Acts 7:32

[Saying], I [am] the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

Saying, I {G1473} am the God {G2316} of thy {G4675} fathers {G3962}, the God {G2316} of Abraham {G11}, and {G2532} the God {G2316} of Isaac {G2464}, and {G2532} the God {G2316} of Jacob {G2384}. Then {G1161} Moses {G3475} trembled {G1096}{G1790}, and durst {G5111} not {G3756} behold {G2657}.

‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya‘akov.’ But Moshe trembled with fear and didn’t dare to look.

‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.

I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob. And Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

Commentary

Acts 7:32 KJV is part of Stephen's powerful defense speech before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel's relationship with God. This particular verse describes God's revelation to Moses at the burning bush, emphasizing His eternal nature and covenant faithfulness.

Context of Acts 7:32

Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, is on trial for allegedly speaking against the Temple and the Law. His lengthy discourse in Acts chapter 7 is not a direct defense against the charges but rather a historical overview, designed to show God's consistent work through Israel's history, often in places other than the Temple, and highlighting the people's frequent resistance to God's messengers. Verse 32 specifically harks back to the pivotal moment when God called Moses to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage, as detailed in Exodus 3:6.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Enduring Covenant Faithfulness: By identifying Himself as "the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob," God underscores His unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to the covenant promises He made to the patriarchs. This declaration assures Moses (and Stephen's hearers) of the continuity of God's plan through generations.
  • Divine Revelation and Awe: God reveals Himself in a direct and personal way to Moses. Moses' reaction—"trembled, and durst not behold"—illustrates the profound reverence and holy fear that is a natural response to encountering the living God. This is not a fear of punishment, but a deep sense of unworthiness and awe in the presence of infinite holiness and power.
  • Continuity of God's Work: Stephen uses this historical detail to show that God was actively involved with His people from the very beginning, long before the Mosaic Law or the Temple were established. This supports Stephen's broader argument about God's omnipresence and His working outside human-made structures.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I am the God of thy fathers" is a direct quotation from the Old Testament, emphasizing God's self-identification. While not explicitly stated in Acts 7:32, the context of the burning bush in Exodus 3 reveals God's deeper revelation of His name as "I AM THAT I AM" (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh). This signifies God's eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature. Moses' reaction, "durst not behold," conveys a deep reverence and humility, acknowledging the vast chasm between finite humanity and infinite divinity.

Related Scriptures

The significance of God identifying Himself this way is further highlighted in the New Testament. Jesus Himself uses this very declaration in Matthew 22:32 (and parallels in Mark and Luke) to argue for the resurrection of the dead, stating that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living, implying the continued existence of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This reinforces the idea of God's timeless covenant relationship with His people.

Practical Application

Acts 7:32 reminds us of several timeless truths. Firstly, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever; His covenant promises are trustworthy. Secondly, encountering God should evoke a spirit of reverence and humility. In our modern world, where familiarity can sometimes breed contempt, this verse calls us to remember the immense holiness and power of the Creator. It encourages us to approach God with both intimacy and awe, recognizing His majestic presence in our lives and in the grand story of salvation.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 3:6

    Moreover he said, I [am] the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

  • Matthew 22:32

    I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

  • Revelation 1:17

    And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

  • Matthew 17:6

    And when the disciples heard [it], they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

  • Psalms 89:7

    God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all [them that are] about him.

  • Genesis 50:24

    And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.

  • Luke 5:8

    When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
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