Acts 7:34
I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
Original Language Analysis
εἶδον
I have seen
G1492
εἶδον
I have seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 26
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
εἶδον
I have seen
G1492
εἶδον
I have seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
2 of 26
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ
people
G2992
λαοῦ
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
6 of 26
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτούς·
their
G846
αὐτούς·
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 26
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξελέσθαι
to deliver
G1807
ἐξελέσθαι
to deliver
Strong's:
G1807
Word #:
18 of 26
actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release
αὐτούς·
their
G846
αὐτούς·
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 26
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
21 of 26
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
δεῦρο
come
G1204
δεῦρο
come
Strong's:
G1204
Word #:
22 of 26
here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto
ἀποστέλω
I will send
G649
ἀποστέλω
I will send
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
23 of 26
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
Cross References
Psalms 106:44Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:Exodus 3:14And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.Nehemiah 9:9And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;Exodus 4:31And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Historical Context
Israel had been in Egyptian bondage approximately 400 years as God foretold to Abraham (Genesis 15:13). The oppression intensified under new pharaohs who 'knew not Joseph' (Exodus 1:8), likely during Egypt's Nineteenth Dynasty.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'seeing' and 'hearing' comfort those suffering injustice today?
- What does God's commissioning of Moses teach about divine sovereignty in calling?
- In what ways does this deliverance from Egypt foreshadow Christ's greater deliverance from sin?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God declares He has 'seen' and 'heard' Israel's affliction, demonstrating His omniscience and compassion. The phrase 'I have seen' uses the Hebrew intensive form, emphasizing careful observation. God's commission to Moses ('come now, I will send you') shows divine sovereignty in election - God chooses the deliverer and empowers the mission. The deliverance would not be Moses' work but God's work through Moses. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's sovereign choice and effectual calling enable the work of redemption.