So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,

ACTS 7:15KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 7:15 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:15 mean?

Acts 7:15 states that Jacob went down to Egypt and died there, along with the fathers of the Israelites. This verse summarizes a key moment in Israel’s history, showing how the ancestors of the Jewish people ended up in Egypt.

Stephen, speaking before the Jewish council, is retelling the story of Israel’s beginnings to explain how their history led to the present moment. By mentioning Jacob and "our fathers," Stephen connects his listeners to their shared heritage and sets up the context for the coming events in Egypt, which will lead to the Exodus.

The Greek behind Acts 7:15

  • "κατέβη" (katébē, "went down"): This word often means to move from a higher to a lower place, both physically and sometimes symbolically. Here, it emphasizes the journey from Canaan to Egypt, which was both a literal descent and a major turning point in Israel’s story.
  • "πατέρες" (pateres, "fathers"): This term refers to the patriarchs, the ancestors of the Jewish people. Stephen uses it to remind his audience of their shared lineage and the continuity of God’s dealings with their people.

Why Acts 7:15 matters

  • Acts 7:15 clarifies that the migration to Egypt was not just about Joseph, but included Jacob and the other patriarchs, highlighting the whole family's involvement.
  • The verse connects Stephen’s speech to the larger narrative of God’s promises and faithfulness to the patriarchs, setting the stage for the significance of the Exodus.
  • By recalling this history, Stephen builds common ground with his audience, showing respect for their heritage before making his main point about God’s ongoing work.

Where else these words appear

“died” Greek G5053 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
  • Matthew 22:25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:
  • Mark 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

“Egypt” Greek G125 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Acts 7:11 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
  • Acts 13:17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

“Jacob” Greek G2384 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
  • Acts 7:14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

“down” Greek G2597 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • Luke 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
  • Acts 10:21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?