Acts 7:19

The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

The same {G3778} dealt subtilly {G2686} with our {G2257} kindred {G1085}, and evil entreated {G2559} our {G2257} fathers {G3962}, so that {G4160} they cast out {G1570} their {G846} young children {G1025}, to the end {G1519} they might {G2225} not {G3361} live {G2225}.

With cruel cunning this man forced our fathers to put their newborn babies outside their homes, so that they would not survive.

He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die.

The same dealt craftily with our race, and ill-treated our fathers, that they should cast out their babes to the end they might not live.

Context of Acts 7:19

Acts 7:19 is part of Stephen's extensive defense speech before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel from Abraham to the building of the Temple. His purpose is to demonstrate God's faithfulness throughout their history, alongside Israel's consistent pattern of rejecting His messengers, culminating in their rejection of Jesus Christ. This particular verse falls within his recounting of the Israelites' time in Egypt, describing the severe oppression they faced under a new Pharaoh who "knew not Joseph," setting the stage for the miraculous birth and deliverance by Moses.

Meaning of Acts 7:19

This verse vividly describes the intensified persecution of the Israelites in Egypt. "The same dealt subtilly with our kindred" refers to the new Egyptian king, Pharaoh, who, unlike his predecessors, had no memory or respect for Joseph's contributions (Exodus 1:8). This king employed cunning and deceptive policies to suppress the rapidly growing Hebrew population. "And evil entreated our fathers" highlights the harsh and cruel treatment, including forced labor and bondage, inflicted upon the Israelites. The most horrific action, "so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live," points directly to Pharaoh's decree of infanticide, specifically ordering all male Hebrew infants to be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). This was a desperate attempt to control their numbers and break their spirit.

Key Themes

  • Oppression and Suffering: The verse powerfully illustrates the extreme persecution and dehumanization experienced by God's people under a tyrannical regime.
  • Human Cruelty and Envy: Pharaoh's actions are driven by fear and envy of the Israelites' numerical strength, leading to inhumane policies designed to destroy them.
  • Divine Providence Amidst Adversity: Despite these desperate circumstances, God's plan of deliverance was actively unfolding, leading to the miraculous preservation and raising of Moses, who would become their liberator. This highlights God's ability to work through seemingly impossible situations, as seen in the very next verse concerning Moses' birth.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "dealt subtilly" translates the Greek word katasophisamenos (κατασοφισάμενος), which means "to outwit," "to deal shrewdly against," or "to circumvent by cunning." It emphasizes that Pharaoh's oppression was not just brute force but a calculated, deceptive strategy.
  • "Evil entreated" comes from kakosas (κακώσας), meaning "to treat badly," "to afflict," or "to oppress." This underscores the severe and malicious suffering inflicted upon the Israelites.

Historical Significance and Application

Stephen uses this dark chapter in Israel's history to underscore the enduring theme of persecution faced by God's people, often at the hands of those in power. It serves as a profound reminder that even in the depths of oppression and suffering, God is sovereignly at work, orchestrating deliverance and raising up leaders for His purposes. For believers today, Acts 7:19 offers solace that God sees and hears the cries of the oppressed. It encourages faith in God's ultimate control and His ability to bring about salvation from the most desperate circumstances, transforming evil intentions into opportunities for His glory and the good of His people, echoing principles found in Romans 8:28.

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.

  • Psalms 105:25

    ¶ He turned their heart to hate his people, to deal subtilly with his servants.

  • Exodus 1:9

    And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel [are] more and mightier than we:

  • Exodus 1:22

    And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.

  • Revelation 12:4

    And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.

  • Revelation 12:5

    And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne.

  • Psalms 83:4

    They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

  • Psalms 83:5

    For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
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