King James Version

What Does Acts 7:27 Mean?

Acts 7:27 in the King James Version says “But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 7:27 · KJV


Context

25

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

26

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?

27

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

28

Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

29

Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wrongdoer's rejection of Moses' authority ('Who made you a ruler and judge?') reveals humanity's natural rebellion against God-appointed leadership. This question would be ironically answered forty years later when God Himself appointed Moses at the burning bush. Stephen's speech emphasizes Israel's pattern of rejecting God's chosen leaders - Moses, the prophets, and ultimately Jesus Christ. The Reformed view sees total depravity manifested in mankind's resistance to divine authority, even when exercised for their deliverance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This confrontation forced Moses to flee Egypt, becoming a fugitive. The rejection by his own people, whom he sought to help, must have been particularly bitter, yet it was part of God's sovereign preparation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this question anticipate Israel's later rejection of judges, prophets, and Christ?
  2. What does human rejection of God-appointed authority reveal about the fallen heart?
  3. How should we respond when our service for others meets with ingratitude or rejection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
1 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 16

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀδικῶν3 of 16

he that did

G91

to be unjust, i.e., (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically)

τὸν4 of 16
G3588

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

πλησίον5 of 16

his neighbour

G4139

(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e., fellow (as man, countryman, christian or friend)

ἀπώσατο6 of 16

away

G683

to push off, figuratively, to reject

αὐτὸν7 of 16

him

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

εἰπών8 of 16

saying

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Τίς9 of 16

Who

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

σε10 of 16

thee

G4571

thee

κατέστησεν11 of 16

made

G2525

to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy

ἄρχοντα12 of 16

a ruler

G758

a first (in rank or power)

καὶ13 of 16

and

G2532

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

δικαστὴν14 of 16

a judge

G1348

a judger

ἐφ'15 of 16

over

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἡμᾶς16 of 16

us

G2248

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 7:27 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 7:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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