Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.

ACTS 7:33KJV
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Acts 7:33 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:33 mean?

Acts 7:33 describes God telling Moses to remove his shoes because he is standing on holy ground. The verse highlights that the place where Moses meets God is set apart and special, requiring respect and reverence.

In this scene, Stephen is retelling the story of Moses at the burning bush to the Jewish council. God speaks directly to Moses, instructing him to take off his shoes as a sign of humility and recognition of God's presence. The verse emphasizes that ordinary ground becomes holy when God is present, and that approaching God calls for a humble attitude.

The Greek behind Acts 7:33

  • ἅγιος (hagios, G40): This word means "holy" or "set apart." The Greek here stresses that the ground is not ordinary, but made special by God's presence.
  • ὑπόδημα (hupodēma, G5266): This is the word for "shoes" or "sandals." Removing shoes was a common sign of respect in ancient cultures, and the Greek term points to something worn on the feet, not just any clothing.
  • κύριος (kurios, G2962): Translated as "Lord," this word is used for God in the New Testament, showing that the speaker is the divine Lord addressing Moses directly.

Why Acts 7:33 matters

  • Acts 7:33 reminds readers that God's presence transforms ordinary places and moments into something sacred, calling for a different attitude and response.
  • The verse connects Stephen’s speech to the larger story of Israel, showing that God has always revealed Himself in unexpected places and ways, not just in the temple.
  • By quoting this moment, Stephen highlights Moses’ humility and obedience, setting up a contrast with the religious leaders who are questioning him.

Where else these words appear

“shoes” Greek G5266 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
  • Luke 22:35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.

“off” Greek G3089 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 19:31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
  • Acts 27:41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

“feet” Greek G4228 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
  • Acts 16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.