Acts 7:22
What does Acts 7:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 7:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 7:22 means
Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and became mighty in words and deeds. Stephen affirms Moses’ capacity as a leader, shaped by the best training of his day and marked by strength in speech and action. This portrait fits a man ready to act, though later events show that readiness must be aligned with God’s timing. The gifts Moses possessed were not accidents; God furnished him for the role he would eventually fulfill. Yet human readiness alone cannot substitute for divine commission. Stephen’s hearers, who esteem Moses, are reminded: God’s instruments may be great by human standards, but their effectiveness depends on God’s call and presence.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians; and he was mighty in his words and works.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians; and he was mighty in his words and works.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Moses was trained in all the wisdom of Egypt, and was great in his words and works.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Moses was taught in all wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was powerful in words and in works.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians: and he was mighty in his words and in his deeds.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Moses was instructed in all [the] wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.
Context
This verse completes Moses’ preparation phase: spared from death, adopted into royalty, and formed by Egyptian wisdom. Next, verses 23–25 will recount Moses’ visit to his brothers and his first, misunderstood attempt to deliver them. Stephen is setting up a pattern—gifted and chosen leaders meet rejection at their first approach. That pattern, seen in Joseph and now Moses, will be used to interpret Israel’s response to the Righteous One later in the speech.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 1:17
Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
- 2 Chronicles 9:22
So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom.
- Daniel 1:4
youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and endued with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king’s palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.
- 1 Kings 4:29
And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea-shore.
- Luke 24:19
And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
- Isaiah 19:11
The princes of Zoan are utterly foolish; the counsel of the wisest counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?
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