Acts 7:40

KJV

Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for [as for] this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G2036} unto Aaron {G2}, Make {G4160} us {G2254} gods {G2316} to {G3739} go before {G4313} us {G2257}: for {G1063} as for this {G3778} Moses {G3475}, which {G3739} brought {G1806} us {G2248} out of {G1537} the land {G1093} of Egypt {G125}, we wot {G1492} not {G3756} what {G5101} is become {G1096} of him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

saying to Aharon, ‘Make us some gods to lead us; because this Moshe, who led us out of Egypt — we don’t know what has become of him.’

Berean Standard Bible

They said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’

American Standard Version

saying unto Aaron, Make us gods that shall go before us: for as for this Moses, who led us forth out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:40 captures a pivotal moment in Israel's history of rebellion, recounted by Stephen in his defense before the Sanhedrin. It describes the Israelites' demand to Aaron for visible deities to lead them, citing their ignorance of Moses' whereabouts after he ascended Mount Sinai. This verse vividly illustrates the profound spiritual impatience and idolatrous tendencies of a people recently delivered by the unseen hand of God, setting a precedent for their recurring pattern of rejecting divine authority and seeking tangible, controllable substitutes for the true God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:40 is embedded within Stephen's lengthy and powerful historical defense before the Sanhedrin, a speech that meticulously traces Israel's history from Abraham to the building of the Temple. Stephen's primary aim is to demonstrate a recurring pattern of rebellion and resistance to the Holy Spirit among the Jewish people, culminating in their rejection and murder of Jesus, the ultimate "Righteous One" [Acts 7:52](/acts/7-52 "Acts 7:52 - The Persecution of the Prophets"). This specific verse refers to the infamous Golden Calf incident, detailed in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf"), serving as a stark example of Israel's immediate turning to idolatry and rejection of God's appointed leader, Moses, despite having witnessed God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt. Stephen uses this historical precedent to subtly, yet powerfully, indict his listeners for their similar spiritual blindness and resistance to God's ultimate messenger, Jesus Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Acts 7:40 occurred shortly after the Israelites' miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage, a period when they were encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. Moses had ascended the mountain to receive the Law from God, a process that extended for forty days and forty nights [Exodus 24:18](/exodus/24-18 "Exodus 24:18 - Moses on Mount Sinai"). Culturally, the Israelites had spent centuries in Egypt, a polytheistic society where visible idols and animal deities were commonplace. This prolonged exposure likely influenced their spiritual outlook, making them accustomed to tangible representations of the divine. Their demand for "gods to go before us" stemmed from impatience, fear, and a deep-seated desire for a visible, controllable deity, contrasting sharply with the invisible, sovereign God who had just performed mighty signs on their behalf. Aaron, Moses' brother and the designated high priest, tragically succumbed to the people's pressure, highlighting the immense societal and spiritual challenges of leadership in the wilderness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Stephen's discourse and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **idolatry and spiritual apostasy**, revealing humanity's inherent propensity to turn away from the true God and create deities in their own image, especially when God's presence seems distant or His timing is unclear. Secondly, it highlights **impatience and a profound lack of faith** in God's unseen hand and His appointed leadership; the Israelites' declaration, "we wot not what is become of him," serves as an excuse for their sin rather than an expression of genuine concern. Thirdly, the incident exemplifies the **rejection of God's chosen messengers and divine authority**. By dismissing Moses, the Israelites were, in essence, rejecting the God who had sent him [Exodus 16:8](/exodus/16-8 "Exodus 16:8 - Grumbling Against God and Moses"). Stephen masterfully weaves these historical examples to illustrate Israel's consistent pattern of resistance, culminating in their rejection of Jesus, the ultimate prophet and deliverer [Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Acts 7:51-53 - Stephen's Accusation and Martyrdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gods (Greek, _theós'_):** (G2316) This word, while typically used for the supreme Divinity, is employed here in the plural to denote false deities or idols. The Israelites' demand for "gods" (plural) reveals a desire for multiple, tangible, and perhaps controllable, divine figures, a stark contrast to the singular, invisible God who had delivered them from Egypt. This reflects a deep-seated spiritual confusion and a reversion to the polytheistic practices they had witnessed in Egypt.
* **go before (Greek, _proporeúomai'_):** (G4313) Meaning "to precede (as guide or herald)," this word highlights the people's desire for a visible, tangible leader. They wanted something concrete to lead them, rather than trusting in the invisible guidance of God through Moses, who had previously led them by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Their demand reveals a fundamental distrust in God's unseen providence and a preference for a human-made, controllable form of leadership.
* **wot not (Greek, _eídō_ and _ou'_):** (G1492 and G3756) The archaic English "wot" means "to know," and "not" (G3756, _ou_) is the absolute negative. Thus, "we wot not" means "we do not know." This phrase expresses their claimed ignorance or uncertainty about Moses' fate. However, within the context of their immediate demand for idols, it functions more as an excuse for their impatience and lack of faith, rather than a genuine expression of concern or confusion. It underscores their readiness to abandon trust in God's appointed leader when faced with perceived uncertainty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying unto Aaron":** This clause establishes the direct communication and pressure exerted by the Israelite community upon Aaron, who, as Moses' brother and a designated leader, was expected to mediate between God and the people. Their direct address to him underscores their immediate turning away from God's established authority and their reliance on a human figure to fulfill their demands.
* **"Make us gods to go before us":** This is the core demand, revealing the Israelites' profound spiritual apostasy. They are not asking for a representation of Yahweh, but for "gods" (plural), indicating a desire for tangible, visible, and perhaps multiple, deities. The phrase "to go before us" highlights their craving for a physical guide, a substitute for the invisible God who had led them through the wilderness and for Moses, who was temporarily absent.
* **"for [as for] this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt":** This clause provides their justification for the demand. They acknowledge Moses' past role as their deliverer from Egypt, recognizing his divine commission. However, this acknowledgment is immediately undermined by their subsequent statement, indicating a conditional and superficial faith that hinges on Moses' visible presence.
* **"we wot not what is become of him":** This final clause articulates their perceived uncertainty regarding Moses' prolonged absence. "Wot not" means "do not know." This alleged ignorance serves as their primary excuse for demanding new gods. It reflects their impatience, their lack of trust in God's timing and providence, and their readiness to abandon faith in the face of the unknown, leading directly to their sinful idolatry.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's recounting of this historical event is rich with **Irony**. The Israelites, who had just been miraculously delivered from Egypt by the invisible God through Moses, immediately demand visible "gods" to "go before" them, effectively rejecting the very God and messenger who had already led them. This highlights the profound human tendency to seek tangible control over divine guidance. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Typology**, where the Israelites' historical rejection of Moses, God's deliverer, serves as a prefigurement or type for the Sanhedrin's contemporary rejection of Jesus, God's ultimate and perfect deliverer. The repeated pattern of resistance to God's messengers is a central theme throughout Stephen's speech. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between God's faithfulness in delivering His people and their immediate, profound unfaithfulness and spiritual amnesia.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:40 stands as a stark biblical warning against the human propensity for idolatry and spiritual impatience. It reveals a deep-seated desire within the fallen human heart to replace the invisible, sovereign God with tangible, controllable substitutes, especially when faced with uncertainty or delayed gratification. The Israelites' demand for "gods" was not merely a lapse in judgment but a fundamental rejection of the covenant relationship with Yahweh, who had explicitly forbidden the making of graven images. This act underscores the danger of seeking comfort in the seen rather than trusting in the unseen, and it highlights how quickly a people can forget divine deliverance when their immediate desires are not met. Theologically, it reminds us that true faith is not contingent on visible manifestations or immediate answers, but on steadfast trust in God's character and His promises, even in the absence of clear direction.

* [Exodus 32:7-8](/exodus/32-7-8 "The Lord's Anger at the Golden Calf")
* [Romans 1:21-23](/romans/1-21-23 "The Exchange of God's Glory for Idols")
* [Hebrews 3:7-11](/hebrews/3-7-11 "Do Not Harden Your Hearts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient Israelites' demand for "gods" in Acts 7:40 provides enduring lessons for contemporary believers. While we may not fashion golden calves, the temptation to create "gods" in our lives remains potent. Modern idolatry often manifests as an excessive reliance on material possessions, career success, personal comfort, or even human relationships, elevating these above our devotion to God. When God's timing seems slow, His path unclear, or His presence less tangible, we can be tempted to seek immediate gratification, control, or security from sources other than Him. This verse calls us to cultivate radical patience and unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances are uncertain or His answers are delayed. It challenges us to examine our hearts for any area where we might be seeking a visible, controllable "god" instead of faithfully submitting to the invisible, all-powerful God who truly goes before us and guides our steps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek tangible control or immediate gratification instead of patiently trusting God's unseen hand?**
* **What "gods" (e.g., security, comfort, reputation, self-reliance) might I be tempted to create or prioritize when God's presence feels distant or His plan is unclear?**
* **How does my response to uncertainty or delayed answers reflect my level of faith in God's ultimate wisdom and goodness?**
* **Am I truly willing to follow God's lead, even when His appointed "Moses" (spiritual authority, biblical teaching) seems absent or difficult to understand?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Israelites demand gods so soon after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt?**

Answer: The Israelites' demand for gods stemmed from a combination of factors. Primarily, it was due to impatience and a profound lack of faith. Moses' prolonged absence on Mount Sinai led them to believe he had abandoned them, and they quickly forgot the invisible God who had just performed mighty signs to deliver them from Egypt. Having lived for centuries in polytheistic Egypt, they were accustomed to visible deities and sought a tangible, controllable representation to lead them, rather than trusting in the unseen God and His appointed messenger. Their fear of the unknown and a desire for immediate, visible leadership fueled their demand for idols.

**What does the archaic phrase "we wot not what is become of him" mean?**

Answer: The phrase "we wot not what is become of him" uses the archaic English verb "wot," which simply means "to know." Therefore, the full phrase translates to "we do not know what has become of him." In the context of Acts 7:40, it expresses the Israelites' claimed uncertainty or ignorance regarding Moses' whereabouts and fate. This perceived uncertainty served as their justification or excuse for demanding Aaron to fashion new gods for them, highlighting their impatience and readiness to abandon faith in the face of the unknown.

**How does this incident relate to Stephen's broader message in Acts 7?**

Answer: Stephen strategically recounts the Golden Calf incident as a key example within his comprehensive historical overview of Israel's consistent pattern of rebellion against God and His chosen messengers. By highlighting the Israelites' rejection of Moses and their turn to idolatry, Stephen subtly but powerfully accuses his contemporary Jewish audience (the Sanhedrin) of repeating this same pattern. He argues that just as their ancestors resisted Moses, so too were they now resisting the Holy Spirit and rejecting Jesus, God's ultimate Prophet and Messiah [Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Stephen's Accusation and Martyrdom"). This historical example serves to underscore the deep-seated spiritual blindness and resistance to God's truth that Stephen perceives in his accusers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Israelites' demand for a visible "god" to "go before" them in Acts 7:40 stands in stark contrast to the true fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Their rejection of Moses, God's appointed deliverer, foreshadows the ultimate rejection of God's Son. While the Israelites sought a tangible, controllable idol out of impatience and a lack of faith in the invisible God, Jesus is the divine leader who truly goes before His people, not as a created image, but as the living Word made flesh [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"). He is the ultimate "Moses," a prophet like no other, who leads His people not out of physical Egypt, but out of the bondage of sin and death [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "A Prophet Like Moses"). Unlike the fleeting presence of Moses, Jesus promised to be with His disciples "always, to the very end of the age" [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "The Great Commission"). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the true bread from heaven who gives life to the world [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "Jesus, the Bread of Life"), and the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep and leads them to eternal pastures [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). In Christ, the human desire for a visible, guiding presence is met, not by an idol of human making, but by the resurrected Lord who is truly present by His Spirit, requiring not sight, but faith.

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 32:1

¶ And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

Exodus 32:23

For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us: for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.