Acts 7:4
Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 26
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 26
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
γῆν
land
G1093
γῆν
land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
4 of 26
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
Χαλδαίων
of the Chaldaeans
G5466
Χαλδαίων
of the Chaldaeans
Strong's:
G5466
Word #:
5 of 26
a chaldaean (i.e., kasdi), or native or the region of the lower euphrates
κατοικεῖτε
and dwelt
G2730
κατοικεῖτε
and dwelt
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
6 of 26
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
μετὰ
when
G3326
μετὰ
when
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
10 of 26
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρα
father
G3962
πατέρα
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
14 of 26
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 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
μετῴκισεν
he removed
G3351
μετῴκισεν
he removed
Strong's:
G3351
Word #:
16 of 26
to transfer as a settler or captive, i.e colonize or exile
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 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
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆν
land
G1093
γῆν
land
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
20 of 26
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
21 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
22 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἣν
G3739
ἣν
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
23 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Historical Context
Terah died in Haran at age 205 (Genesis 11:32). Abraham then continued to Canaan at God's renewed call. Stephen connects present Israel to Abraham's faithful journey.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's faithfulness to Abraham encourage you about unfulfilled promises?
- What connection exists between your spiritual heritage and present responsibilities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Abraham moved 'when his father was dead' - Stephen emphasizes obedient departure. God 'removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell' - the promised land belongs to Abraham's descendants. The audience's presence in the land confirms God's faithfulness.