Acts 7:20
What does Acts 7:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 7:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 7:20 means
At this deadly time, Moses was born, described as exceedingly fair. His survival for three months in his parents’ house displays both parental courage and divine favor. Stephen hints that God’s deliverance begins quietly, with a child marked by evident grace. The term underscores Moses’ special place in God’s plan. Preservation amid peril becomes the first sign that God’s purposes cannot be thwarted. Moses’ origin story mirrors the pattern seen with Joseph: a chosen instrument, protected by God, readied in adversity. Thus, Stephen begins to trace how the one destined to deliver Israel enters the world under threat, yet with clear tokens of God’s regard.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000At which season Moses was born, and was exceeding fair; and he was nourished three months in his father’s house:
KJV
King James Version · 1611In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901At which season Moses was born, and was exceeding fair; and he was nourished three months in his father’s house:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949At which time Moses came to birth, and he was very beautiful; and he was kept for three months in his father's house:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in which time Moses was born, and he was fair to God, and he was brought up three months in the house of his father;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752At the same time was Moses born: and he was acceptable to God. Who was nourished three months in his father's house.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890In which time Moses was born, and was exceedingly lovely, who was nourished three months in the house of his father.
Context
After describing Pharaoh’s cruelty, Stephen introduces Moses’ birth. Verse 20 emphasizes Moses’ notable worth and protection. Verse 21 will recount his exposure and adoption by Pharaoh’s daughter, and verse 22 his education and prowess. This section sets the profile of God’s chosen deliverer: spared from death, raised in the oppressor’s house, and prepared for leadership. The pattern parallels Joseph’s story of suffering turned to service, supporting Stephen’s theme of God shaping and sending leaders whom Israel does not at first understand or receive.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 2:2
And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
- 1 Samuel 16:12
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.
- Hebrews 11:23
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.
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