King James Version

What Does Acts 7:52 Mean?

Acts 7:52 in the King James Version says “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of th... — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Acts 7:52 · KJV


Context

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:

53

Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

54

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart , and they gnashed on him with their teeth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Stephen's indictment intensifies: 'Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?' Israel's treatment of prophets culminated in killing 'the Just One' - Jesus. The audience represents the culmination of prophet-persecution reaching its climax in Christ's murder.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic persecution was well-documented - Elijah fled Jezebel, Jeremiah was imprisoned, Zechariah was stoned (2 Chronicles 24:21). Jesus referenced this pattern (Matthew 23:37).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Israel consistently reject and persecute God's messengers?
  2. How does the pattern of prophet-persecution climax in Jesus' crucifixion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
τίνα1 of 24

Which

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τοῦ2 of 24

them which

G3588

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

προφητῶν3 of 24

of the prophets

G4396

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

οὐκ4 of 24

not

G3756

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

ἐδίωξαν5 of 24

have

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

τοῦ6 of 24

them which

G3588

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

πατέρες7 of 24

fathers

G3962

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

ὑμῶν8 of 24

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ9 of 24

and

G2532

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

ἀπέκτειναν10 of 24

they have slain

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

τοῦ11 of 24

them which

G3588

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

προκαταγγείλαντας12 of 24

shewed before

G4293

to anounce beforehand, i.e., predict, promise

περὶ13 of 24

of

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τοῦ14 of 24

them which

G3588

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

ἐλεύσεως15 of 24

the coming

G1660

an advent

τοῦ16 of 24

them which

G3588

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

δικαίου17 of 24

of the Just One

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

οὗ18 of 24

of whom

G3739

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

νῦν19 of 24

now

G3568

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

ὑμεῖς20 of 24

ye

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

προδόται21 of 24

the betrayers

G4273

a surrender

καὶ22 of 24

and

G2532

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

φονεῖς23 of 24

murderers

G5406

a murderer (always of criminal (or at least intentional) homicide; which g0443 does not necessarily imply; while g4607 is a special term for a public

γεγένησθε·24 of 24

have been

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)


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 7:52 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 7:52 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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