Acts 13:17
What does Acts 13:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 13:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 13:17 means
Paul begins his historical overview by emphasizing God's sovereign choice of Israel's ancestors, highlighting their humble origins as sojourners in Egypt. He recounts how God 'exalted' them and, with a 'high arm'—a powerful display of divine strength—liberated them from Egyptian bondage. This opening establishes God's faithfulness and power throughout Israel's history, reminding the audience of their unique covenant relationship with God. It grounds his message in familiar historical and theological truths, setting the stage for how God's work culminates in Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm led he them forth out of it.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm led he them forth out of it.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The God of this people Israel made selection of our fathers, lifting the people up from their low condition when they were living in the land of Egypt, and with a strong arm took them out of it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the God of this people Israel did choose our fathers, and the people He did exalt in their sojourning in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm did He bring them out of it;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people when they were sojourners in the land of Egypt: And with an high arm brought them out from thence:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890TheGod of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people in their sojourn in [the] land of Egypt, and with a high arm brought them out of it,
Context
As the first point in Paul's historical survey, following his opening address in verse 16, this verse immediately plunges into Israel's history with God's choosing of their fathers and their deliverance from Egypt. This foundational historical context is crucial for his Jewish audience, reminding them of God's covenant faithfulness. This initial historical point builds into the broader narrative of God's provision and guidance through the wilderness and into the promised land, as elaborated in verses 18-20, preparing the ground for the introduction of Jesus.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 136:10
To him that smote Egypt in their first-born; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever;
- Psalms 106:7
Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; They remembered not the multitude of thy lovingkindnesses, But were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea.
- Genesis 12:1
Now Jehovah said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto the land that I will show thee:
- Psalms 77:13
Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: Who is a great god like unto God?
- Psalms 105:26
He sent Moses his servant, AndAaron whom he had chosen.
- Amos 2:10
Also I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite.
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