Acts 7:26
And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιούσῃ
the next
G1966
ἐπιούσῃ
the next
Strong's:
G1966
Word #:
3 of 20
supervening, i.e., (g2250 or g3571 being expressed or implied) the ensuing day or night
ἡμέρᾳ
day
G2250
ἡμέρᾳ
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 20
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ὤφθη
he shewed himself
G3700
ὤφθη
he shewed himself
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
5 of 20
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 20
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
μαχομένοις
as they strove
G3164
μαχομένοις
as they strove
Strong's:
G3164
Word #:
7 of 20
to war, i.e., (figuratively) to quarrel, dispute
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνήλασεν
would have set
G4900
συνήλασεν
would have set
Strong's:
G4900
Word #:
9 of 20
to drive together, i.e., (figuratively) exhort (to reconciliation)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 20
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
εἰς
at
G1519
εἰς
at
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
εἰρήνην
one again
G1515
εἰρήνην
one again
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
12 of 20
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
15 of 20
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
Historical Context
Hebrew slavery in Egypt created internal conflicts as oppression often turns victims against each other rather than uniting them against oppressors. Moses' intervention anticipated his future role as lawgiver and judge over Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' call for reconciliation among 'brethren' apply to divisions within the church today?
- Why is Christ the only Mediator who can truly reconcile those in covenant relationship?
- What are the spiritual dangers of internal strife among God's covenant people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses attempted reconciliation between fighting Hebrews, addressing them as 'brethren' - emphasizing their covenant relationship that should produce unity. Yet even this peacemaking effort was rejected. The Greek word synellasen (appeared to them) suggests Moses' visible presence as mediator, foreshadowing Christ's mediatorial role. Reformed theology sees here the tragedy of a divided people who should be one in covenant bonds, requiring a greater Moses to truly reconcile God's people.