What does Acts 7:37 mean?

"¶ This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." - Acts 7:37

"¶ This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." - Acts 7:37

The verse Acts 7:37 from the King James Version of the Bible states: "This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear."

This verse comes from the Book of Acts in the New Testament and is part of a speech given by Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early Christian church. In this particular section of his speech, Stephen is recounting the history of the Israelites and their relationship with God, focusing on the time of Moses.

The verse itself is a reference to a prophecy made by Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses tells the Israelites, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen." This prophecy is an important part of Jewish and Christian theology, as it is often seen as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ.

The phrase "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear" is significant because it is a direct reference to Jesus as the fulfillment of this prophecy. In the Christian tradition, Jesus is often understood as the ultimate prophet, who came to fulfill the law and the prophecies of the Old Testament. This verse is one of many in the New Testament that connects the life and teachings of Jesus to the Hebrew scriptures, showing how he is the fulfillment of God's promises to the Israelites.

The use of the phrase "like unto me" is also significant, as it emphasizes the similarities between Moses and the coming prophet. Both Moses and Jesus were figures who challenged the status quo, led their people out of bondage, and delivered them to a new spiritual and physical promised land. This comparison serves to reinforce the idea that Jesus is the continuation and fulfillment of the Old Testament narrative, rather than a new and separate entity.

The broader context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. Stephen's speech takes place during a time of conflict and persecution for the early Christian community. He is addressing a hostile audience, defending his faith and proclaiming the message of Jesus. By referencing this prophecy of Moses, Stephen is making a bold statement about the continuity of God's plan throughout history and the central role of Jesus in that plan. In doing so, he is attempting to persuade his audience of the truth of the Christian message and the significance of Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises.

Symbolically, this verse represents the idea of continuity and fulfillment in God's plan for humanity. It links the Old Testament to the New Testament, showing that Jesus is the culmination of the prophetic tradition that began with Moses. It also speaks to the idea of listening and obeying the words of the prophet, emphasizing the importance of heeding the message of Jesus.

In conclusion, Acts 7:37 from the King James Version of the Bible is a significant verse that connects the prophecies of the Old Testament to the coming of Jesus in the New Testament. It is a powerful statement about the continuity of God's plan and the central role of Jesus in fulfilling that plan. The verse has important theological and symbolic implications, and it serves as a key part of Stephen's defense of the Christian faith in the face of persecution.

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Acts 7:37 Artwork

Acts 7:37 - "¶ This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear."

Acts 7:37 - "¶ This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear."

"¶ This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." - Acts 7:37

"¶ This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." - Acts 7:37

Acts 13:37 - "But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption."

Acts 13:37 - "But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption."

Mark 7:37 - "And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."

Mark 7:37 - "And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak."

John 7:37-39

John 7:37-39

John 7:37-39

John 7:37-39

Acts 15:37 - "And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark."

Acts 15:37 - "And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark."

Acts 20:37 - "And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,"

Acts 20:37 - "And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,"

Acts 4:37 - "Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."

Acts 4:37 - "Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet."

Acts 27:37 - "And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls."

Acts 27:37 - "And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls."

Ezekiel 37:7

Ezekiel 37:7

Psalms 37:7

Psalms 37:7

Mark 7:31-37

Mark 7:31-37

Ezekiel 37 1-7

Ezekiel 37 1-7

Mark 7:31-37

Mark 7:31-37

Acts 19:37 - "For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess."

Acts 19:37 - "For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess."

Acts 9:37 - "And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber."

Acts 9:37 - "And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber."

1 Chronicles 7:37 - "Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera."

1 Chronicles 7:37 - "Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera."

"But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption." - Acts 13:37

"But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption." - Acts 13:37

Acts 2:37 - "¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Acts 2:37 - "¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Nehemiah 7:37 - "The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one."

Nehemiah 7:37 - "The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one."

Acts 3:6-7

Acts 3:6-7

Acts 3:6-7

Acts 3:6-7

Acts 8:37 - "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Acts 8:37 - "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

Acts 10:37 - "That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;"

Acts 10:37 - "That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;"

Acts 3:6-7

Acts 3:6-7

Acts 3:6-7

Acts 3:6-7

Acts 3:6-7

Acts 3:6-7

"And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him," - Acts 20:37

"And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him," - Acts 20:37

"Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." - Acts 4:37

"Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." - Acts 4:37