Acts 7:4

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

Then {G5119} came he {G1831} out of {G1537} the land {G1093} of the Chaldaeans {G5466}, and dwelt {G2730} in {G1722} Charran {G5488}: and from thence {G2547}, when {G3326} his {G846} father {G3962} was dead {G599}, he removed {G3351} him {G846} into {G1519} this {G5026} land {G1093}, wherein {G1519}{G3739} ye {G5210} now {G3568} dwell {G2730}.

So he left the land of the Kasdim and lived in Haran. After his father died, God made him move to this land where you are living now.

So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God brought him out of that place and into this land where you are now living.

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldæans, and dwelt in Haran: and from thence, when his father was dead, God removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell:

Acts 7:4 is part of Stephen's powerful sermon before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel to demonstrate God's consistent work among His people, often in ways that challenged human expectations and religious structures. This particular verse focuses on the early life and migration of Abraham, a foundational figure in Israel's history.

Context

Stephen is tracing the lineage and divine encounters that led to the formation of the Israelite nation. He begins with God's appearance to Abraham in Mesopotamia, even before Abraham came to Haran. This verse details Abraham's departure from "the land of the Chaldaeans" (Ur of the Chaldees) and his subsequent dwelling in Charran (Haran). It highlights a crucial transition point: only after his father, Terah, died in Haran did Abraham fully enter "this land" (Canaan), which was the ultimate destination of God's promise to him. This narrative serves to remind his audience of God's sovereign hand in their history and the importance of faith and obedience, even when it required leaving familiar surroundings.

Key Themes

  • Divine Calling and Guidance: The verse underscores God's initiation of Abraham's journey, setting him on a path that would lead to the formation of a great nation. It emphasizes that God's plan unfolds in stages, guiding His servants step by step.
  • Obedience and Faith: Abraham's willingness to leave his homeland, first with his father and then fully upon Terah's death, demonstrates a profound trust in God's direction. This act of faith is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative.
  • The Promised Land: The phrase "this land, wherein ye now dwell" directly connects Abraham's ancient journey to the very ground the Jewish leaders stood on, reminding them of the divine origin of their inheritance and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.

Linguistic Insights

The names "Chaldaeans" and "Charran" are significant geographical markers. "Chaldaeans" refers to the region of southern Mesopotamia, including the city of Ur, where Abraham's family originated (Genesis 11:28). "Charran" (Haran) was a city in northern Mesopotamia, serving as a significant intermediate stop on the ancient trade routes. The delay in Haran until Terah's death highlights a specific detail from the Genesis account (Genesis 11:31-32) which Stephen uses to emphasize the precise timing of God's unfolding plan.

Practical Application

Acts 7:4 reminds us that God's plans often involve a journey, not just a single event. There may be intermediate steps, delays, or unexpected turns, but God remains faithful to His ultimate purpose. Like Abraham, we are called to trust God's timing and direction, even when circumstances seem to pause or divert the path. This verse encourages believers to embrace the journey of faith, knowing that God is actively working through every stage to bring about His promises in our lives and for His kingdom, just as He did in the life of Abraham, the father of faith.

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.

  • Genesis 12:4

    ¶ So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

  • Genesis 12:5

    And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.

  • Genesis 11:31

    And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.

  • Genesis 11:32

    And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran.

  • Isaiah 41:2

    Who raised up the righteous [man] from the east, called him to his foot, gave the nations before him, and made [him] rule over kings? he gave [them] as the dust to his sword, [and] as driven stubble to his bow.

  • Isaiah 41:9

    [Thou] whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou [art] my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.

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