Acts 7:6

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.

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}.

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.

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

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.

Acts 7:6 is part of Stephen's lengthy defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts the history of Israel from Abraham to Solomon, highlighting God's faithfulness and Israel's recurring rebellion. In this particular verse, Stephen quotes God's prophetic declaration to Abraham concerning the future of his descendants.

Context

Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, is facing charges of blasphemy against Moses and God (Acts 6:11-14). His defense is not a direct refutation of the charges but a historical sermon, demonstrating how God has always worked through individuals and in various places, not just the Temple or the Law. This verse specifically refers back to God's covenant with Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 15:13, where God foretold the affliction of Abraham's "seed" (descendants) in a foreign land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty: This verse underscores God's absolute knowledge of future events, even centuries before they occur. He not only knows but declares the trials His people will face.
  • God's Covenant with Abraham: The prophecy spoken here is an integral part of the larger covenant God made with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and a land. Even the period of suffering was foretold within the scope of this divine plan.
  • Sojourning and Bondage: God explicitly states that Abraham's descendants would "sojourn in a strange land" and be brought "into bondage." This directly foreshadows the Israelites' experience in Egypt, a period of severe oppression and servitude, as described in the book of Exodus.
  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The specified "four hundred years" points to the duration of their affliction, a detail that was meticulously fulfilled. While Exodus 12:40 speaks of 430 years from Abraham's sojourn to the exodus, the 400 years likely refers specifically to the period of affliction or active oppression in Egypt.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "on this wise" is an archaic KJV translation for "in this manner" or "thus," indicating how God spoke.
  • The Greek word for "sojourn" is paroikeō (παροικέω), meaning "to dwell as a foreigner" or "to live as a temporary resident." This accurately describes the status of the Israelites in Egypt before their enslavement.
  • "Bondage" translates douloō (δουλόω), meaning "to enslave" or "to bring into servitude," clearly depicting their oppressive condition under the Egyptians.
  • "Entreat them evil" comes from kakoō (κακόω), meaning "to treat badly," "to afflict," or "to harm," emphasizing the severe hardship and suffering they would endure.

Practical Application

Acts 7:6 reminds us that God's plan often includes periods of hardship and waiting. Even when circumstances seem dire or inexplicable, God is aware and in control. The fulfillment of this prophecy, even after 400 years, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. Believers can draw comfort from knowing that God’s long-term purposes will always prevail, even through seasons of trial and oppression. It encourages us to trust in His timing and sovereignty, understanding that temporary suffering can be part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan leading to ultimate deliverance and fulfillment, much like Israel's deliverance from Egypt.

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 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.

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