What does Acts 7:19 mean?
"The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live." - Acts 7:19

Acts 7:19 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live." This verse is part of a larger speech given by Stephen, a deacon in the early Christian church, before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council in Jerusalem. In this speech, Stephen recounts the history of the Jewish people, beginning with Abraham and culminating in the life and death of Jesus Christ, in an effort to defend the Christian faith and show that it is in line with the Jewish tradition.
The specific verse in question refers to the oppression and cruel treatment suffered by the Jewish people at the hands of the Egyptians in the time of Moses. When it says, "The same dealt subtilly with our kindred," it is referring to how the Egyptians, especially Pharaoh, acted deceptively and cunningly towards the Israelites, tricking them into slavery and using deceitful tactics to keep them oppressed. This emphasizes the historical pattern of the Israelites being mistreated by other nations.
The verse then goes on to say, "and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live." This is a direct reference to the harsh treatment and oppressiveness of the Egyptians towards the Israelites. It highlights the extreme cruelty of the Egyptian oppression, as they not only enslaved the Israelites, but also attempted to exterminate them by killing their newborn sons, as depicted in the story of Moses' birth and the subsequent order from Pharaoh to kill all Hebrew baby boys.
In the larger context of Stephen's speech, this verse serves to illustrate the pattern of suffering and persecution that the Israelites have endured throughout their history. It also serves to align the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt with the suffering of the early Christians at the hands of the Jewish leaders who opposed the message of Jesus Christ.
The themes present in this verse include the concept of suffering and persecution, the faithfulness of God in the midst of oppression, and the idea of deliverance and salvation. By recounting the history of the Israelites' suffering in Egypt, Stephen is emphasizing the faithfulness of God in delivering His people from oppression, as exemplified by their eventual exodus from Egypt under the leadership of Moses.
In a broader theological context, this verse also serves to foreshadow the ultimate deliverance and salvation that is found in Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites were delivered from their oppressors in Egypt, so too can all individuals find deliverance and salvation through faith in the redemptive work of Jesus.
Symbolically, this verse represents the ongoing struggle of the Jewish people to maintain their identity and faith in the face of persecution and oppression. It also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Jewish people, as they have survived and persevered through millennia of hardship and adversity.
In conclusion, Acts 7:19 in the King James Version of the Bible is a poignant and powerful reminder of the suffering and oppression endured by the Israelites in Egypt. It serves to illustrate the pattern of persecution and deliverance that runs throughout the history of the Jewish people, and it foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and salvation found in Jesus Christ. This verse is a testament to the faithfulness of God in the midst of oppression and serves as a source of hope and inspiration for believers today.
Have questions about Acts 7:19?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Acts 7:19 Artwork
Acts 7:19 - "The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live."
"The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live." - Acts 7:19
Acts 19:7 - "And all the men were about twelve."
"And all the men were about twelve." - Acts 19:7
Acts 19: 11
Acts 19:11
Acts 3:6-7
Acts 3:6-7
Acts 3:6-7
Acts 3:6-7
Acts 3:6-7
Acts 19:11 - "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:"
Acts 19:20 - "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."
Acts 19:18 - "And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds."
Acts 14:7 - "And there they preached the gospel."
Acts 19:23 - "And the same time there arose no small stir about that way."
Acts 19:5 - "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Depict the events of Acts 19:14-17
Acts 19:41 - "And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly."
acts 20:7-12
Acts 7:47 - "But Solomon built him an house."
Acts 26:19 - "Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:"
Acts 27:19 - "And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship."
Acts 7:1 - "Then said the high priest, Are these things so?"
Acts 19:30 - "And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not."
Acts 5:19 - "But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,"
"And there they preached the gospel." - Acts 14:7
Acts 19:36 - "Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly."
Romans 7:19
Genesis 19-7