Bible Strands
Acts 7:22
So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Stephen addresses the Sanhedrin, recounting Israel’s history to explain their rejection of Jesus. He pauses at Moses’ youth to contrast Egyptian cultural training with God’s sovereign calling.
The words — The verb ἐπαιδεύθη (epaideuthē) literally means “was instructed,” and σοφίᾳ (sophia) denotes “wisdom.” The text states plainly that Moses received comprehensive training within Egyptian culture before his divine commission.
The thread — This description runs alongside Isaiah 19:11’s critique of Pharaoh’s counselors, 2 Chronicles 9:22’s record of Solomon’s wisdom, and Daniel 1:4’s account of youths trained in royal knowledge.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to distinguish between human education and divine purpose. It demands acknowledgment that cultural preparation does not dictate or replace God’s direction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 19:11 The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”?
- 2 Chronicles 9:22 So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
- Daniel 1:4 young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
- Daniel 1:17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding in every kind of literature and wisdom. And Daniel had insight into all kinds of visions and dreams.
- Luke 24:19 “What things?” He asked. “The events involving Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered. “This man was a prophet, powerful in speech and action before God and all the people.
- 1 Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom, exceedingly deep insight, and understanding beyond measure, like the sand on the seashore.