King James Version

What Does Acts 7:15 Mean?

Acts 7:15 in the King James Version says “So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 7:15 · KJV


Context

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,

16

And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

17

But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jacob and 'our fathers' dying in Egypt fulfilled God's prophecy that Abraham's descendants would be strangers in a foreign land (Genesis 15:13). Yet their deaths were not the end—God's covenant transcends individual lifespans, being 'the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,' the God of the living (Mark 12:26-27). The patriarchs' faith persisted through death, trusting in resurrection and ultimate covenant fulfillment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jacob died at 147 years (Genesis 47:28), having lived in Egypt seventeen years. Joseph died at 110 years (Genesis 50:26). The other brothers' deaths are not individually recorded but occurred during the 400-year Egyptian sojourn. Ancient Near Eastern practice honored the dying with burial in ancestral lands when possible.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the patriarchs' death in a foreign land teach us that God's promises often transcend our earthly lifetimes?
  2. What comfort does covenant faithfulness across generations provide to believers who may not see promised blessings fulfilled in their lifetimes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
κατέβη1 of 12

went down

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 12

So

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰακὼβ3 of 12

Jacob

G2384

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

εἰς4 of 12

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Αἴγυπτον5 of 12

Egypt

G125

aegyptus, the land of the nile

καὶ6 of 12

and

G2532

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

ἐτελεύτησεν7 of 12

died

G5053

to finish life (by implication, of g0979), i.e., expire (demise)

αὐτὸς8 of 12

he

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 12

and

G2532

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

οἱ10 of 12
G3588

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

πατέρες11 of 12

fathers

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἡμῶν12 of 12

our

G2257

of (or from) us


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 7:15 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 7:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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