Acts 7:20
In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
and
G3739
ὃς
and
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐγεννήθη
was born
G1080
ἐγεννήθη
was born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
4 of 20
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
Μωσῆς,
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς,
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
5 of 20
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ·
exceeding
G2316
θεῷ·
exceeding
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὃς
and
G3739
ὃς
and
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἴκῳ
house
G3624
οἴκῳ
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
17 of 20
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Moses' birth occurred around 1525 BC during intense persecution. 'Exceeding fair' (Greek: asteios tō theō) suggests unusual beauty that encouraged his parents' faith and perhaps caught Pharaoh's daughter's eye. The three months' hiding risked death if discovered (Exodus 1:22). Levite parents (Exodus 2:1) maintained covenant faithfulness despite danger.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's timing in raising up Moses demonstrate His sovereignty in providing deliverance at the appointed moment?
- What does Moses' parents' faithfulness in preserving his life teach us about obeying God despite unjust laws?
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses' birth 'in which time' shows divine timing—God raises deliverers precisely when needed. The description 'exceeding fair' (literally 'fair to God') indicates divine favor and special purpose. Moses' parents' faith (Hebrews 11:23) in hiding him demonstrates covenant people's duty to preserve life despite tyrannical commands. His three months' nourishment represents parental faithfulness working alongside divine providence in raising God's appointed deliverer.