Acts 7:49
Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανός
Heaven
G3772
οὐρανός
Heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
2 of 23
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
θρόνος
throne
G2362
θρόνος
throne
Strong's:
G2362
Word #:
4 of 23
a stately seat ("throne"); by implication, power or (concretely) a potentate
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ
earth
G1093
γῆ
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
7 of 23
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ὑποπόδιον
G5286
ὑποπόδιον
Strong's:
G5286
Word #:
8 of 23
something under the feet, i.e., a foot-rest (figuratively)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ποῖον
what
G4169
ποῖον
what
Strong's:
G4169
Word #:
12 of 23
individualizing interrogative (of character) what sort of, or (of number) which one
οἶκον
house
G3624
οἶκον
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
13 of 23
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
οἰκοδομήσετέ
will ye build
G3618
οἰκοδομήσετέ
will ye build
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
14 of 23
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
17 of 23
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τίς
what
G5101
τίς
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
19 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τόπος
is the place
G5117
τόπος
is the place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
20 of 23
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 66:1Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?Psalms 11:4The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.Revelation 3:21To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.Jeremiah 23:24Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.John 4:21Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.1 Kings 22:19And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.Matthew 24:2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.Matthew 23:22And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
Historical Context
Isaiah prophesied these words during the eighth century BC, long before the second temple was built. The prophecy contextually addressed those who trusted in external rituals while hearts remained far from God - precisely Stephen's accusation against the Sanhedrin.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's self-sufficiency affect our worship and service?
- What 'houses' or structures do we try to build to contain or impress God?
- Why is spiritual worship superior to physical structures and rituals?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Stephen quotes Isaiah 66:1-2 to demonstrate God's transcendence from Scripture itself. 'Heaven is my throne, earth is my footstool' emphasizes the infinite distance between Creator and creation. The rhetorical question 'what house will ye build me?' challenges human presumption that we can provide for God or contain Him in structures. Reformed theology sees this as confronting works-righteousness: God needs nothing from us, yet graciously accepts worship offered in spirit and truth. True worship recognizes God's self-sufficiency and our complete dependence.