Bible Strands
Acts 7:48
However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Stephen addresses the Jewish assembly in Jerusalem, in the final phase of his defense, immediately after acknowledging Solomon's temple (v.47) and before quoting Isaiah 66:1 (v.49).
The words — χειροποιήτοις (cheiropoiētois) is a compound of cheir (hand) and poiētos (made), literally "hand-made," stressing the limitation of human craft rather than merely the act of building.
The thread — Paul uses nearly identical language in Acts 17:24; Solomon himself raises the same question in 1 Kings 8:27; and the quote that follows (v.49) is drawn from Isaiah 66:1.
Why it lands — It forces the reader to confront whether their own religious framework has quietly become a "hand-made temple" — a container that substitutes for the God it claims to house.
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
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
Cross-references
- Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands.
- Isaiah 66:1 This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?
- 1 Kings 8:27 But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.
- 2 Chronicles 2:5 The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
- 2 Chronicles 6:18 But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.
- Psalms 91:9 Because you have made the LORD your dwelling—my refuge, the Most High—
- Psalms 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
- Psalms 92:8 But You, O LORD, are exalted forever!
- Daniel 4:17 This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’
- Daniel 4:24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king: