Acts 7:11
Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
Original Language Analysis
ἦλθεν
there came
G2064
ἦλθεν
there came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐφ'
over
G1909
ἐφ'
over
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ὅλην
all
G3650
ὅλην
all
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
5 of 20
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὴν
the land
G1093
γὴν
the land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
7 of 20
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μεγάλη
great
G3173
μεγάλη
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
13 of 20
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The seven-year famine (Gen. 41-42) occurred around 1700 BC during the Hyksos period of Egyptian history. Such famines in the ancient Near East resulted from failed Nile floods, which provided Egypt's agricultural irrigation. Canaan depended on rainfall, making it vulnerable to drought. Stephen's audience knew this Genesis account intimately.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of famine to relocate His people demonstrate His sovereignty over natural events for redemptive purposes?
- What does this account teach us about God's providence working through seemingly tragic circumstances?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Stephen recounts Joseph's story to show God's sovereign providential care through adversity. The famine affecting 'all' Egypt and Canaan demonstrates God's control over nature to accomplish His purposes—bringing Jacob's family to Egypt where they would multiply into a nation. The 'great affliction' served God's redemptive plan, teaching that suffering often precedes deliverance in God's economy. Our fathers found 'no sustenance,' pointing to human helplessness and divine provision.