Acts 7:32
Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
am the God
G2316
Θεὸς
am the God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρων
fathers
G3962
πατέρων
fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 24
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
am the God
G2316
Θεὸς
am the God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
am the God
G2316
Θεὸς
am the God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Θεὸς
am the God
G2316
Θεὸς
am the God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Ἰακώβ
of Jacob
G2384
Ἰακώβ
of Jacob
Strong's:
G2384
Word #:
17 of 24
jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites
γενόμενος
trembled
G1096
γενόμενος
trembled
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
20 of 24
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Μωσῆς
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
21 of 24
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
Cross References
Exodus 3:6Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.Matthew 22:32I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Historical Context
This declaration occurred circa 430 years after God's covenant with Abraham (Galatians 3:17), demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations. The patriarchs had died centuries before, yet God's covenant remained in force.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's self-identification as 'God of the fathers' teach about covenant faithfulness?
- How does this passage demonstrate the continuing existence of believers after death?
- Why is fear and trembling an appropriate response to encountering the holy God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God identifies Himself through covenant relationship with the patriarchs, emphasizing continuity of His promises. The use of 'I am' (Greek ego eimi) points to God's eternal, unchanging nature - the same phrase Jesus used in John 8:58. Moses' trembling response demonstrates appropriate fear before the holy God. Reformed theology sees the covenant faithfulness of God displayed: though Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God remained their God, implying their continued existence and God's commitment to fulfill promises made to them.