Acts 7:6

KJV

And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil four hundred years.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} God {G2316} spake {G2980} on this wise {G3779}, That {G3754} his {G846} seed {G4690} should {G2071} sojourn {G3941} in {G1722} a strange {G245} land {G1093}; and {G2532} that they should bring {G1402} them {G846} into bondage {G1402}, and {G2532} entreat them evil {G2559} four hundred {G5071} years {G2094}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What God said to him was, ‘Your descendants will be aliens in a foreign land, where they will be in slavery and oppressed for four hundred years.

Berean Standard Bible

God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years.

American Standard Version

And God spake on this wise, that his seed should sojourn in a strange land, and that they should bring them into bondage, and treat them ill, four hundred years.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 7:6 presents a pivotal moment in Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts God's ancient prophecy to Abraham concerning the future of his descendants. This verse precisely foretells that Abraham's "seed" would live as temporary residents in a foreign land, experience severe oppression and enslavement, and endure this hardship for a period of four hundred years, laying the theological groundwork for understanding God's sovereign plan amidst the trials of His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 7:6 is an integral part of Stephen's lengthy and impassioned historical sermon, delivered in response to accusations of blasphemy against the Temple and the Law. Stephen's defense is not a direct refutation but a masterful recounting of Israel's history, from Abraham to Solomon, demonstrating God's consistent work outside of fixed structures (like the Temple) and His ongoing faithfulness despite Israel's repeated rebellion. This specific verse harks back to the foundational covenant with Abraham, establishing a divine precedent for God's foreknowledge and control over the destiny of His people, even through periods of suffering, thereby legitimizing his argument for God's broader, non-localized activity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Stephen's sermon is set against the backdrop of first-century Judaism, where the Temple, the Law of Moses, and the land of Israel held immense religious and nationalistic significance. The charges against Stephen (Acts 6:11-14) reflect a deep-seated resistance to any perceived challenge to these pillars of Jewish identity. By beginning his historical survey with Abraham, Stephen appeals to a figure revered by all Jews, highlighting God's initial interactions with His people in a "strange land" (Mesopotamia, then Canaan) and His promises that transcended geographical boundaries. The prophecy of sojourning and bondage directly references the Israelite experience in Egypt, a well-known historical event that shaped their national consciousness and reinforced their identity as a people delivered by God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, revealing God's absolute control over history and His ability to declare future events centuries in advance, including periods of national suffering. It highlights the **Covenant Faithfulness of God**, demonstrating that even the hardships faced by Abraham's descendants were part of a divinely ordained plan, ultimately leading to deliverance and the fulfillment of promises. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **Sojourning and Alienation**, portraying God's people as often being "strangers" or "foreigners" in the world, a concept that resonates throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate expression in the New Testament understanding of believers as [aliens and pilgrims](/1_peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Believers as Aliens and Pilgrims") in this world, awaiting their true homeland. The mention of "bondage" and "entreating evil" foreshadows the theme of **Suffering as a Catalyst for Deliverance**, a pattern seen in the Exodus and echoed in the redemptive work of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seed (Greek, _spérma'_):** This term, G4690, refers to something sown, offspring, or descendants. In this context, it specifically denotes Abraham's lineage, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant promises through generations. It is not merely a biological reference but carries theological weight, pointing to the chosen people through whom God's redemptive plan would unfold.
* **sojourn (Greek, _pároikos'_):** G3941, meaning "having a home near," or more commonly, "a by-dweller," "alien resident," or "foreigner." This word precisely describes the status of Abraham's descendants in Egypt—they were not native inhabitants but temporary residents who eventually became enslaved. It highlights their vulnerable and non-landed status, which made them susceptible to oppression.
* **bring into bondage (Greek, _doulóō'_):** G1402, derived from the word for "slave," means "to enslave" or "to bring into servitude." This term explicitly details the severe oppression that would befall Abraham's descendants, moving beyond mere foreign residency to forced labor and loss of freedom, directly anticipating the harsh conditions imposed by the Egyptians.
* **entreat them evil (Greek, _kakóō'_):** G2559, meaning "to injure," "to treat badly," "to afflict," or "to exasperate." This word conveys the severe and malicious nature of the suffering inflicted upon the Israelites. It goes beyond simple hardship to denote active, intentional harm and mistreatment, underscoring the cruelty they would endure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God spake on this wise,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the subsequent prophecy. Stephen emphasizes that this is not a human prediction but a direct, authoritative declaration from God Himself, underscoring the certainty and solemnity of the words to follow. The archaic "on this wise" simply means "in this manner" or "thus."
* **"That his seed should sojourn in a strange land;"**: This phrase begins the content of God's prophecy, specifically identifying Abraham's descendants ("his seed") as those who would experience a period of temporary residency ("sojourn") in a foreign territory ("a strange land"). This points directly to the Israelites' initial settlement in Egypt, where they were welcomed but remained distinct from the native population.
* **"and that they should bring them into bondage,"**: This clause escalates the prophecy, moving from mere sojourning to active oppression. It foretells that the inhabitants of the strange land would "bring them into bondage," meaning they would enslave Abraham's descendants, forcing them into servitude and stripping them of their freedom. This clearly anticipates the harsh labor and oppression under the Egyptian pharaohs.
* **"and entreat [them] evil four hundred years."**: This final clause specifies the duration and nature of the suffering. Not only would they be enslaved, but they would also be "entreated evil," meaning subjected to severe mistreatment, affliction, and harm. The precise period of "four hundred years" provides a specific timeline for this period of suffering, emphasizing God's meticulous foreknowledge and the eventual fulfillment of His word.

#### Literary Devices
Stephen's use of **Historical Allusion** is paramount in Acts 7:6. By quoting God's prophecy to Abraham, Stephen immediately connects his contemporary audience to their foundational national narrative, reminding them of God's long-standing plan. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as God's declaration directly anticipates the entire narrative of the Israelite sojourn and enslavement in Egypt, leading to the Exodus. This serves to demonstrate God's sovereign control over history. Furthermore, there is an element of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Stephen implicitly presents this ancient prophecy as having been meticulously fulfilled in the Exodus event, thereby validating the divine origin of the message and the faithfulness of God. The precise mention of "four hundred years" adds a layer of **Specificity** to the prophecy, enhancing its credibility and demonstrating God's detailed knowledge of future events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 7:6 is a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even when those promises involve periods of intense suffering for His people. It reveals that God's plan is not derailed by human wickedness or oppressive circumstances; rather, these trials are often foreseen and even integrated into His larger redemptive design. The prophecy to Abraham, fulfilled centuries later in the Exodus, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the certainty of His word. It teaches that God's people are often called to endure seasons of waiting and hardship as part of a divine process that ultimately leads to greater deliverance and the manifestation of His power and glory. This historical precedent provides a theological framework for understanding suffering not as abandonment, but as a stage in God's unfolding purpose.

* [Genesis 15:13-14](/genesis/15-13-14 "God's Covenant with Abraham: Prophecy of Affliction and Deliverance")
* [Exodus 1:8-14](/exodus/1-8-14 "The Oppression of Israel in Egypt")
* [Galatians 3:16-17](/galatians/3-16-17 "The Promise to Abraham Precedes the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 7:6 offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's sovereign plan often encompasses periods of hardship and waiting, much like the 400 years of affliction endured by Abraham's descendants. In our own lives, when we face trials, oppression, or seasons of feeling like "strangers" in a hostile world, this verse assures us that God is neither unaware nor inactive. He sees, He knows, and He has a timeline. The meticulous fulfillment of this ancient prophecy, even after centuries, should bolster our faith in God's unfailing faithfulness and the ultimate certainty of His promises. We are encouraged to trust in His perfect timing, understanding that temporary suffering can be a divinely orchestrated part of a larger redemptive narrative, leading to ultimate deliverance and the fulfillment of His purposes in our lives and in the world. This perspective transforms our view of adversity from a sign of abandonment to an opportunity to witness God's steadfast power and the unfolding of His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the foreknowledge of God in Acts 7:6 impact your understanding of current difficulties or periods of waiting in your life?**
* **In what ways might God be using a "strange land" or a period of "bondage" (figuratively speaking) in your life to prepare you for a greater deliverance or purpose?**
* **What specific promises of God are you currently waiting for, and how can the fulfillment of the 400-year prophecy strengthen your trust in His timing?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "four hundred years" mentioned in Acts 7:6?**

Answer: The "four hundred years" refers to the approximate duration of the Israelites' sojourn and affliction in Egypt, as prophesied by God to Abraham. While [Exodus 12:40](/exodus/12-40 "Exodus 12:40 - Sojourn of the Children of Israel") states the sojourn was 430 years, this period is generally understood to encompass the time from Abraham's arrival in Canaan to the Exodus. The 400 years in Acts 7:6 (and [Genesis 15:13](/genesis/15-13 "Genesis 15:13 - God's Prophecy to Abraham")) likely refers more specifically to the period of active oppression and enslavement in Egypt, or it could be a rounded figure. Regardless, it signifies a precise, divinely appointed period of suffering that would precede their miraculous deliverance, demonstrating God's meticulous control over historical events.

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

Answer: Acts 7:6 serves as a foundational prophetic declaration that directly anticipates and explains the events of the Exodus. It reveals that the Israelites' enslavement and suffering in Egypt were not random misfortunes but a foreseen and foretold part of God's covenant plan with Abraham. This prophecy sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, the raising up of Moses, the plagues, and the ultimate [deliverance of His people from Egypt](/exodus/12-41 "Exodus 12:41 - The Exodus from Egypt"), thereby validating His faithfulness and power in fulfilling His word. It frames the Exodus as a divine act of liberation, precisely as promised centuries earlier.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 7:6, while detailing an Old Testament prophecy concerning Israel's historical suffering and deliverance, finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The pattern of God's "seed" sojourning in a "strange land" and enduring "bondage" and "evil entreaty" foreshadows Christ's own experience. Jesus, the true "seed" of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham")), sojourned on earth as a stranger in a world alienated from God ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - The World Did Not Know Him")). He willingly entered into the "bondage" of humanity's sin and was "entreated evil" through His suffering, crucifixion, and death ([Isaiah 53:5-7](/isaiah/53-5-7 "Isaiah 53:5-7 - The Suffering Servant")). Just as Israel's 400 years of suffering led to their liberation, Christ's suffering and death, though seemingly a period of ultimate bondage, led to the ultimate deliverance for all humanity from the bondage of sin and death ([Romans 6:6-7](/romans/6-6-7 "Romans 6:6-7 - Freedom from Sin")). His resurrection is the ultimate Exodus, bringing His people out of spiritual slavery into the freedom of new life, fulfilling God's promise of a greater redemption that transcends national boundaries and extends to all who believe ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into Light")).

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

Genesis 15:13

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land [that is] not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

Galatians 3:17

And this I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

Genesis 15:16

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.

Exodus 12:40

Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, [was] four hundred and thirty years.

Exodus 12:41

And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.