Acts 7:48
What does Acts 7:48 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 7:48 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 7:48 means
However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands, as the prophet says. Stephen appeals to Scripture to correct any notion that the Temple confines God. The phrase made with hands pointedly distinguishes divine from human workmanship, echoing the language used for idols. Even the God-sanctioned Temple cannot circumscribe the infinite One. God’s presence may graciously fill a house, but His being is not contained there. Stephen thus upholds a high view of God’s transcendence alongside His immanence. Far from despising the Temple, he restores it to its proper role while calling his hearers to worship the God who cannot be boxed in by stone.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in houses made with hands; as saith the prophet,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in houses made with hands; as saith the prophet,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But still, the Most High has not his resting-place in houses made with hands, as the prophet says,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`But the Most High in sanctuaries made with hands doth not dwell, according as the prophet saith:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Yet the most High dwelleth not in houses made by hands, as the prophet saith:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the Most High dwells not in [places] made with hands; as says the prophet,
Context
After acknowledging Solomon’s building, Stephen quotes prophetic Scripture to stress God’s transcendence (verses 48–50). This sets the theological high ground for his coming rebuke (verses 51–53): resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying the Righteous One. The progression is deliberate—Scripture itself relativizes the Temple’s capacity; therefore, those accusing Stephen of blasphemy misunderstand their own prophets. This prepares the council to hear the charge of spiritual stubbornness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 4:34
And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever; for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom from generation to generation;
- 1 Kings 8:27
But will God in very deed dwell on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded!
- Deuteronomy 32:8
When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, When he separated the children of men, He set the bounds of the peoples According to the number of the children of Israel.
- Psalms 91:9
For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation;
- Isaiah 66:1
Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest?
- Daniel 4:24
this is the interpretation, O king, and it is the decree of the Most High, which is come upon my lord the king:
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