King James Version

What Does Acts 7:4 Mean?

Acts 7:4 in the King James Version says “Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he remo... — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

Acts 7:4 · KJV


Context

2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

3

And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

4

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

5

And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

6

And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Abraham moved 'when his father was dead' - Stephen emphasizes obedient departure. God 'removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell' - the promised land belongs to Abraham's descendants. The audience's presence in the land confirms God's faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Terah died in Haran at age 205 (Genesis 11:32). Abraham then continued to Canaan at God's renewed call. Stephen connects present Israel to Abraham's faithful journey.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's faithfulness to Abraham encourage you about unfulfilled promises?
  2. What connection exists between your spiritual heritage and present responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
τότε1 of 26

Then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἐξελθὼν2 of 26

came he

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ3 of 26

out 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

γῆν4 of 26

land

G1093

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

Χαλδαίων5 of 26

of the Chaldaeans

G5466

a chaldaean (i.e., kasdi), or native or the region of the lower euphrates

κατοικεῖτε6 of 26

and dwelt

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

ἐν7 of 26

in

G1722

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

Χαῤῥάν8 of 26

Charran

G5488

charrhan (i.e., charan), a place in mesopotamia

κἀκεῖθεν9 of 26

and from thence

G2547

likewise from that place (or time)

μετὰ10 of 26

when

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὸ11 of 26
G3588

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

ἀποθανεῖν12 of 26

was dead

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

τὸν13 of 26
G3588

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

πατέρα14 of 26

father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

αὐτὸν15 of 26

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

μετῴκισεν16 of 26

he removed

G3351

to transfer as a settler or captive, i.e colonize or exile

αὐτὸν17 of 26

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

εἰς18 of 26

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν19 of 26
G3588

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

γῆν20 of 26

land

G1093

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

ταύτην21 of 26
G3778

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

εἰς22 of 26

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἣν23 of 26
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὑμεῖς24 of 26

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

νῦν25 of 26

now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

κατοικεῖτε26 of 26

and dwelt

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)


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 7:4 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 7:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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