King James Version

What Does Acts 7:29 Mean?

Acts 7:29 in the King James Version says “Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 7:29 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

31

When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moses' flight to Midian marks a crucial transition from self-confident Egyptian prince to humble shepherd. The term 'stranger' (Greek paroikos, sojourner) became Moses' identity - he named his son Gershom meaning 'stranger there.' Reformed theology sees God's providence in this exile: Moses needed to become a stranger and sojourner to identify with Israel's condition and to learn dependence on God alone. His two sons represented both his alien status (Gershom) and God's help (Eliezer).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Midian was east of the Gulf of Aqaba, descended from Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:2). Moses married Zipporah, daughter of Jethro the Midianite priest, integrating into this pastoral society for forty years (circa 1486-1446 BC).

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Moses' identity as a 'stranger' prepare him to lead Israel, themselves strangers in Egypt?
  2. What role does exile and displacement play in God's preparation of His servants?
  3. In what ways are all believers called to be 'strangers and pilgrims' (1 Peter 2:11)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἔφυγεν1 of 17

fled

G5343

to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish

δὲ2 of 17

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

Μωσῆς3 of 17

Moses

G3475

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

ἐν4 of 17

at

G1722

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

τῷ5 of 17
G3588

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

λόγῳ6 of 17

saying

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τούτῳ7 of 17

this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

καὶ8 of 17

and

G2532

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

ἐγένετο9 of 17

was

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

πάροικος10 of 17

a stranger

G3941

having a home near, i.e., (as noun) a by-dweller (alien resident)

ἐν11 of 17

at

G1722

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

γῇ12 of 17

the land

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Μαδιάμ13 of 17

of Madian

G3099

madian (i.e., midian), a region of arabia

οὗ14 of 17

where

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

ἐγέννησεν15 of 17

he begat

G1080

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

υἱοὺς16 of 17

sons

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

δύο17 of 17

two

G1417

"two"


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 7:29 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 7:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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