejection and suffering on the cross paved the way for the ultimate salvation of all who believe, demonstrating that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the Same").

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

Exodus 1:8

¶ Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.