But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

ACTS 7:17KJV
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Acts 7:17 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:17 mean?

Acts 7:17 says that as the time approached for God to fulfill the promise He had made to Abraham, the people of Israel in Egypt increased greatly in number. This verse highlights a turning point when God’s long-standing promise was about to come to pass, marked by the growth of Abraham’s descendants.

Stephen is speaking to the Jewish council, recounting Israel’s history to show how God’s promises unfolded over time. Here, Stephen points to the period when the Israelites, living in Egypt, multiplied as God had promised Abraham, setting the stage for their eventual deliverance. This growth was a sign that God’s plan was moving forward, even while the people were in a foreign land.

The Greek behind Acts 7:17

  • "Promise" (ἐπαγγελία, epangelia): This Greek word refers to a specific promise or assurance, in this case, the one God made to Abraham about his descendants. The use of this word reminds the audience that God’s actions are tied to His faithful commitments.
  • "Sworn" (ὀμνύω, omnyō): This word means to take an oath or make a solemn vow. It emphasizes that God’s promise to Abraham was not casual but was guaranteed by God’s own word.
  • "Drew nigh" (ἐγγίζω, engizō): This means to come near or approach. The verse marks a moment when God’s promise was not just a distant hope but was about to become reality.

Why Acts 7:17 matters

  • Acts 7:17 clarifies that the Israelites’ growth in Egypt was not accidental but directly connected to God’s promise, showing His control over history.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s promises may take generations to fulfill, but they remain certain and are accomplished in His timing.
  • By connecting the Israelites’ multiplication to God’s sworn promise, Stephen sets up the context for the coming deliverance, showing that God’s faithfulness is the central theme of Israel’s story.

Where else these words appear

“multiplied” Greek G4129 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
  • Acts 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
  • Hebrews 6:14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

“sworn” Greek G3660 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
  • Matthew 23:22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
  • Hebrews 3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

“grew” Greek G837 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 6:28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
  • John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

“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.