To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

ACTS 7:39KJV
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Acts 7:39 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:39 mean?

Acts 7:39 says that the ancestors of the Israelites refused to listen to Moses, rejected him, and in their hearts longed to return to Egypt. This verse highlights their unwillingness to obey Moses and their desire to go back to their former life in Egypt, even after being delivered.

Stephen is speaking to the Jewish council, recounting Israel’s history to show how their ancestors resisted God’s chosen leaders. Here, Stephen points out that even after God rescued the Israelites from slavery, they were not truly committed to following Moses and instead wished to return to the familiarity of Egypt, showing a pattern of resistance.

The Greek behind Acts 7:39

  • "Would" (ἠθέλησαν, ēthelēsan): This Greek word means "desired" or "were willing." It shows that the refusal to obey Moses was a matter of their will—they chose not to follow him.
  • "Obey" (γενέσθαι ὑπήκοοι, genesthai hypēkooi): The phrase combines "to become" and "obedient," stressing that the people did not allow themselves to become obedient to Moses.
  • "Turned back again" (ἐστράφησαν, estraphēsan): This word means "turned" or "returned." It is used here to describe an inward turning—their hearts went back to Egypt, even if their bodies did not.

Why Acts 7:39 matters

  • Acts 7:39 clarifies that the Israelites’ rejection of Moses was not just outward rebellion but also an inward longing to return to their old ways, which Stephen uses to challenge his listeners about their own attitudes.
  • This verse connects to Stephen’s larger argument that Israel has a history of resisting God’s messengers, setting up his point about Jesus.
  • The verse helps explain why the Israelites later made the golden calf, as their hearts had already turned away from God’s path before their actions did.

Where else these words appear

“obey” Greek G5255 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 2:9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
  • Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

“them” Greek G683 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 7:27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
  • Acts 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
  • Romans 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

“again” Greek G4762 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  • Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

“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.