King James Version

What Does Acts 7:5 Mean?

Acts 7:5 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 7:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God gave Abraham 'none inheritance, no, not so much as to set his foot on' - yet promised it to 'his seed after him.' This paradox of promised-but-not-possessed land required generational faith. Abraham trusted God's word beyond his lifetime.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Abraham owned only the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 23), purchased as a burial site. His faith was for descendants, not personal possession of the land.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Abraham's faith in promises beyond his lifetime challenge your perspective?
  2. What are you trusting God for that may benefit future generations more than yourself?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
καὶ1 of 27

And

G2532

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

οὐκ2 of 27

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δοῦναι3 of 27

he gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῷ4 of 27

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

κληρονομίαν5 of 27

inheritance

G2817

heirship, i.e., (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession

ἐν6 of 27

in

G1722

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

αὐτῷ7 of 27

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

οὐδὲ8 of 27

no not

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

βῆμα9 of 27

on

G968

a step, i.e., foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e., a tribunal

ποδός10 of 27

his foot

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

καὶ11 of 27

And

G2532

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

ἐπηγγείλατο12 of 27

he promised

G1861

to announce upon (reflexively), i.e., (by implication) to engage to do something, to assert something respecting oneself

αὐτῷ13 of 27

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

δοῦναι14 of 27

he gave

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

εἰς15 of 27

for

G1519

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

κατάσχεσιν16 of 27

a possession

G2697

a holding down, i.e., occupancy

αὐτῷ17 of 27

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

καὶ18 of 27

And

G2532

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

τῷ19 of 27
G3588

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

σπέρματι20 of 27

seed

G4690

something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)

αὐτῷ21 of 27

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

μετ'22 of 27

after

G3326

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

αὐτῷ23 of 27

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

οὐκ24 of 27

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὄντος25 of 27

had

G5607

being

αὐτῷ26 of 27

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

τέκνου27 of 27

child

G5043

a child (as produced)


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 7:5 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 7:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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