King James Version
What Does Acts 7:20 Mean?
“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”
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.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(20) **Exceeding fair.**—Literally, as in the margin, *fair to God.* The adjective is found in the LXX. of Exodus 2:2, as applied to Moses. The special idiom for expressing pre-eminent excellence is itself essentially Hebrew, the highest goodness being thought of as that which approves itself as good to God; but this also had become familiar to Hellenistic Jews through the LXX. version, as, *e.g., *in Jonah 3:3, a city “great to God” = an exceeding great city. St. Paul’s “mighty to God” (2Corinthians 10:4) is probably an example of the same idiom. Josephus, following probably some old tradition (*Ant* i. 9, § 6), describes the beauty of the infant Moses as such that those who met him turned to gaze in admiration.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge