Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

ACTS 7:46KJV
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Acts 7:46 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:46 mean?

Acts 7:46 says that David found favor with God and wanted to provide a dwelling place—a tabernacle—for the God worshipped by Jacob. This verse highlights David’s desire to honor God by building a special place for worship.

Stephen is speaking to the Jewish council, recounting Israel’s history to show how God’s presence and favor have guided their ancestors. Here, Stephen points out David’s special relationship with God and his wish to build a house for God, setting up the story of the temple’s eventual construction by Solomon.

The Greek behind Acts 7:46

  • The word translated “favour” is χάρις (charis), which often means grace or kindness given by God. This highlights that David’s standing with God was a gift, not something earned.
  • The word for “desired” is αἰτέω (aiteō), which means to ask or request earnestly. This shows that David’s wish to build the tabernacle was a heartfelt longing, not just a casual idea.
  • The word for “tabernacle” is σκηνή (skēnē), meaning a tent or dwelling. This connects to the portable tent used in Israel’s early worship, showing David wanted to provide a permanent place for God’s presence.

Why Acts 7:46 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s desire to build a house for God was rooted in gratitude and reverence, not obligation or tradition.
  • It connects the story of David to the larger theme in Acts 7, where Stephen shows God’s work outside of fixed places or buildings, preparing for his point about the temple.
  • The verse helps explain why Solomon, not David, ultimately built the temple, showing the continuity of God’s plan through Israel’s leaders.

Where else these words appear

“tabernacle” Greek G4638 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Peter 1:13 Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
  • 2 Peter 1:14 Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.

“Jacob” Greek G2384 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
  • Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
  • Acts 7:14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

“desired” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

“before” Greek G1799 · used in 89 verses

  • Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
  • Acts 10:30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
  • Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.