Bible Strands
Acts 7:9
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Stephen addresses the Jewish council in Jerusalem, recounting Israel’s history as he shifts focus from Jacob’s descendants to the betrayal of Joseph. He positions this past event to demonstrate God’s uninterrupted presence amid human hostility.
The words — ζηλώσαντες (zēlōsantes) means “having envied,” identifying the patriarchs’ motive, while ἀπέδοντο (apedonto) literally translates “sold [him].” These terms record the concrete mechanism of Joseph’s forced relocation.
The thread — The narrative pattern repeats in Genesis 39:2, where the Lord’s presence accompanies Joseph in Egypt, and Psalms 105:17, which notes God sending the sold slave. Isaiah 43:2 later extends the motif of divine accompaniment through trials.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to acknowledge that human jealousy does not override God’s sustaining presence. It demands a sober assessment of how providence operates through, rather than despite, human betrayal.
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 the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
Cross-references
- Genesis 39:2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.
- Psalms 105:17 He sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave.
- Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
- Genesis 45:4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt!
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Genesis 37:18 Now Joseph’s brothers saw him in the distance, and before he arrived, they plotted to kill him.
- Genesis 39:5 From the time that he put Joseph in charge of his household and all he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s household on account of him. The LORD’s blessing was on everything he owned, both in his house and in his field.
- Genesis 39:21 the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.
- Genesis 49:23 The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility.
- Matthew 27:18 For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.