Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.

ACTS 7:29KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 7:29 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:29 mean?

Acts 7:29 describes how Moses, after realizing his actions were known, fled Egypt and became a foreigner in the land of Midian, where he had two sons. The verse highlights a turning point in Moses’ life, marking his departure from Egypt and the beginning of a new chapter in a distant land.

Stephen is speaking to the Jewish council, recounting the story of Moses as part of his larger defense. This verse comes after Moses tried to help his fellow Israelites and was rejected, leading to his escape. The mention of Midian and Moses’ two sons shows both his exile and the new life he started away from Egypt.

The Greek behind Acts 7:29

  • The word for "stranger" is πάροικος (paroikos), which means someone living in a foreign land, not just visiting but settling as an outsider. This word emphasizes Moses’ status as someone who did not belong in Midian, highlighting his displacement.
  • The Greek word for "fled" is ἔφυγεν (ephygen), which carries the sense of escaping danger or running away to save oneself. This adds urgency and fear to Moses’ departure, not just a casual leaving.
  • The place name "Madian" (Μαδιάμ, Madiam) refers to the region east of Egypt, showing that Moses went far from his people and former life.

Why Acts 7:29 matters

  • Acts 7:29 clarifies that Moses’ time in Midian was not just a pause but a significant period where he lived as an outsider and started a family, shaping his identity before returning to lead Israel.
  • The verse connects Moses’ personal journey with the larger story Stephen is telling, showing how God works through unexpected places and times of exile.
  • Understanding Moses as a "stranger" in Midian helps readers see the theme of being an outsider or sojourner, which is important throughout the Bible and especially in Stephen’s speech.

Where else these words appear

“stranger” Greek G3941 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 7:6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
  • Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
  • 1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

“where” Greek G3757 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
  • Acts 28:14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

“fled” Greek G5343 · used in 31 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.
  • Mark 14:52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

“begat” Greek G1080 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • Acts 7:20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: