Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.

ACTS 7:18KJV
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Acts 7:18 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:18 mean?

Acts 7:18 describes a time in Egypt’s history when a new king came to power who did not know about Joseph. This change in leadership set the stage for a shift in how the Israelites were treated in Egypt.

Stephen is speaking to the Jewish council, retelling Israel’s history to explain how God worked through their ancestors. By mentioning a king who "knew not Joseph," Stephen is highlighting the turning point when the Israelites lost their favored status in Egypt, leading to their oppression and eventual need for deliverance.

The Greek behind Acts 7:18

  • "Another" (ἕτερος, heteros): This Greek word means "another of a different kind," not just another in a sequence. It suggests the new king was not just a successor, but someone with a different outlook or policies than those who remembered Joseph.
  • "Knew" (οἶδα, oida): The Greek here often means more than just factual knowledge; it can imply recognition, relationship, or regard. The new king did not acknowledge Joseph’s contributions or have any connection to him, which helps explain why the Israelites’ situation changed so drastically.

Why Acts 7:18 matters

  • Acts 7:18 marks the beginning of Israel’s suffering in Egypt, which is a key part of the story Stephen is using to show God’s faithfulness through hardship.
  • The verse helps clarify that the Israelites’ troubles did not begin because of anything they did, but because of a change in leadership and memory in Egypt.
  • By pointing out the new king’s lack of knowledge about Joseph, Stephen sets up the need for God’s intervention and the eventual rise of Moses, which is central to his message.

Where else these words appear

“Joseph” Greek G2501 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
  • Luke 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
  • John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

“Till” Greek G891 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
  • Acts 23:1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
  • Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

“another” Greek G2087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Luke 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
  • Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“king” Greek G935 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  • Luke 10:24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
  • Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.