King James Version

What Does Acts 7:20 Mean?

Acts 7:20 in the King James Version says “In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: exceeding fai...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: exceeding fair: or, fair to God”

Acts 7:20 · KJV

Context

18

Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

19

The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

20

In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: exceeding fair: or, fair to God

21

And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

22

And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' birth 'in which time' shows divine timing—God raises deliverers precisely when needed. The description 'exceeding fair' (literally 'fair to God') indicates divine favor and special purpose. Moses' parents' faith (Hebrews 11:23) in hiding him demonstrates covenant people's duty to preserve life despite tyrannical commands. His three months' nourishment represents parental faithfulness working alongside divine providence in raising God's appointed deliverer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Moses' birth occurred around 1525 BC during intense persecution. 'Exceeding fair' (Greek: asteios tō theō) suggests unusual beauty that encouraged his parents' faith and perhaps caught Pharaoh's daughter's eye. The three months' hiding risked death if discovered (Exodus 1:22). Levite parents (Exodus 2:1) maintained covenant faithfulness despite danger.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's timing in raising up Moses demonstrate His sovereignty in providing deliverance at the appointed moment?
  2. What does Moses' parents' faithfulness in preserving his life teach us about obeying God despite unjust laws?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἐν1 of 20

“In”

G1722

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

ὃς2 of 20

“and”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καιρῷ3 of 20

“time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

ἐγεννήθη4 of 20

“was born”

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

Μωσῆς,5 of 20

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

καὶ6 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ἦν7 of 20

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἀστεῖος8 of 20

“fair”

G791

urbane, i.e., (by implication) handsome

τῷ9 of 20
G3588

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

θεῷ·10 of 20

“exceeding”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὃς11 of 20

“and”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἀνετράφη12 of 20

“nourished up”

G397

to rear (physically or mentally)

μῆνας13 of 20

“months”

G3376

a month

τρεῖς14 of 20

“three”

G5140

"three"

ἐν15 of 20

“In”

G1722

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

τῷ16 of 20
G3588

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

οἴκῳ17 of 20

“house”

G3624

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

τοῦ18 of 20
G3588

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

πατρός19 of 20

“father's”

G3962

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

αὐτοῦ20 of 20
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 7:20 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 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:23Exodus 2:2-101 Samuel 16:12

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