Acts 7:23
What does Acts 7:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 7:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 7:23 means
Around age forty, Moses’ heart turned toward his own people. He chose to identify with the children of Israel rather than remain detached in privilege. Stephen highlights a decisive inward impulse—to visit his brethren—that sets the stage for action. This movement shows emerging solidarity, a necessary quality in God’s deliverer. Yet zeal without clear divine commission can misfire. Moses’ compassion is commendable, but the recognition of his role by his own people will not come yet. The verse marks the tension between calling sensed and calling recognized, a tension that often leads to misunderstanding before eventual acceptance in God’s time.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But when he was well-nigh forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But when he was well-nigh forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But when he was almost forty years old, it came into his heart to go and see his brothers, the children of Israel.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And when forty years were fulfilled to him, it came upon his heart to look after his brethren, the sons of Israel;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when a period of forty years was fulfilled to him, it came into his heart to look upon his brethren, the sons of Israel;
Context
Having described Moses’ preparation, Stephen turns to the first attempt at deliverance. Verse 23 frames the moment with Moses’ internal motivation. Verses 24–25 will show his defense of a wronged Israelite and his assumption that his brothers would understand. The subsequent verses (26–29) will record their rejection and Moses’ flight to Midian. This narrative step is crucial for Stephen’s pattern: at the first approach, the deliverer is not received; only later, after God’s call, will his leadership be acknowledged.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 17:17
For God did put in their hearts to do his mind, and to come to one mind, and to give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.
- James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.
- Philippians 2:12
So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
- Ezra 1:1
Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Jehovah stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, andput italso in writing, saying,
- Exodus 35:29
The children of Israel brought a freewill-offering unto Jehovah; every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all the work, which Jehovah had commanded to be made by Moses.
- 2 Chronicles 30:12
Also upon Judah came the hand of God to give them one heart, to do the commandment of the king and of the princes by the word of Jehovah.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 7
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 7.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Being Filled with the Spirit
The Bible encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit, a divine empowerment for Christian life and witness
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…