King James Version

What Does Acts 7:10 Mean?

Acts 7:10 in the King James Version says “And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

Acts 7:10 · KJV


Context

8

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

11

Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.

12

But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God 'delivered him out of all his afflictions' and gave Joseph 'favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh.' Divine vindication reversed human rejection. Joseph's elevation demonstrated that those rejected by men may be exalted by God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Joseph's rise from prisoner to vizier (Genesis 41) illustrates dramatic reversal. His wisdom in interpreting dreams and managing famine preparation saved nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joseph's vindication encourage those experiencing unjust rejection?
  2. What does 'favour and wisdom' before unbelievers accomplish for God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐξείλετο2 of 29

delivered

G1807

actively, to tear out; middle voice, to select; figuratively, to release

αὐτοῦ3 of 29

him

G846

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

ἐκ4 of 29

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πασῶν5 of 29

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῶν6 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θλίψεων7 of 29

afflictions

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ8 of 29

him

G846

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

καὶ9 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔδωκεν10 of 29

gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῦ11 of 29

him

G846

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

χάριν12 of 29

favour

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

καὶ13 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σοφίαν14 of 29

wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

ἐναντίον15 of 29

in the sight

G1726

(adverbially) in the presence (view) of

Φαραὼ16 of 29

of Pharaoh

G5328

pharao (i.e., pharoh), an egyptian king

βασιλέως17 of 29

king

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

Αἴγυπτον18 of 29

Egypt

G125

aegyptus, the land of the nile

καὶ19 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κατέστησεν20 of 29

he made

G2525

to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy

αὐτοῦ21 of 29

him

G846

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

ἡγούμενον22 of 29

governor

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

ἐπ'23 of 29

over

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

Αἴγυπτον24 of 29

Egypt

G125

aegyptus, the land of the nile

καὶ25 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅλον26 of 29

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὸν27 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἶκον28 of 29

house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοῦ29 of 29

him

G846

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 7:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 7:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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