Acts 7:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:16 mean?

Acts 7:16 says that the ancestors of the Israelites were carried to Sychem (Shechem) after their deaths and buried in a tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Emmor (Hamor), who was the father of Sychem, for a sum of money. This verse highlights the burial place of the patriarchs and the connection to Abraham's purchase of land.

In Acts 7, Stephen is speaking to the Jewish council, recounting the history of Israel to show God's faithfulness through their ancestors. Here, Stephen refers to the burial of Jacob and the other patriarchs, linking it to Abraham's act of buying a burial place in Shechem. The verse ties the story of the patriarchs to a specific location and transaction, showing the deep roots of the Israelite people in the land.

The Greek behind Acts 7:16

• Συχέμ (Sychem, transliterated as "Sychem"): This is the Greek form of "Shechem," a significant city in Israel's history. Mentioning Sychem connects the burial to a real, historical place known to Stephen's listeners.
• Ἐμμώρ (Emmor, transliterated as "Emmor"): This is the Greek rendering of "Hamor," the father of Shechem in the Old Testament. Naming Emmor roots the story in a specific family and event, underlining the legitimacy of the burial site.
• τιμῆς (timēs, meaning "sum" or "price"): This word emphasizes that the tomb was bought for a price, highlighting Abraham's legal claim to the land, which would be important to Stephen's audience.

Why Acts 7:16 matters

• Acts 7:16 helps clarify the historical connection between the patriarchs and the land of Canaan, showing that their presence and burial there were not accidental but based on a real purchase.
• The verse connects Stephen’s speech to the broader theme of God’s promises and faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants, reinforcing the legitimacy of Israel’s claim to the land.
• This detail also shows Stephen’s deep knowledge of Israel’s history, which he uses to build his case before the council and to remind them of their shared heritage.