King James Version

What Does Acts 7:25 Mean?

“For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. For: or, Now”

Context

And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. For: or, Now

And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?

But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **For he supposed his brethren would have understood . . .**—Better, *and he supposed.* The Greek conjunction never has the meaning of “for,” and the insertion of that word gives to the act of slaying the Egyptian a deliberate character which, in the narrative of Exodus 2:11-12, does not belong to it. **Would deliver them.**—Literally, *was giving them salvation, *or *deliverance;* the act being itself one of championship and the first step to deliverance.

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 7:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.