King James Version

What Does Acts 7:50 Mean?

Acts 7:50 in the King James Version says “Hath not my hand made all these things?” — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Hath not my hand made all these things?”

Acts 7:50 · KJV

Context

48

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

49

Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool : what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?

50

Hath not my hand made all these things?

51

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

52

Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The concluding question 'hath not my hand made all these things?' asserts God's sovereignty as Creator of all. Since God created everything, nothing we build or offer adds to His glory - all belongs to Him already. This dismantles human pride and establishes the foundation for grace: if God made everything, our righteousness is filthy rags and salvation must be entirely His work. The Reformed doctrine of sola gratia (grace alone) rests on this truth - we contribute nothing to our salvation because we possess nothing God has not first given.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This echoes the creation account in Genesis and God's question to Job (38-41). Stephen's use of Isaiah shows continuity of prophetic witness against empty ritualism divorced from heart reality across Israel's history.

Reflection Questions

  1. If God made everything, what can we possibly offer Him that is our own?
  2. How does God's creative sovereignty establish the foundation for salvation by grace alone?
  3. In what ways do we subtly try to bring God something we think He needs?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 7 words
οὐχὶ1 of 7

“not”

G3780

not indeed

ἡ2 of 7
G3588

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

χείρ3 of 7

“hand”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

μου4 of 7

“my”

G3450

of me

ἐποίησεν5 of 7

“Hath”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ταῦτα6 of 7

“these things”

G5023

these things

πάντα7 of 7

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

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 7:50 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 7:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 32:17Psalms 33:6-9Acts 14:15Psalms 50:9-12Psalms 146:5-6Isaiah 66:2

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