King James Version
What Does Acts 7:33 Mean?
“Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.”
Context
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,
32
Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled , and durst not behold.
33
Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.
34
I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
35
This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(33, 34) **Then said the Lord to him **. . . .—The words are almost a verbal reproduction of Exodus 3:5; Exodus 3:7-8. The citation was in part an implied answer to the charge of disregarding the sanctity of places in which man stands as in the presence of God, partly an implied protest against the narrowing thoughts which limited that sanctity to the Temple of Jerusalem.
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 7:33 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 7:33
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge