King James Version

What Does Acts 7:8 Mean?

Acts 7:8 in the King James Version says “And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

Acts 7:8 · KJV


Context

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.

8

And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.

9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

10

And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God gave Abraham 'the covenant of circumcision' as sign and seal of relationship. Stephen traces covenant succession through Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs. This genealogy connects his audience to promises through the fathers.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Circumcision (Genesis 17) marked covenant membership for Abraham's male descendants. The twelve patriarchs became the foundation of Israel's tribal structure.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does circumcision as covenant sign teach about God's initiative in relationship?
  2. How do you trace your spiritual heritage to Abraham's covenant?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
καὶ1 of 28

And

G2532

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

ἔδωκεν2 of 28

he gave

G1325

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

αὐτὸν3 of 28

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

διαθήκην4 of 28

the covenant

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

περιτομῆς·5 of 28

of circumcision

G4061

circumcision (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 28

And

G2532

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

οὕτως7 of 28

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

ἐγέννησεν8 of 28

Abraham begat

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

τὸν9 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰσαὰκ10 of 28

Isaac

G2464

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

καὶ11 of 28

And

G2532

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

περιέτεμεν12 of 28

circumcised

G4059

to cut around, i.e., (specially) to circumcise

αὐτὸν13 of 28

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

τῇ14 of 28
G3588

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

ἡμέρᾳ15 of 28

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τῇ16 of 28
G3588

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

ὀγδόῃ17 of 28

the eighth

G3590

the eighth

καὶ18 of 28

And

G2532

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

19 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰσαὰκ20 of 28

Isaac

G2464

isaac (i.e., jitschak), the son of abraham

τὸν21 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰακὼβ22 of 28

Jacob

G2384

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

καὶ23 of 28

And

G2532

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

24 of 28
G3588

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

Ἰακὼβ25 of 28

Jacob

G2384

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites

τοὺς26 of 28
G3588

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

δώδεκα27 of 28

begat the twelve

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

πατριάρχας28 of 28

patriarchs

G3966

a progenitor ("patriarch")


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 7:8 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 7:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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