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Acts 7:17

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 7:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But as the time of the promise drew nigh which God vouchsafed unto Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But as the time of the promise drew nigh which God vouchsafed unto Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
Acts 7:17 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14And Joseph sent, and called to him Jacob his father, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
15And Jacob went down into Egypt; and he died, himself and our fathers;
16and they were carried over unto Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a price in silver of the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
17But as the time of the promise drew nigh which God vouchsafed unto Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
18till there arose another king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph.
19The same dealt craftily with our race, and ill-treated our fathers, that they should cast out their babes to the end they might not live.
20At which season Moses was born, and was exceeding fair; and he was nourished three months in his father`s house.
← Acts 7:16Acts 7:18 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But when the time of the promise drew nigh, etc.] That is, the time of the four hundred years; when God promised to deliver the seed of Abraham out of their affliction and servitude, and bring them into the land of Canaan to inherit it: which God had sworn to Abraham; in (<011513>Genesis 15:13,14) for though there is no express mention made of an oath, yet there is a most solemn affirmation, which is equivalent to one; the Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Vulgate Latin version read, which God promised unto Abraham; the people grew and multiplied in Egypt; (see <020107>Exodus 1:7) insomuch, that though their number were but threescore and ten when they went down to Egypt, and though…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But when--rather, "as." the time of the promise--that is, for its fulfilment. the people grew and multiplied in Egypt--For more than two hundred years they amounted to no more than seventy-five souls; how prodigious, then, must have been their multiplication during the latter two centuries, when six hundred thousand men, fit for war, besides women and children, left Egypt!”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The time of the promise - The time of the “fulfillment” of the promise. The people grew ... - Exodus 1:7-9. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Exo 1:7. Acts 7:18”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“when: Act 7:6; Gen 15:13-16; Pe2 3:8, Pe2 3:9 the people: Act 13:17; Exo 1:7-12, Exo 1:20; Psa 105:24, Psa 105:25 Acts 7:18”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 7 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification