Acts 7:12
Acts 7:12 in Multiple Translations
When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.
But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time.
But Jacob, hearing that there was grain in Egypt, sent out our fathers the first time.
When Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt he sent our forefathers down on their first visit.
But when Iacob heard that there was corne in Egypt, he sent our fathers first:
and Jacob having heard that there was corn in Egypt, sent forth our fathers a first time;
But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers the first time.
But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
But when Jacob had heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first:
When Jacob heard people report that there was grain/food that people could buy in Egypt, he sent Joseph’s older brothers to go there to buy grain. They went and bought grain from Joseph, but they did not recognize him. Then they returned home.
Then Jacob heard that there was food in Egypt. So he sent his sons to Egypt to get food. Those men were our grand-fathers that lived a long time ago. When they got to Egypt, they met Joseph, but he looked so different that they didn’t know him. Then they bought some food and took it home.
Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 7:12
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Acts 7:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Acts 7:12
Study Notes — Acts 7:12
- Context
- Cross References
- Acts 7:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Acts 7:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 7:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 7:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 7:12
- Cambridge Bible on Acts 7:12
- Barnes' Notes on Acts 7:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Acts 7:12
- Sermons on Acts 7:12
Context — Joseph Sold into Egypt
12When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.
13On their second visit, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. 14Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 42:1–24 | When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, “Why are you staring at one another?” “Look,” he added, “I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we may live and not die.” So ten of Joseph’s brothers went down to buy grain from Egypt. But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm might befall him.” So the sons of Israel were among those who came to buy grain, since the famine had also spread to the land of Canaan. Now Joseph was the ruler of the land; he was the one who sold grain to all its people. So when his brothers arrived, they bowed down before him with their faces to the ground. And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.” Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Joseph remembered his dreams about them and said, “You are spies! You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.” “Not so, my lord,” they replied. “Your servants have come to buy food. We are all sons of one man. Your servants are honest men, not spies.” “No,” he told them. “You have come to see if our land is vulnerable.” But they answered, “Your servants are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. The youngest is now with our father, and one is no more.” Then Joseph declared, “Just as I said, you are spies! And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here. Send one of your number to get your brother; the rest of you will be confined so that the truth of your words may be tested. If they are untrue, then as surely as Pharaoh lives, you are spies!” So Joseph imprisoned them for three days, and on the third day he said to them, “I fear God. So do this and you will live: If you are honest, leave one of your brothers in custody while the rest of you go and take back grain to relieve the hunger of your households. Then bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be verified, that you may not die.” And to this they consented. Then they said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw his anguish when he pleaded with us, but we would not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” And Reuben responded, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you would not listen. Now we must account for his blood!” They did not realize that Joseph understood them, since there was an interpreter between them. And he turned away from them and wept. When he turned back and spoke to them, he took Simeon from them and had him bound before their eyes. |
| 2 | Genesis 43:2 | So when Jacob’s sons had eaten all the grain they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go back and buy us a little more food.” |
Acts 7:12 Summary
This verse tells us that Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy grain because there was a severe famine in the land. This was a practical decision to provide for his family's needs, and it ultimately led to the Israelites' relocation to Egypt. As we read in Genesis 42:1-3, Jacob told his sons to go to Egypt to buy grain, and this event was part of God's larger plan to preserve and prosper His people, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:20. We can learn from Jacob's example to trust God and take responsible action to provide for our own needs and the needs of those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob send his sons to Egypt for grain?
Jacob sent his sons to Egypt because there was a severe famine in Canaan and he had heard that there was grain available in Egypt, as we read in Acts 7:12 and also in Genesis 42:1-3 where it is recorded that Jacob told his sons to go to Egypt to buy grain.
What was the significance of Jacob's decision to send his sons to Egypt?
Jacob's decision to send his sons to Egypt was significant because it ultimately led to the Israelites' relocation to Egypt, which was a crucial part of God's plan to preserve and prosper His people, as seen in Genesis 45:5 and Genesis 50:20.
How did Jacob know about the grain in Egypt?
The Bible does not explicitly state how Jacob knew about the grain in Egypt, but it is likely that he heard about it through travelers or traders who had come from Egypt, as news of the grain stores in Egypt would have been an important commodity during times of famine.
What can we learn from Jacob's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Jacob's actions that he was a pragmatic and responsible leader who was willing to take risks to provide for his family's needs, as seen in Acts 7:12, and this is a quality that is still valued today, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 5:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can provide for my family's needs, just like Jacob did in this verse?
- How can I trust God's plan for my life, even when things seem uncertain or difficult, as Jacob did when he sent his sons to Egypt?
- What are some times in my life when I have had to make difficult decisions to provide for myself or my loved ones, and how did I respond?
- How can I apply the principles of responsible leadership and provision that we see in Jacob's life to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Acts 7:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 7:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 7:12
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 7:12
Cambridge Bible on Acts 7:12
Barnes' Notes on Acts 7:12
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 7:12
Sermons on Acts 7:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Acts) the Witness of Stephen by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of continuing the mission of spreading the gospel to the world. He encourages the audience to seek God's direction and be will |
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Corn in Egypt by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying solely on the sufferings of Jesus Christ on the cross for salvation. He encourages the listeners to believe in Jes |
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(Genesis) Genesis 42 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers during the time of famine in Egypt. Jacob, their father, sends 10 of his sons to Egypt to buy corn, but h |
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Money, Mules and Travel by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching out to the lost and sharing the message of salvation. He highlights that the purpose of the church is to bring pe |
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(Genesis) 58 - the Persistent Power of a Guilty Conscience by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. He highlights Joseph's plan to test his brothers' character and remorse by put |
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Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-04 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis and draws parallels between Joseph and Jesus. The speaker highlights how Joseph made the years co |
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Through the Bible - Genesis 42-46 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the story of Joseph in Genesis 42-46, focusing on how Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dreams and prepares Egypt for a coming famine. He emphasizes Joseph's rise t |







