King James Version

What Does Acts 7:53 Mean?

Acts 7:53 in the King James Version says “Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 7:53 · KJV

Context

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.

55

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Read Acts 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The irony peaks: they 'received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.' Those accusing Stephen of law-breaking were themselves law-breakers. Privilege of receiving the law increased guilt for disobedience. Angels mediating Sinai's revelation emphasized its sacredness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tradition held that angels mediated the law's giving at Sinai (Galatians 3:19, Hebrews 2:2). Stephen turns their accusation back on themselves - they violated what they claimed to defend.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does religious privilege increase accountability for obedience?
  2. What does accusing law-keepers of law-breaking accomplish in Stephen's argument?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
οἵτινες1 of 10

“Who”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐλάβετε2 of 10

“have received”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸν3 of 10
G3588

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

νόμον4 of 10

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

εἰς5 of 10

“by”

G1519

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

διαταγὰς6 of 10

“the disposition”

G1296

arrangement, i.e., institution

ἀγγέλων7 of 10

“of angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

καὶ8 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

οὐκ9 of 10

“not”

G3756

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

ἐφυλάξατε10 of 10

“have”

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

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 7:53 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 7:53 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 2:2Galatians 3:19Acts 7:38Deuteronomy 33:2John 7:19Galatians 6:13

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