Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

ACTS 7:48KJV
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Acts 7:48 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:48 mean?

Acts 7:48 says that God, called here "the most High," does not live in buildings made by human hands, as the prophet in the Hebrew Scriptures also said. This verse points out that God's presence is not limited to any man-made temple or structure.

Stephen is speaking to the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) during his defense, reminding them that God cannot be contained by physical places, even the temple in Jerusalem. Stephen quotes from the prophets to show that God’s greatness goes beyond human constructions, challenging the idea that God’s presence is tied only to the temple.

The Greek behind Acts 7:48

  • ὁ ὕψιστος (ho hypsistos): Translated "the most High," this Greek term emphasizes God's supreme and unmatched position, above all creation and human effort.
  • χειροποίητος (cheiropoiētos): Meaning "made with hands," this word highlights the human origin of temples and contrasts them with God's unlimited nature.
  • ναός (naos): The word for "temples" here refers specifically to sacred buildings, underlining that even these special places cannot contain God.

Why Acts 7:48 matters

  • Acts 7:48 challenges the common belief at the time that God’s presence was tied only to the temple, reminding readers that God is not limited by human boundaries.
  • This verse prepares the listeners for Stephen’s larger point: God’s work and presence are not restricted to one nation, building, or ritual.
  • By quoting the prophets, Stephen shows continuity with the Hebrew Scriptures, making his argument from within the tradition his audience respected.

Where else these words appear

“hands” Greek G5499 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.
  • Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
  • Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

“High” Greek G5310 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 21:9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
  • Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  • Luke 8:28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

“temples” Greek G3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 23:16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
  • Luke 1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.
  • Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

“dwelleth” Greek G2730 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
  • James 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?