King James Version

What Does Acts 7:13 Mean?

Acts 7:13 in the King James Version says “And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

Acts 7:13 · KJV


Context

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.

13

And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

14

Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

15

So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'second time' marks Joseph's self-revelation to his brothers (Genesis 45:1-4), a dramatic moment of reconciliation demonstrating God's sovereignty over family conflict for redemptive purposes. Joseph's identity being 'made known' to Pharaoh shows divine favor extending to Gentile rulers, prefiguring the gospel's reach to all nations. God orchestrated every detail—from family strife to Pharaoh's knowledge—for covenant fulfillment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Joseph's revelation occurred in his private chambers to protect his brothers from public Egyptian knowledge of their crime of selling him. Pharaoh's positive response to Joseph's family (Genesis 45:16-20) reflects Joseph's high standing and Egyptian hospitality customs toward guests of important officials.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers picture the greater reconciliation God provides through Christ?
  2. What does Pharaoh's welcome of Joseph's family teach us about God's favor extending even to pagan authorities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
καὶ1 of 18

And

G2532

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

ἐν2 of 18

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ3 of 18
G3588

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

δευτέρῳ4 of 18

the second

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

ἀνεγνωρίσθη5 of 18

was made known

G319

to make (oneself) known

Ἰωσήφ6 of 18

Joseph's

G2501

joseph, the name of seven israelites

τοῖς7 of 18
G3588

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

ἀδελφοῖς8 of 18

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

αὐτοῦ9 of 18
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

καὶ10 of 18

And

G2532

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

φανερὸν11 of 18

known

G5318

shining, i.e., apparent (literally or figuratively); neuter (as adverb) publicly, externally

ἐγένετο12 of 18

was made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τῷ13 of 18
G3588

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

Φαραὼ14 of 18

unto Pharaoh

G5328

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

τὸ15 of 18
G3588

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

γένος16 of 18

kindred

G1085

"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)

τοῦ17 of 18
G3588

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

Ἰωσήφ18 of 18

Joseph's

G2501

joseph, the name of seven israelites


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 7:13 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 7:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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