Acts 8:33

KJV

In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} his {G846} humiliation {G5014} his {G846} judgment {G2920} was taken away {G142}: and {G1161} who {G5101} shall declare {G1334} his {G846} generation {G1074}? for {G3754} his {G846} life {G2222} is taken {G142} from {G575} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He was humiliated and denied justice.
Who will tell about his descendants,
since his life has been taken from the earth?”

Berean Standard Bible

In His humiliation He was deprived of justice. Who can recount His descendants? For His life was removed from the earth.”

American Standard Version

In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: His generation who shall declare? For his life is taken from the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 8:33, a direct quotation from [Isaiah 53:7-8](/isaiah/53-7-8 "Isaiah 53:7-8 - The Suffering Servant"), captures the profound suffering, unjust condemnation, and premature death of the Suffering Servant, a prophecy that the evangelist Philip masterfully applies to Jesus Christ in his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. This verse encapsulates the core of Christ's redemptive work: His willing descent into humiliation, His subjection to an unrighteous judgment, and the cutting short of His earthly life, all for the sake of humanity's salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the pivotal narrative of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in [Acts 8:26-40](/acts/8-26-40 "Acts 8:26-40 - Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch"). Following the persecution in Jerusalem and the dispersion of believers, Philip is divinely directed to a desert road. He encounters an influential Ethiopian official, a proselyte, who is returning from worship in Jerusalem and is deeply engrossed in reading from the scroll of Isaiah. The eunuch is specifically reading from the "Suffering Servant" passage in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). His perplexity, expressed in [Acts 8:34](/acts/8-34 "Acts 8:34 - The Eunuch's Question"), provides the perfect springboard for Philip to explain how this ancient prophecy finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The placement of this encounter immediately after the Samaritan revival highlights the expanding reach of the Gospel beyond traditional Jewish boundaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the early apostolic age, shortly after Pentecost, when the Christian message was beginning to spread beyond Jerusalem. Ethiopia, in this context, refers to the kingdom of Meroë, south of Egypt, indicating the geographical breadth of the early church's evangelistic efforts. The Ethiopian eunuch's status as a high official (treasurer of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians) and his journey to Jerusalem for worship signify his devotion as a God-fearer or proselyte. This demonstrates the spiritual hunger present among Gentiles who were drawn to Judaism, creating fertile ground for the Gospel. The use of the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) by the eunuch was common among Hellenistic Jews and proselytes, making Philip's ability to interpret the Greek text crucial for effective evangelism. The concept of a "eunuch" also had cultural implications, as they were often excluded from full participation in the assembly of the Lord in the Old Testament ([Deuteronomy 23:1](/deuteronomy/23-1 "Deuteronomy 23:1 - Exclusion of Eunuchs")). His conversion underscores the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant, where such barriers are removed ([Isaiah 56:3-5](/isaiah/56-3-5 "Isaiah 56:3-5 - Eunuchs and Foreigners Included")).
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 8:33](/acts/8-33 "Acts 8:33 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy") contributes significantly to several key themes within Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy** in Jesus Christ, demonstrating God's consistent redemptive plan across millennia. The Suffering Servant passages in Isaiah are central to understanding Christ's atoning work. Secondly, it highlights the **universal reach of the Gospel**, as the message of salvation is extended to an influential Gentile, breaking down ethnic and social barriers. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **necessity of biblical interpretation** guided by the Holy Spirit; the eunuch's inability to understand Isaiah without Philip's explanation illustrates the need for spiritual illumination and teaching. Finally, it powerfully portrays the **humiliation and sacrificial death of Jesus**, presenting His suffering not as a defeat but as a divinely ordained act of redemption, central to the Christian faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Humiliation (Greek, _tapeínōsis'_):** From G5014, this term signifies depression in rank or feeling, abasement, or a state of being made low. In the context of Acts 8:33, it refers to the profound degradation and lowliness that Jesus willingly embraced, culminating in His unjust trial, suffering, and crucifixion. It speaks to His self-emptying, taking on the form of a servant, rather than clinging to His divine prerogatives.
* **Declare (Greek, _diēgéomai'_):** From G1334, meaning "to relate fully" or "to show/tell." The rhetorical question "who shall declare his generation?" implies that no one can fully recount or comprehend the unique nature of the Suffering Servant's life, the circumstances surrounding His death, or the spiritual lineage that would stem from His sacrifice. It points to the unparalleled and inexplicable aspects of His existence and mission.
* **Generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** From G1074, this word denotes a generation, an age (period or persons), or a nation. In this specific context, particularly as a quotation from the Septuagint, "his generation" most commonly refers to His contemporaries or, more profoundly, to His posterity. The question "who shall declare his generation?" often implies that His life was cut short, preventing Him from having natural descendants, thus emphasizing the unique, non-biological nature of His spiritual offspring (those who believe in Him). It can also allude to the unique, indescribable nature of His being and mission that transcends any earthly "generation."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In his humiliation":** This phrase points to the profound state of abasement and lowliness that the Suffering Servant endured. It encompasses His entire earthly life, from His humble birth to His unjust trial and crucifixion, where He was subjected to mockery, torture, and public shame. This was not a passive suffering, but a deliberate act of self-emptying by the Son of God.
* **"his judgment was taken away":** This signifies that the Suffering Servant was denied true justice. Despite His innocence, He was unjustly condemned. The legal process against Him was corrupted, and His rightful vindication was withheld, leading to His execution. This highlights the profound injustice He suffered at the hands of human authorities, fulfilling the prophetic declaration that He would be "numbered with the transgressors."
* **"and who shall declare his generation?":** This is a rhetorical question that carries multiple layers of meaning. It can imply that His life was cut short before He could have natural progeny, emphasizing the unique nature of His sacrifice and the spiritual, rather than physical, lineage that would result from it. It can also suggest that no one could fully comprehend, explain, or adequately describe the unique significance of His life, death, and resurrection, or the vast multitude of spiritual descendants who would come to faith through Him.
* **"for his life is taken from the earth.":** This clause explicitly states the ultimate consequence of His humiliation and unjust judgment: His physical death. His earthly existence was violently cut short, not by natural causes, but by execution. This emphasizes the reality and finality of His sacrifice, a necessary act for the atonement of sins.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 8:33 primarily functions as a **Quotation**, directly reproducing a passage from the Septuagint version of [Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - The Suffering Servant's Life Cut Short"). This direct quotation serves as a powerful instance of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating how the ancient Hebrew Scriptures precisely foretold the life, suffering, and death of Jesus Christ. The phrase "who shall declare his generation?" employs a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to emphasize the profound, unique, and perhaps unfathomable nature of the Suffering Servant's existence and the implications of His cut-short life. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing** in the original Isaiah text, which points forward to the New Testament events, and the use of the passage in Acts highlights this forward-looking aspect. The entire passage uses **Symbolism**, with the Suffering Servant representing the innocent one who bears the sins of many, a direct symbolic prefigurement of Jesus as the Lamb of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 8:33 is profoundly significant for Christian theology, serving as a cornerstone for understanding the **atoning work of Jesus Christ**. It reveals that Christ's suffering and death were not random events but were part of God's sovereign, redemptive plan, prophesied centuries in advance. His "humiliation" and "judgment taken away" underscore the concept of **substitutionary atonement**, where an innocent party (Jesus) suffers unjustly to bear the penalty for the guilty (humanity). His life being "taken from the earth" is the ultimate sacrifice, allowing for the forgiveness of sins and the offer of eternal life. The question of "his generation" points to the unique nature of His spiritual progeny—those who are born again through faith in Him—emphasizing that His death was not an end, but the beginning of a vast spiritual family. This verse thus ties together themes of divine justice, human sin, sacrificial love, and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

* [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Sins")
* [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")
* [1 Peter 2:22-24](/1_peter/2-22-24 "1 Peter 2:22-24 - Christ's Example of Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truths encapsulated in [Acts 8:33](/acts/8-33 "Acts 8:33 - The Prophecy of Christ's Suffering") call believers to a deeper appreciation of the immense cost of their salvation. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly embraced humiliation and suffered an unjust judgment, culminating in His death, so that humanity might be reconciled to God. This reality should cultivate a spirit of profound gratitude and humble adoration. Furthermore, the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch serves as a powerful model for evangelism. It highlights the importance of understanding the Scriptures, being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, and seizing opportunities to share the Gospel. Just as the eunuch needed a guide to understand Isaiah, many today need patient and clear explanations of how the Old Testament points to Jesus. This verse compels us to consider our own role in declaring Christ's "generation"—not His physical descendants, but the spiritual family born through His sacrifice—by faithfully proclaiming the good news of His redemptive work to a world still in need of understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's "humiliation" and "unjust judgment" deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice?**
* **In what ways can you, like Philip, be prepared to explain the Scriptures to those who are seeking understanding?**
* **What does the phrase "who shall declare his generation?" imply about the unique nature of Christ's impact on humanity, both then and now?**

### FAQ

**Why is Acts 8:33 so important for understanding Jesus?**

Answer: [Acts 8:33](/acts/8-33 "Acts 8:33 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy") is crucial because it is a direct quotation from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah ([Isaiah 53:7-8](/isaiah/53-7-8 "Isaiah 53:7-8 - The Suffering Servant")), which describes the "Suffering Servant." When Philip explains this passage to the Ethiopian eunuch, he explicitly connects it to Jesus Christ. This demonstrates that Jesus' life, suffering, and death were not random events but were divinely foretold and fulfilled ancient prophecies, confirming His identity as the promised Messiah and the central figure in God's plan of salvation. It shows the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, revealing God's consistent redemptive purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Acts 8:33](/acts/8-33 "Acts 8:33 - The Suffering Servant Prophecy") finds its complete and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate Suffering Servant, who "in his humiliation" willingly emptied Himself of divine prerogatives, taking on the form of a servant and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His "judgment was taken away" as He, though sinless, was condemned by human courts and crucified, bearing the full weight of humanity's sin and God's righteous wrath, so that we might receive true justice and reconciliation ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The rhetorical question, "who shall declare his generation?" is answered in Christ, whose life was indeed "taken from the earth" through His crucifixion, yet from His death sprang forth an innumerable spiritual "generation"—all those who are born again through faith in His name ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Born of God")). His resurrection from the dead ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus")) and ascension to glory ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension")) declare His unique and eternal generation, ensuring that His kingdom and His spiritual offspring will have no end ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, what appeared to be a defeat was, in fact, the decisive victory that secured salvation for all who believe.

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

Isaiah 53:12

Therefore will I divide him [a portion] with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah 53:8

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Zechariah 13:7

¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:9

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Matthew 27:12

And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

Matthew 27:26

¶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered [him] to be crucified.