Acts 7:56
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεωρῶ
I see
G2334
θεωρῶ
I see
Strong's:
G2334
Word #:
4 of 17
to be a spectator of, i.e., discern, (literally, figuratively (experience) or intensively (acknowledge))
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανοὺς
the heavens
G3772
οὐρανοὺς
the heavens
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
6 of 17
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἀνεῳγμένους
opened
G455
ἀνεῳγμένους
opened
Strong's:
G455
Word #:
7 of 17
to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸν
the Son
G5207
υἱὸν
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
on
G1537
ἐκ
on
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
δεξιῶν
the right hand
G1188
δεξιῶν
the right hand
Strong's:
G1188
Word #:
14 of 17
the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)
ἑστῶτα
standing
G2476
ἑστῶτα
standing
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
15 of 17
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Revelation 11:19And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.Revelation 19:11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.Acts 10:11And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:Matthew 3:16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:Revelation 4:1After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.Acts 10:16This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
Historical Context
Jesus' claim to sit at God's right hand led to His condemnation for blasphemy. Stephen's parallel vision claiming to see Jesus there provoked identical rage.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus 'standing' suggest about His response to Stephen's martyrdom?
- How does Stephen's vision confirm Jesus' earlier claims before this same council?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Stephen's vision - 'I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God' - echoed Jesus' claim before this same body (Mark 14:62). The 'Son of man' title connected to Daniel 7:13-14's heavenly figure. Jesus standing (not seated) suggests He rose to receive His martyred witness.