King James Version

What Does Acts 7:37 Mean?

Acts 7:37 in the King James Version says “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your ...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. like: or, as myself”

Acts 7:37 · KJV

Context

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.

36

He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

37

This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. like: or, as myself

38

This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

39

To whom our fathers would not obey , but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

Read Acts 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. Stephen quotes Deuteronomy 18:15, identifying this as messianic prophecy that Moses himself delivered—a prophet like Moses would come.

The comparison like unto me suggests continuity and escalation. Like Moses, Christ would be mediator, lawgiver, deliverer, and covenant-maker. Yet greater than Moses, as Hebrews 3:3 confirms. The phrase of your brethren emphasizes the Messiah's humanity—fully human, one of Israel's descendants, yet uniquely authorized by God.

The command him shall ye hear carries divine authority. This isn't suggestion but requirement. At Christ's transfiguration, the Father speaks identical words: 'This is my beloved Son; hear him' (Mark 9:7). Stephen indicts his accusers: you claim to honor Moses, yet reject the very Prophet Moses predicted.

Reformed hermeneutics sees Christ as the ultimate Prophet, revealing God's final word (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Old Testament points forward to Him; rejecting Christ means rejecting the testimony of Moses himself. This typological reading was standard in apostolic preaching.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Deuteronomy 18:15-19 was widely recognized in Second Temple Judaism as messianic prophecy. The Qumran community and various Jewish sects anticipated this coming Prophet. Peter quotes this same passage in Acts 3:22-23.

Stephen's strategy is brilliant: accused of blasphemy against Moses, he shows Moses himself testified to Christ. The Sanhedrin prided themselves as Moses' disciples (John 9:28), yet their rejection of Jesus violated Moses' explicit command. This speech precipitates Stephen's martyrdom—the accusation hits too close to home. Around 34-35 CE, the early church increasingly articulated Christ as fulfillment of Torah and Prophets.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Moses' prophecy of a coming Prophet establish Christ as fulfillment rather than replacement of the Law?
  2. What does it mean that we must 'hear' Christ, and how does this differ from merely hearing about Him?
  3. In what ways is Christ both like Moses and greater than Moses?
  4. How does this passage challenge those who claim religious heritage while rejecting Christ's lordship?
  5. What responsibility comes with recognizing Christ as the Prophet Moses foretold?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
οὗτός1 of 24

“This”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν2 of 24

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τῶν3 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

Μωϋσῆς4 of 24

“that Moses”

G3475

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

τῶν5 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

εἰπὼν6 of 24

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

τῶν7 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

υἱοῖς8 of 24

“unto the children”

G5207

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

Ἰσραήλ9 of 24

“of Israel”

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

Προφήτην10 of 24

“A prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ὑμῖν11 of 24

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ἀναστήσει12 of 24

“raise up”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

Κύριος13 of 24

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τῶν14 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

θεὸς15 of 24

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὑμῶν16 of 24

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐκ17 of 24

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν18 of 24

“which”

G3588

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

ἀδελφῶν19 of 24

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὑμῶν20 of 24

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὡς21 of 24

“like”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐμέ22 of 24

“unto me”

G1691

me

αὐτοῦ23 of 24

“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

ἀκούσεσθε24 of 24

“shall ye hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

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 7:37 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 7:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 18:15-19Acts 3:22-23John 18:37Acts 7:38Matthew 17:3-5Luke 9:35

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Acts 7 with CommentaryAll Acts ChaptersComplete Acts QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes