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.

ACTS 7:10KJV
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Acts 7:10 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:10 mean?

Acts 7:10 describes how God rescued Joseph from all his troubles, gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, and made Joseph ruler over Egypt and Pharaoh’s entire household. The verse highlights Joseph’s rise from suffering to a position of great authority by God’s intervention.

In this verse, Stephen is speaking to the Jewish council, recounting the story of Joseph from Genesis. Stephen emphasizes that Joseph’s success and leadership in Egypt were not by his own doing, but because God delivered him, granted him special favor (acceptance or grace), and gave him wisdom. This sets up Stephen’s larger point about God’s faithfulness to Israel’s ancestors, even when they faced hardship or rejection.

The Greek behind Acts 7:10

  • The word for "delivered" (ἐξείλατο, exeilato) means to rescue or snatch out of danger. This stresses that Joseph’s escape from suffering was an active intervention by God, not just a natural turn of events.
  • "Favour" (χάριν, charin) is often understood as grace or goodwill. The Greek here carries the sense of Joseph being given a special standing or acceptance in Pharaoh’s eyes, beyond what he could earn himself.
  • "Wisdom" (σοφίαν, sophian) refers to practical insight or skill. In this context, it highlights Joseph’s God-given ability to interpret dreams and manage affairs, which led to his promotion.
  • The word for "governor" (ἡγούμενον, hēgoumenon) means a leader or one who has authority. This shows that Joseph was not just a servant, but held real power over Egypt and Pharaoh’s household.

Why Acts 7:10 matters

  • Acts 7:10 clarifies that Joseph’s rise to power was not accidental or solely due to his own abilities, but was the result of God’s direct action and blessing.
  • The verse connects Joseph’s story to Stephen’s broader message about God working through rejected or suffering individuals, preparing the way for later points about Jesus.
  • By mentioning both "favor" and "wisdom," the verse emphasizes that both acceptance by others and the skills needed for leadership are gifts that can come from God, not just personal achievement.

Where else these words appear

“sight” Greek G1726 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 2:12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.
  • Luke 20:26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
  • Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

“Pharaoh” Greek G5328 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • Acts 7:21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
  • Romans 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

“delivered” Greek G1807 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Acts 7:34 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
  • Acts 23:27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

“made” Greek G2525 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
  • Luke 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.
  • Hebrews 2:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: