Acts 7:18
Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀνέστη
arose
G450
ἀνέστη
arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
3 of 10
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ᾔδει
knew
G1492
ᾔδει
knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
8 of 10
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Historical Context
This new dynasty (likely beginning Egypt's 18th Dynasty after Hyksos expulsion, c. 1550 BC) represents political change eliminating Hebrew favor. 'Knew not Joseph' may indicate deliberate rejection of Hyksos-era history. The shift from welcomed guests to enslaved laborers illustrates political pragmatism overriding moral debt.
Questions for Reflection
- How does worldly power's quick forgetting of God's servants warn us against seeking lasting recognition from this world?
- What dangers exist when societies deliberately forget God's providence in their past?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The new king 'which knew not Joseph' represents generational spiritual amnesia and the danger of forgetting God's providence. This Pharaoh's ignorance (whether literal or willful) led to oppression of God's people, demonstrating how rejection of truth produces injustice. The irony: Egypt benefited immeasurably from Joseph's wisdom, yet his memory was erased. Worldly powers quickly forget God's servants when their usefulness ends.