And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

ACTS 7:56KJV
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Acts 7:56 (KJV)

What does Acts 7:56 mean?

Acts 7:56 describes Stephen, just before his death, declaring that he sees the heavens opened and Jesus—referred to as "the Son of man"—standing at the right hand of God. This vision shows Stephen claiming a direct sight of Jesus in a position of honor and authority beside God.

Stephen is speaking to the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) during his trial, moments before he is executed. In this tense setting, Stephen’s vision is meant to confirm his testimony about Jesus, and it echoes language from earlier in the Bible about the Messiah’s exalted place. The phrase "the Son of man standing on the right hand of God" highlights both Jesus’ unique status and the seriousness of Stephen’s claim.

The Greek behind Acts 7:56

  • "Son" (υἱός, huios) and "man" (ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos): The phrase "Son of man" is a title Jesus often used for himself, and here Stephen uses it to identify Jesus in his vision, connecting Jesus to Old Testament expectations of a heavenly figure.
  • "Standing" (ἑστῶτα, hestōta): The Greek word here means "standing" rather than "sitting," which is often how Jesus is described at God's right hand. This detail is sometimes understood as showing Jesus actively involved or giving special attention to Stephen’s situation.
  • "Right hand" (δεξιᾶς, dexias): In the ancient world, being at the "right hand" of a ruler meant sharing in power and honor. Stephen’s vision places Jesus in this honored position, reinforcing his authority.

Why Acts 7:56 matters

  • Acts 7:56 clarifies that Stephen’s vision is not just a personal comfort but a bold public claim about who Jesus is, made in front of people who reject that claim.
  • The detail that Jesus is "standing" rather than "sitting" at God's right hand is unique in the New Testament and has led many readers to notice Jesus’ active concern for Stephen.
  • This verse connects Stephen’s experience to earlier biblical themes about the Messiah and God’s chosen one, showing continuity between Jesus’ story and the larger story of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“hand” Greek G1188 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
  • Mark 16:5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

“see” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
  • John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

“opened” Greek G455 · used in 75 verses

  • Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
  • John 9:32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;