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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/7-16.htm" title="Acts 7:16">◄</a> Acts 7:17 <a href="/acts/7-18.htm" title="Acts 7:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/7.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. <a href="/nlt/acts/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> “As the time drew near when God would fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt greatly increased. <a href="/esv/acts/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> “But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt <a href="/bsb/acts/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased greatly in number. <a href="/blb/acts/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now as the time of the promise that God had sworn to Abraham was drawing near, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/kjv/acts/7.htm">King James Bible</a> But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/nkjv/acts/7.htm">New King James Version</a> “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt <a href="/nasb_/acts/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “But as the time of the promise which God had assured to Abraham was approaching, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/nasb/acts/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/nasb77/acts/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But as the time of the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/lsb/acts/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “But as the time of the promise was drawing near which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/amp/acts/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “But as the time [for the fulfillment] of the promise which God had made to Abraham was approaching, the [Hebrew] people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/csb/acts/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “As the time was approaching to fulfill the promise that God had made to Abraham, the people flourished and multiplied in Egypt <a href="/hcsb/acts/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> As the time was drawing near to fulfill the promise that God had made to Abraham, the people flourished and multiplied in Egypt <a href="/asv/acts/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> But as the time of the promise drew nigh which God vouchsafed unto Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/cev/acts/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Finally, the time came for God to do what he had promised Abraham. By then the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased. <a href="/erv/acts/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> But as the time of the promise drew nigh, which God vouchsafed unto Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/gwt/acts/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "When the time that God had promised to Abraham had almost come, the number of our people in Egypt had grown very large. <a href="/gnt/acts/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> "When the time drew near for God to keep the promise he had made to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had grown much larger. <a href="/isv/acts/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Now as the time approached for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, the people's population increased a great deal in Egypt. <a href="/net/acts/7.htm">NET Bible</a> "But as the time drew near for God to fulfill the promise he had declared to Abraham, the people increased greatly in number in Egypt, <a href="/nheb/acts/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "But as the time of the promise came close which God had made to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/wbt/acts/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/wey/acts/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But as the time drew near for the fulfilment of the promise which God had made to Abraham, the people became many times more numerous in Egypt,<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/acts/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased greatly in number. <a href="/web/acts/7.htm">World English Bible</a> “But as the time of the promise came close which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And according as the time of the promise was drawing near, which God swore to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/blb/acts/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now as the time of the promise that God had sworn to Abraham was drawing near, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/ylt/acts/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And according as the time of the promise was drawing nigh, which God did swear to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/slt/acts/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And as the time of the solemn promise drew near, which God aware to Abraham, the people increased and were multiplied in Egypt.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when the time of the promise drew near, which God had promised to Abraham, the people increased, and were multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/cpdv/acts/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And when the time of the Promise that God had revealed to Abraham drew near, the people increased and were multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/nabre/acts/7.htm">New American Bible</a> “When the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God pledged to Abraham, the people had increased and become very numerous in Egypt, <a href="/nrsvce/acts/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “But as the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased and multiplied<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But when the time of the promise was at hand, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people had already increased and become strong in Egypt, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And when the time had arrived which God had promised with an oath to Abraham, the people had multiplied and had grown strong in Egypt,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And as the time of the promise which God had made with an oath to Abraham drew near, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/godbey/acts/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> When the time of the promise which God made with Abraham drew nigh, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/haweis/acts/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But as the time of the promise which God had with an oath confirmed unto Abraham drew nigh, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/mace/acts/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, <a href="/wey/acts/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But as the time drew near for the fulfilment of the promise which God had made to Abraham, the people became many times more numerous in Egypt, <a href="/worrell/acts/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But, as the time of the promise which God promised to Abraham was drawing nigh, the people increased and were multiplied in Egypt, <a href="/worsley/acts/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt. <a href="/parallel/acts/7-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=1925" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/7.htm">Stephen's Address to the Sanhedrin</a> …16Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver. 17<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: Kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">As</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5550.htm" title="5550: chronos (N-NMS) -- A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.">time</a> <a href="/greek/1448.htm" title="1448: ēngizen (V-IIA-3S) -- Trans: I bring near; intrans: I come near, approach. From eggus; to make near, i.e. approach.">drew near</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēs (RelPro-GFS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theos (N-NMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1860.htm" title="1860: epangelias (N-GFS) -- A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.">to fulfill His promise</a> <a href="/greek/3670.htm" title="3670: hōmologēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/11.htm" title="11: Abraam (N-DMS) -- Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.">to Abraham,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">our</a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laos (N-NMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/125.htm" title="125: Aigyptō (N-DFS) -- Egypt. Of uncertain derivation.">Egypt</a> <a href="/greek/837.htm" title="837: ēuxēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.">increased</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/4129.htm" title="4129: eplēthynthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To increase, multiply. From another form of plethos; to increase.">greatly in number.</a> 18Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph, arose over Egypt.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Genesis 15:13-14</a> Then the LORD said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. / But I will judge the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will depart with many possessions. <a href="/exodus/1-7.htm">Exodus 1:7-10</a> but the Israelites were fruitful and increased rapidly; they multiplied and became exceedingly numerous, so that the land was filled with them. / Then a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power in Egypt. / “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become too numerous and too powerful for us. ... <a href="/exodus/12-40.htm">Exodus 12:40-41</a> Now the duration of the Israelites’ stay in Egypt was 430 years. / At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt. <a href="/genesis/46-3.htm">Genesis 46:3-4</a> “I am God,” He said, “the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. / I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will surely bring you back. And Joseph’s own hands will close your eyes.” <a href="/exodus/2-23.htm">Exodus 2:23-25</a> After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. / So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. / God saw the Israelites and took notice. <a href="/galatians/3-16.htm">Galatians 3:16-17</a> The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ. / What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise. <a href="/genesis/50-24.htm">Genesis 50:24-25</a> Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” / And Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath and said, “God will surely attend to you, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” <a href="/hebrews/11-22.htm">Hebrews 11:22</a> By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones. <a href="/exodus/3-7.htm">Exodus 3:7-10</a> The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. / I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. / And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them. ... <a href="/exodus/6-5.htm">Exodus 6:5-8</a> Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered My covenant. / Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. / I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. ... <a href="/genesis/12-1.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a> Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” <a href="/genesis/17-7.htm">Genesis 17:7-8</a> I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. / And to you and your descendants I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as an eternal possession; and I will be their God.” <a href="/deuteronomy/26-5.htm">Deuteronomy 26:5-8</a> and you are to declare before the LORD your God, “My father was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Egypt few in number and lived there and became a great nation, mighty and numerous. / But the Egyptians mistreated us and afflicted us, putting us to hard labor. / So we called out to the LORD, the God of our fathers; and the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction, toil, and oppression. ... <a href="/psalms/105-23.htm">Psalm 105:23-24</a> Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. / And the LORD made His people very fruitful, more numerous than their foes, <a href="/exodus/1-12.htm">Exodus 1:12-14</a> But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. / They worked the Israelites ruthlessly / and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But when the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,when.<a href="/acts/7-6.htm">Acts 7:6</a> And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.<a href="/genesis/15-13.htm">Genesis 15:13-16</a> And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; … <a href="/2_peter/3-8.htm">2 Peter 3:8,9</a> But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day… the people.<a href="/acts/13-17.htm">Acts 13:17</a> 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.<a href="/exodus/1-7.htm">Exodus 1:7-12,20</a> And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty; and the land was filled with them… <a href="/psalms/105-24.htm">Psalm 105:24,25</a> And he increased his people greatly; and made them stronger than their enemies… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/7-16.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/john/7-2.htm">Approaching</a> <a href="/acts/2-36.htm">Assured</a> <a href="/acts/3-2.htm">Close</a> <a href="/john/6-19.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/acts/5-37.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/acts/3-18.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/acts/7-15.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/john/19-36.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/luke/22-37.htm">Fulfilment</a> <a href="/acts/7-10.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/acts/4-4.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Increasing</a> <a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Multiplied</a> <a href="/acts/1-12.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/luke/11-53.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/acts/7-5.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/acts/7-5.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/acts/2-24.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/mark/14-71.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/acts/2-30.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/acts/7-13.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/3-21.htm">Times</a> <a href="/acts/7-5.htm">Undertaking</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/7-32.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/acts/7-23.htm">Approaching</a> <a href="/acts/28-28.htm">Assured</a> <a href="/acts/7-31.htm">Close</a> <a href="/acts/21-30.htm">Drawing</a> <a href="/acts/7-31.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/acts/7-53.htm">Effect</a> <a href="/acts/7-18.htm">Egypt</a> <a href="/acts/13-22.htm">Fulfill</a> <a href="/acts/13-23.htm">Fulfilment</a> <a href="/acts/10-40.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/acts/8-2.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/acts/9-22.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/acts/9-22.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/acts/9-22.htm">Increasing</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Multiplied</a> <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Nigh</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/acts/13-23.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/acts/13-23.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-18.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-3.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/acts/7-20.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/10-2.htm">Times</a> <a href="/acts/13-32.htm">Undertaking</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 7</div>1. <a href="/acts/7-1.htm">Stephen, permitted to answer to the accusation of blasphemy,</a> 2. <a href="/acts/7-2.htm">shows that Abraham worshipped God rightly, and how God chose the fathers,</a> 20. <a href="/acts/7-20.htm">before Moses was born, and before the tabernacle and temple were built;</a> 37. <a href="/acts/7-37.htm">that Moses himself witnessed of Christ;</a> 44. <a href="/acts/7-44.htm">and that all outward ceremonies were ordained to last but for a time;</a> 51. <a href="/acts/7-51.htm">reprehending their rebellion, and murdering of Christ, whom the prophets foretold.</a> 54. <a href="/acts/7-54.htm">Whereupon they stone Stephen to death, </a> 59. <a href="/acts/7-59.htm">who commends his soul to Jesus, and humbly prays for them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham This phrase refers to the covenant God made with Abraham, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars and the land of Canaan (<a href="/genesis/15-5.htm">Genesis 15:5, 18</a>). The "time" indicates God's sovereign timing in history, emphasizing His faithfulness and control over events. The promise to Abraham is foundational to the narrative of the Israelites and is a key theme throughout the Old Testament, showing God's long-term plan for His chosen people.our people in Egypt increased greatly in number This reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham's descendants numerous (<a href="/genesis/12-2.htm">Genesis 12:2</a>). The Israelites' multiplication in Egypt is recorded in <a href="/exodus/1-7.htm">Exodus 1:7</a>, where they "were fruitful and increased greatly." This growth occurred despite their oppression, demonstrating God's providence and the unstoppable nature of His promises. The increase in number set the stage for the Exodus, a pivotal event in Israel's history, and foreshadows the growth of the early church as seen in Acts.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The sovereign deity who made a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and a land for his people. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a> The patriarch to whom God made the promise of a great nation and numerous descendants. 3. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where the Israelites lived and multiplied, eventually becoming enslaved by the Egyptians. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The descendants of Abraham who were living in Egypt and experiencing significant population growth. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_promise.htm">The Promise</a> Refers to God's covenant with Abraham, which included the promise of numerous descendants and the eventual inheritance of the land of Canaan.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_promises.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Promises</a> Reflect on how God is always faithful to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. <a href="/topical/t/the_growth_of_god's_people.htm">The Growth of God's People</a> Consider how God can cause His people to flourish and grow, even in adverse conditions. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a> Understand that God's timing is perfect, and His promises are fulfilled according to His divine schedule. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_faith.htm">The Importance of Faith</a> Emphasize the role of faith in believing and waiting for God's promises, as demonstrated by Abraham. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_multiplication.htm">Spiritual Multiplication</a> Encourage believers to focus on spiritual growth and multiplication, trusting God to increase their influence and impact.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 7</a> <a href="/q/who_believed_in_the_old_testament.htm">Who were the believers in the Old Testament?</a> <a href="/q/is_jesus_the_same_person_as_god.htm">What does the term 'Promised Land' refer to?</a> <a href="/q/why_400_years_in_acts_7_6_vs._430_in_ex._12_40.htm">Why does Stephen cite a 400-year period in Acts 7:6 when Exodus 12:40 indicates 430 years of Israelite bondage?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_hebrews_7_mention_melchizedek.htm">Why does Hebrews 7 establish a priesthood 'in the order of Melchizedek' (Hebrews 7:17), which appears to undermine the Levitical priesthood mandated in the Old Testament?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Which God had sworn to Abraham.--The better MSS. give, which God promised.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - As for when, A.V.; vouchsafed unto for had sworn to, A.V. and T.R. Vouchsafed; ὁμολογεῖν, in the sense of" to promise," as in <a href="/matthew/14-7.htm">Matthew 14:7</a>, and not unfrequently in Greek writers, for ὀμνύειν, to swear. <a href="/commentaries/acts/7-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>As Καθὼς (Kathōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. time χρόνος (chronos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5550.htm">Strong's 5550: </a> A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay. drew near ἤγγιζεν (ēngizen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1448.htm">Strong's 1448: </a> Trans: I bring near; intrans: I come near, approach. From eggus; to make near, i.e. approach. for ἧς (hēs) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. [to fulfill] His promise ἐπαγγελίας (epangelias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1860.htm">Strong's 1860: </a> A promise. From epaggello; an announcement. to Abraham, Ἀβραάμ (Abraam) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_11.htm">Strong's 11: </a> Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch. [our] ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. people λαὸς (laos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Egypt Αἰγύπτῳ (Aigyptō) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_125.htm">Strong's 125: </a> Egypt. Of uncertain derivation. increased ηὔξησεν (ēuxēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_837.htm">Strong's 837: </a> (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge. greatly in number. ἐπληθύνθη (eplēthynthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4129.htm">Strong's 4129: </a> To increase, multiply. From another form of plethos; to increase. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/7-17.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 7:17 But as the time of the promise (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/7-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 7:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 7:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/7-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 7:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 7:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>