Acts 7:27
But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικῶν
he that did
G91
ἀδικῶν
he that did
Strong's:
G91
Word #:
3 of 16
to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλησίον
his neighbour
G4139
πλησίον
his neighbour
Strong's:
G4139
Word #:
5 of 16
(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e., fellow (as man, countryman, christian or friend)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 16
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
Τίς
Who
G5101
Τίς
Who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
9 of 16
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
κατέστησεν
made
G2525
κατέστησεν
made
Strong's:
G2525
Word #:
11 of 16
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
This confrontation forced Moses to flee Egypt, becoming a fugitive. The rejection by his own people, whom he sought to help, must have been particularly bitter, yet it was part of God's sovereign preparation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this question anticipate Israel's later rejection of judges, prophets, and Christ?
- What does human rejection of God-appointed authority reveal about the fallen heart?
- How should we respond when our service for others meets with ingratitude or rejection?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The wrongdoer's rejection of Moses' authority ('Who made you a ruler and judge?') reveals humanity's natural rebellion against God-appointed leadership. This question would be ironically answered forty years later when God Himself appointed Moses at the burning bush. Stephen's speech emphasizes Israel's pattern of rejecting God's chosen leaders - Moses, the prophets, and ultimately Jesus Christ. The Reformed view sees total depravity manifested in mankind's resistance to divine authority, even when exercised for their deliverance.