Acts 7:9
And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπέδοντο
sold
G591
ἀπέδοντο
sold
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
7 of 15
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
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 #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
13 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Genesis 39:2And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.Psalms 105:17He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:Isaiah 43:2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.Genesis 45:4And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.Matthew 27:18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.Genesis 39:5And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
Historical Context
Joseph's brothers' jealousy (Genesis 37) led to his Egyptian slavery. Yet this apparent tragedy positioned him for Israel's later preservation during famine.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Joseph's story illustrate God's sovereignty over human evil?
- What pattern of rejecting deliverers does Stephen trace through Israel's history?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The patriarchs 'moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt' - yet 'God was with him.' Human sin couldn't thwart divine purpose. Stephen highlights the pattern: Israel's leaders rejected God's chosen deliverer, as they now rejected Jesus.