Acts 7:17
But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρόνος
the time
G5550
χρόνος
the time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
5 of 20
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπαγγελίας
of the promise
G1860
ἐπαγγελίας
of the promise
Strong's:
G1860
Word #:
7 of 20
an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)
ἧς
which
G3739
ἧς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ηὔξησεν
grew
G837
ηὔξησεν
grew
Strong's:
G837
Word #:
14 of 20
to grow ("wax"), i.e., enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸς
the people
G2992
λαὸς
the people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
16 of 20
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 7:6And 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.Acts 13:17The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
Historical Context
The 400/430-year Egyptian sojourn (Exodus 12:40) began as welcome settlement but transformed into slavery as Egyptians feared Hebrew population growth. Exodus 1:7 describes their multiplication as explosive: 'the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's perfect timing in fulfilling promises encourage patient faith when fulfillment seems delayed?
- What does Israel's multiplication under oppression teach us about God's blessing working through opposition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The 'time of the promise drew nigh' indicates God's perfect timing in fulfilling covenant promises. Four hundred years of Egyptian sojourn (Genesis 15:13) were approaching completion. The people's multiplication demonstrates God's faithfulness despite oppression—pressure increased as blessing increased. God's sovereign timing guarantees that promises will be fulfilled at the appointed moment, though from human perspective the wait seems long.