Acts 7:46
What does Acts 7:46 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 7:46 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 7:46 means
David found favor with God and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob. Stephen honors David’s heart for God’s dwelling. Favor indicates God’s grace toward David, and the desire to prepare a place for God reflects devotion. Yet the request itself anticipates a response: it will be Solomon, not David, who builds. Stephen’s point is measured—he esteems the kingship’s role in worship while keeping God sovereign over how He chooses to be worshiped. Desire must yield to God’s will. The verse shows continuity between tabernacle and Temple, without equating the Temple with God Himself.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who was pleasing to God; and he had a desire to make a holy tent for the God of Jacob.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who found favour before God, and requested to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who found grace before God and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890who found favour beforeGod, and asked to find a tabernacle for theGod of Jacob;
Context
From Joshua’s time to David’s, the tabernacle served as Israel’s worship center. Verse 46 highlights David’s favor and longing to provide a permanent house. Verse 47 will note that Solomon, David’s son, accomplished the building. These details keep Stephen aligned with Israel’s sacred history while preparing for the correction in verses 48–50—God is not contained by any house, as the prophets said. The balance is key: Stephen appreciates the Temple’s place without making it ultimate.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 15:28
And Samuel said unto him, Jehovah hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbor of thine, that is better than thou.
- 1 Kings 8:17
Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of Jehovah, the God of Israel.
- Psalms 132:11
Jehovah hath sworn unto David in truth; He will not turn from it: Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.
- 2 Samuel 7:18
Then David the king went in, and sat before Jehovah; and he said, Who am I, O Lord Jehovah, and what is my house, that thou hast brought me thus far?
- Psalms 78:68
But chose the tribe of Judah, The mount Zion which he loved.
- Acts 13:22
And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he bare witness and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who shall do all my will.
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