Acts 7:23
And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
when
G5613
Ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐπληροῦτο
was full
G4137
ἐπληροῦτο
was full
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
3 of 18
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 18
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
χρόνος
old
G5550
χρόνος
old
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
6 of 18
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
ἐπὶ
into
G1909
ἐπὶ
into
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίαν
heart
G2588
καρδίαν
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
10 of 18
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 18
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
ἐπισκέψασθαι
to visit
G1980
ἐπισκέψασθαι
to visit
Strong's:
G1980
Word #:
12 of 18
to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὺς
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὺς
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
14 of 18
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 18
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
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Forty years represents a full generation in biblical reckoning. Moses' life divides into three forty-year periods: Egypt (0-40), Midian (40-80), wilderness leading Israel (80-120). His visit to Hebrew work sites represents conscious identification with his persecuted people, risking his privileged Egyptian status. This choice foreshadows Christ's identification with sinners.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Moses' voluntary identification with suffering Hebrews teach us about godly leadership requiring solidarity with those we serve?
- How does God's perfect timing in Moses' calling encourage us to trust His preparation and timing in our own calling?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The precise timing—'when he was full forty years old'—shows God's perfect chronology in calling servants. Moses' decision to visit 'his brethren' demonstrates awakening ethnic and covenant consciousness. His heart turned from Egyptian privilege to Hebrew suffering, a necessary prerequisite for his calling as deliverer. The phrase 'it came into his heart' suggests divine initiative planting desire for his people's welfare, the first step toward God's redemptive call.