New International Version“At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for by his family.
New Living Translation“At that time Moses was born—a beautiful child in God’s eyes. His parents cared for him at home for three months.
English Standard VersionAt this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God’s sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father’s house,
Berean Standard BibleAt that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God. For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house.
Berean Literal BibleIn that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful to God, who was brought up three months in his father's house.
King James BibleIn which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:
New King James VersionAt this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months.
New American Standard BibleAt this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful to God. He was nurtured for three months in his father’s home.
NASB 1995“It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home.
NASB 1977“And it was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God; and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home.
Legacy Standard BibleIt was at this time that Moses was born, and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home.
Amplified BibleIt was at this [critical] time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and for three months he was nourished in his father’s house.
Christian Standard BibleAt this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God’s sight. He was cared for in his father’s home for three months.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAt this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God’s sight. He was cared for in his father’s home three months,
American Standard VersionAt which season Moses was born, and was exceeding fair; and he was nourished three months in his father's house.
Contemporary English VersionDuring this time Moses was born. He was a very beautiful child, and for three months his parents took care of him in their home.
English Revised VersionAt which season Moses was born, and was exceeding fair; and he was nourished three months in his father's house:
GOD'S WORD® Translation"At that time Moses was born, and he was a very beautiful child. His parents took care of him for three months.
Good News TranslationIt was at this time that Moses was born, a very beautiful child. He was cared for at home for three months,
International Standard Version"At this time Moses was born. He was beautiful in the sight of God, and for three months he was cared for in his father's house.
NET BibleAt that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful to God. For three months he was brought up in his father's house,
New Heart English BibleAt that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome. He was nourished three months in his father's house.
Webster's Bible TranslationIn which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months:
Weymouth New TestamentAt this time Moses was born--a wonderfully beautiful child; and for three months he was cared for in his father's house. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God. For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house.
World English BibleAt that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome to God. He was nourished three months in his father’s house. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionin which time Moses was born, and he was fair to God, and he was brought up [for] three months in the house of his father;
Berean Literal BibleIn that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful to God, who was brought up three months in his father's house.
Young's Literal Translation in which time Moses was born, and he was fair to God, and he was brought up three months in the house of his father;
Smith's Literal TranslationIn which time Moses was born, and he was shrewd to God, who was nourished up three months in his father's house: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAt the same time was Moses born, and he was acceptable to God: who was nourished three months in his father's house.
Catholic Public Domain VersionIn the same time, Moses was born. And he was in the grace of God, and he was nourished for three months in the house of his father.
New American BibleAt this time Moses was born, and he was extremely beautiful. For three months he was nursed in his father’s house;
New Revised Standard VersionAt this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God. For three months he was brought up in his father’s house; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleDuring that very period Moses was born, and he was favored before God, so that for three months he was nourished in his father’s house.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAt that time Moses was born, and was dear to God and was raised three months in his father's house. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAt which time Moses was born; and he was exceedingly beautiful, and was nursed three months in his father's house.
Godbey New TestamentDuring which time Moses was born, and was beautiful to God; who was kept three months in the house of his father.
Haweis New TestamentAt which time Moses was born, and was endued with singular beauty from God, who was brought up three months in the house of his father:
Mace New Testamentin which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months:
Weymouth New TestamentAt this time Moses was born--a wonderfully beautiful child; and for three months he was cared for in his father's house.
Worrell New TestamentIn which season Moses was born, and was beautiful to God; who was nourished three months in the house of his father;
Worsley New TestamentIn which time Moses was born, who was exceeding beautiful, and he was nourished up in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Stephen's Address to the Sanhedrin… 19He exploited our people and oppressed our fathers, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die. 20AtthattimeMoseswas born,andhe wasbeautifulin the sight of God.For threemonthshewas nurturedinhisfather’shouse.21When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.…
Cross References Exodus 2:2and she conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months.
Hebrews 11:23By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king’s edict.
Exodus 2:3-10But when she could no longer hide him, she got him a papyrus basket and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in the basket and set it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. / And his sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him. / Soon the daughter of Pharaoh went down to bathe in the Nile, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank. And when she saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maidservant to retrieve it. ...
Acts 7:22So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.
Exodus 1:22Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.”
Acts 7:25He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not.
Acts 7:35This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
Acts 7:37This is the same Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’
Acts 7:39-40But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. / They said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’
Acts 7:44Our fathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the wilderness. It was constructed exactly as God had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.
Acts 7:52Which of the prophets did your fathers fail to persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are His betrayers and murderers—
Exodus 3:10Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Exodus 4:10-12“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” / And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? / Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”
Exodus 12:31Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Get up, leave my people, both you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested.
Exodus 14:21-22Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, / and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left.
Treasury of Scripture In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: Moses. Exodus 2:2-10 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that hewas a goodlychild, she hid him three months… and was. 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now hewas ruddy,and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for thisis he. Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they sawhe was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. exceeding fair. Jump to Previous BeautifulBirthBornCaredChildExceedingExceedinglyFairFather'sHandsomeHomeHouseLovelyMonthsMosesNourishedNurturedOrdinarySeasonSightThreeTimeWonderfullyJump to Next BeautifulBirthBornCaredChildExceedingExceedinglyFairFather'sHandsomeHomeHouseLovelyMonthsMosesNourishedNurturedOrdinarySeasonSightThreeTimeWonderfullyActs 7 1.Stephen, permitted to answer to the accusation of blasphemy,2.shows that Abraham worshipped God rightly, and how God chose the fathers,20.before Moses was born, and before the tabernacle and temple were built;37.that Moses himself witnessed of Christ;44.and that all outward ceremonies were ordained to last but for a time;51.reprehending their rebellion, and murdering of Christ, whom the prophets foretold.54.Whereupon they stone Stephen to death,59.who commends his soul to Jesus, and humbly prays for them.At that timeThis phrase refers to the period of Israelite enslavement in Egypt, as described in Exodus 1. The Israelites were oppressed by Pharaoh, who had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed. This context sets the stage for Moses' birth as a significant event in God's plan for deliverance. Moses was born
Moses' birth is a pivotal moment in biblical history. He is a central figure in the Old Testament, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His birth is seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his descendants would be numerous and would inherit the land of Canaan. and he was beautiful in the sight of God
This phrase indicates that Moses was special and chosen by God from birth. The description of Moses as "beautiful" or "fair" can also be understood as a sign of divine favor. It echoes the idea that God sees beyond human appearances and values the heart and purpose of an individual, as seen in1 Samuel 16:7. For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house
Moses' early life was marked by his parents' faith and courage. Despite Pharaoh's edict, they hid him for three months, demonstrating their trust in God's protection. This act of defiance is later commended inHebrews 11:23 as an example of faith. The nurturing in his father's house signifies the initial protection and care Moses received, which laid the foundation for his future role as a leader and prophet. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. His life is marked by divine intervention and leadership. 2. Moses' ParentsAmram and Jochebed, who defied Pharaoh's edict to kill Hebrew male infants, demonstrating faith and courage by hiding Moses for three months. 3. Pharaoh's EdictThe decree by the Egyptian Pharaoh to kill all newborn Hebrew boys, which sets the stage for Moses' early life and the subsequent deliverance of Israel. 4. EgyptThe land where the Israelites were enslaved and where Moses was born. It serves as the backdrop for the early part of Moses' life and the Exodus account. 5. God's ProvidenceThe divine care and guidance evident in Moses' preservation and preparation for his future role as a leader. Teaching Points Divine Purpose and BeautyMoses was described as "beautiful in the sight of God," indicating that every life has intrinsic value and purpose in God's eyes. We should recognize and affirm the worth of every individual as part of God's creation. Faith Over FearMoses' parents exemplified faith by defying Pharaoh's edict. In our lives, we are called to trust God and act in faith, even when faced with fearsome circumstances. God's Sovereignty and ProvidenceThe preservation of Moses highlights God's sovereign plan and providence. We can trust that God is at work in our lives, orchestrating events for His purposes. The Role of Family in Faith FormationMoses' early nurturing in his father's house underscores the importance of family in shaping faith. Families today are encouraged to create environments that nurture spiritual growth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 7:20?
2.How does Acts 7:20 highlight God's providence in Moses' early life?
3.What can we learn from Moses being "no ordinary child" for our own lives?
4.How does Moses' birth connect to God's promises in Exodus 2:1-10?
5.How can we trust God's plan when facing difficult circumstances today?
6.What role does faith play in recognizing God's purpose for our lives?
7.How does Acts 7:20 reflect God's providence in Moses' early life?
8.Why is Moses described as "beautiful in the sight of God" in Acts 7:20?
9.What significance does Moses' birth hold in the context of Israel's history?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 7?
11.What similarities exist between Moses and Jesus?
12.In Ezekiel 20:5-8, how credible is the claim that the Israelites rebelled immediately after God's promise to deliver them from Egypt, given the differing details in Exodus?
13.Stephen states Moses was 'mighty in words' (Acts 7:22), but Exodus 4:10 depicts Moses as slow of speech. How do we reconcile these descriptions?
14.Why does Jacob's claim of seeing God 'face to face' (Gen. 32:30) not conflict with John 1:18, which says no one has ever seen God?What Does Acts 7:20 Mean At that time• Stephen has just reminded the Sanhedrin that “the people multiplied and increased in Egypt” (Acts 7:17). • The phrase anchors us to the era of Pharaoh’s oppression—seeExodus 1:8-22, where newborn Hebrew boys were sentenced to death. • God’s covenant clock had struck the 400-year mark foretold to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14), signaling that deliverance was near.
Moses was born•Exodus 2:1-2 records the same event, showing God’s providence unfolding in a specific family from the tribe of Levi (Exodus 2:1;Numbers 26:59). • With each birth, Pharaoh’s decree appeared to tighten its grip, yet in that very context God introduces the deliverer. •Hebrews 11:23 notes that Moses’ parents acted “by faith,” refusing to accept the culture’s demand for death. The birth itself is an act of divine timing.
and he was beautiful in the sight of God• Stephen’s wording stresses more than physical appearance; it highlights divine favor.Exodus 2:2 simply notes the child was “beautiful,” butActs 7:20 adds “in the sight of God,” underscoring that God Himself delighted in Moses. •Psalm 139:14-16 reminds us that every life is formed and valued by the Creator; Moses’ beauty reflects that larger truth. • God’s approval echoes similar phrases describing favored individuals—e.g., David as “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22) and Jesus as “My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house•Exodus 2:2 fills in the details: his mother “hid him for three months.” Protection and nurturing happened simultaneously. • This period demonstrates parental courage and obedience to God over man (Acts 5:29). Faith is often expressed in everyday caregiving. • God honored their risk:Hebrews 11:23 points out they were “not afraid of the king’s edict.” Their household became the first sanctuary for the future liberator. • After three months, when concealment was no longer possible, God seamlessly transitioned Moses from parental arms to Pharaoh’s palace (Exodus 2:3-10), proving His sovereignty over every environment.
summaryIn a single verse Stephen packs covenant timing, courageous faith, divine favor, and sovereign preservation.Acts 7:20 shows that God births deliverance at the darkest hour, treasures His chosen vessels, empowers ordinary parents to protect life, and moves history forward through homes that trust Him. (20) Exceeding fair.--Literally, as in the margin, fair to God. The adjective is found in the LXX. of Exodus 2:2, as applied to Moses. The special idiom for expressing pre-eminent excellence is itself essentially Hebrew, the highest goodness being thought of as that which approves itself as good to God; but this also had become familiar to Hellenistic Jews through the LXX. version, as, e.g.,in Jonah 3:3, a city "great to God" = an exceeding great city. St. Paul's "mighty to God" ( 2Corinthians 10:4) is probably an example of the same idiom. Josephus, following probably some old tradition ( Ant i. 9, ? 6), describes the beauty of the infant Moses as such that those who met him turned to gaze in admiration. Verse 20. - At which season for in which time, A.V.; he was nourished three months in his father's house for nourished up in his father's house three months, A.V. Exceeding fair ( ἀστεῖος τῷ Θεῷ). In Exodus 2:2 it is simply ἀστεῖος, "a goodly child," A.V., and so in Hebrews 11:23, rendered "a goodly child," "a proper child," A.V. Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 2. 9:5, 7) describes Pharaoh's daughter as captivated by the size and beauty of the child, and as speaking of him to Pharaoh as of Divine beauty. And Justin (quoted by Whitby) says that the beauty of his person was greatly in his favor.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek AtἘν(En)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.thatᾧ(hō)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.timeκαιρῷ(kairō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2540:Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.MosesΜωϋσῆς(Mōusēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3475:Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.was born,ἐγεννήθη(egennēthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1080:From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.he wasἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.beautifulἀστεῖος(asteios)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 791:(lit: belonging to the city; then: witty, clever), elegant, pretty, fair, fine, beautiful. From astu; urbane, i.e. handsome.in the sight of God.Θεῷ(Theō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.[For] threeτρεῖς(treis)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5140:Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.monthsμῆνας(mēnas)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3376:A (lunar) month. A primary word; a month.[he]ὃς(hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.was nurturedἀνετράφη(anetraphē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 397:To rear, bring up, nourish, educate. From ana and trepho; to rear.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[his]τῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.father’sπατρός(patros)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.house.οἴκῳ(oikō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3624:A dwelling; by implication, a family.
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NT Apostles: Acts 7:20 At that time Moses was born (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
