Acts 7:14
Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
Original Language Analysis
ἀποστείλας
sent
G649
ἀποστείλας
sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
1 of 17
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
father
G3962
πατέρα
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
6 of 17
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
to him and
G2532
καὶ
to him and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
The number seventy-five (LXX) versus seventy (Hebrew) reflects different counting methods—Hebrew counts direct descendants, while LXX includes grandsons born in Egypt. The invited settlement in Goshen (Genesis 47:6) gave them fertile land while keeping them separate from Egyptian culture. This preserved their distinct identity during the 400-year Egyptian sojourn.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's multiplication of Jacob's small family into a nation demonstrate His faithfulness to covenant promises?
- What does the precise enumeration of souls teach us about God's personal knowledge of His people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Joseph's summons brought seventy-five souls to Egypt (Genesis 46:27, Septuagint count including Joseph's grandchildren born in Egypt). This small family would multiply into a great nation, demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness to make Abraham's descendants numerous. The specific number emphasizes God's particular knowledge and care for each covenant member. The divine precision in fulfilling promises encourages our trust in God's detailed providence.