Acts 7:22
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπαιδεύθη
was learned
G3811
ἐπαιδεύθη
was learned
Strong's:
G3811
Word #:
2 of 14
to train up a child, i.e., educate, or (by implication), discipline (by punishment)
Μωσῆς
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
3 of 14
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
δυνατὸς
mighty
G1415
δυνατὸς
mighty
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
9 of 14
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
λόγοις
words
G3056
λόγοις
words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
11 of 14
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Cross References
Isaiah 19:11Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?2 Chronicles 9:22And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.Daniel 1:4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
Historical Context
Egyptian wisdom in Moses' era (15th century BC) included mathematics, engineering, administration, medicine, and military strategy. Palace education prepared princes for governance and warfare. Stephen's audience knew Moses as the great lawgiver, yet here they learn his pagan educational background, showing God's sovereignty in using diverse preparation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of Moses' Egyptian education demonstrate that worldly knowledge can serve kingdom purposes when submitted to God?
- What does the contrast between Moses' education and later humility teach us about God breaking our self-sufficiency?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses' education 'in all the wisdom of the Egyptians' demonstrates God's providential use of worldly knowledge for kingdom purposes. His being 'mighty in words and in deeds' contradicts Moses' self-assessment (Exodus 4:10), showing how human limitations are relative to divine calling. God equipped Moses intellectually and practically for leadership, though later humbling would be necessary before usefulness in God's service.