The Meaning of Acts 7:30 Explained

Acts 7:30

KJV: And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

YLT: and forty years having been fulfilled, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai a messenger of the Lord, in a flame of fire of a bush,

Darby: And when forty years were fulfilled, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai, in a flame of fire of a bush.

ASV: And when forty years were fulfilled, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  when forty  years  were expired,  there appeared  to him  in  the wilderness  of mount  Sina  an angel  of the Lord  in  a flame  of fire  in a bush. 

What does Acts 7:30 Mean?

Study Notes

angel
.
angels
Angel, Summary: Angel, "messenger," is used of God, of men, and of an order of created spiritual beings whose chief attributes are strength and wisdom. 2 Samuel 14:20 ; Psalms 103:20 ; Psalms 104:4 . In the O.T. the expression "the angel of the Lord" (sometimes "of God") usually implies the presence of Deity in angelic form.; Genesis 16:1-13 ; Genesis 21:17-19 ; Genesis 22:11-16 ; Genesis 31:11-13 ; Exodus 3:2-4 ; Judges 2:1 ; Judges 6:12-16 ; Judges 13:3-22 (See Scofield " Malachi 3:1 ") . The word "angel" is used of men in; Luke 7:24 ; James 2:25 ; Revelation 1:20 ; Revelation 2:1 ; Revelation 2:8 ; Revelation 2:12 ; Revelation 2:18 ; Revelation 3:1 ; Revelation 3:7 ; Revelation 3:14 In Revelation 8:3-5 . Christ is evidently meant. Sometimes angel is used of the spirit of man.; Matthew 18:10 ; Acts 12:15 . Though angels are spirits; Psalms 104:4 ; Hebrews 1:14 power is given them to become visible in the semblance of human form. Genesis 19:1 cf; Genesis 19:5 ; Exodus 3:2 ; Numbers 22:22-31 ; Judges 2:1 ; Judges 6:11 ; Judges 6:22 ; Judges 13:3 ; Judges 13:6 ; 1 Chronicles 21:16 ; 1 Chronicles 21:20 ; Matthew 1:20 ; Luke 1:26 ; John 20:12 ; Acts 7:30 ; Acts 12:7 ; Acts 12:8 etc.). The word is always used in the masculine gender, though sex, in the human sense, is never ascribed to angels.; Matthew 22:30 ; Mark 12:25 . They are exceedingly numerous.; Matthew 26:53 ; Hebrews 12:22 ; Revelation 5:11 ; Psalms 68:17 . The power is inconceivable. 2 Kings 19:35 . Their place is about the throne of God.; Revelation 5:11 ; Revelation 7:11 . Their relation to the believer is that of "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation," and this ministry has reference largely to the physical safety and well-being of believers.; 1 Kings 19:5 ; Psalms 34:7 ; Psalms 91:11 ; Daniel 6:22 ; Matthew 2:13 ; Matthew 2:19 ; Matthew 4:11 ; Luke 22:43 ; Acts 5:19 ; Acts 12:7-10 . From; Hebrews 1:14 ; Matthew 18:10 ; Psalms 91:11 it would seem that this care for the heirs of salvation begins in infancy and continues through life. The angels observe us; 1 Corinthians 4:9 ; Ephesians 3:10 ; Ecclesiastes 5:6 a fact which should influence conduct. They receive departing saints. Luke 16:22 . Man is made "a little lower than the angels," and in incarnation Christ took "for a little "time" this lower place.; Psalms 8:4 ; Psalms 8:5 ; Hebrews 2:6 ; Hebrews 2:9 that He might lift the believer into His own sphere above angels. Hebrews 2:9 ; Hebrews 2:10 . The angels are to accompany Christ in His second advent. Matthew 25:31 . To them will be committed the preparation of the judgment of the nations. Matthew 13:30 ; Matthew 13:39 ; Matthew 13:41 ; Matthew 13:42 . See Scofield " Matthew 25:32 ". The kingdom-age is not to be subject to angels, but to Christ and those for whom He was made a little lower than the angels. Hebrews 2:5 An archangel, Michael, is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrections.; Daniel 10:13 ; Daniel 10:21 ; Daniel 12:1 ; Daniel 12:2 ; Judges 1:9 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 . The only other angel whose name is revealed Gabriel, was employed in the most distinguished services.; Daniel 8:16 ; Daniel 9:21 ; Luke 1:19 ; Luke 1:26 .
Fallen angels. Two classes of these are mentioned:
(1) "The angels which kept not their first estate place, but left their own habitation," are "chained under darkness," awaiting judgment. 2 Peter 2:4 ; Judges 1:6 ; 1 Corinthians 6:3 ; John 5:22 .
(See Scofield " Genesis 6:4 ")
(2) The angels who have Satan Genesis 3:1 as leader.
(See Scofield " Revelation 20:10 ") .
The origin of these is nowhere explicitly revealed. They may be identical with the demons.
(See Scofield " Matthew 7:22 ") . For Satan and his angels everlasting fire is prepared. Matthew 25:41 ; Revelation 20:10 .

Context Summary

Acts 7:30-46 - Stephen's Defense: Disobedience In The Wilderness
The angel who appeared in the bush that burned with fire was the angel of God's presence, who saved the Israelites and bare them and carried them all the days of old. See Isaiah 63:9. Who could this be save our Lord Himself? Only He could speak of Himself as I am. Remember the use our Lord made of that present tense, as carrying with it evidence that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were all of them living, though centuries had passed since their bodies had been deposited in Machpelah's cave. See Luke 20:38. It is very helpful to note that reference to the hand of the angel in Acts 7:35; Acts 7:38. It reminds us of Acts 11:21. Would that, in our service for God, we were always conscious of the co-operating hand of the Savior!
The prophet referred to in Acts 7:37 is, of course, our Lord, and the parallel between Him and Moses is very apparent during our Lord's human ministry-for meekness, for reference in all things to the sending of God, for the work they did, as negotiating the Law from Sinai and the Mount of Beatitudes. But the difference in their posthumous ministry is emphasized in Hebrews 3:1-6. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 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

Greek Commentary for Acts 7:30

In a flame of fire in a bush [εν πλογι πυρος βατου]
Horeb in Exodus 3:1; but Sinai and Horeb were “probably peaks of one mountain range” (Page), Horeb “the mountain of the dried-up ground,” Sinai “the mountain of the thorns.” Literally, “in the flame of fire of a bush” (two genitives, πυρος — puros and βατου — batou dependent on πλογι — phlogi flame). Descriptive genitives as in Acts 9:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:8. ατος — Batos (bush) is the wild acacia (mimosa nilotica). In Exodus 3:20 it is Jehovah who speaks. Hence “angel” here with Stephen is understood to be the Angel of the Presence, the Eternal Logos of the Father, the Angel of Jehovah. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 7:30

Luke 6:44 Bramble bush [batou)]
Old word, quoted from the lxx in Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37 (from Exodus 3:6) about the burning bush that Moses saw, and by Stephen (Acts 7:30, Acts 7:35) referring to the same incident. Nowhere else in the N.T. “Galen has a chapter on its medicinal uses, and the medical writings abound in prescriptions of which it is an ingredient” (Vincent).Gather (βατου — trugōsin). A verb common in Greek writers for gathering ripe fruit. In the N.T. only here and Revelation 14:18.Grapes Cluster of grapes. [source]
Acts 7:31 As he drew near [προσερχομενου αυτου]
Genitive absolute with present middle participle of προσερχομαι — proserchomai A voice of the Lord (πωνη κυριου — phōnē kuriou). Here the angel of Jehovah of Acts 7:30 is termed Jehovah himself. Jesus makes powerful use of these words in his reply to the Sadducees in defence of the doctrine of the resurrection and the future life (Mark 12:26; Matthew 22:32; Luke 20:37.) that God here describes himself as the God of the living. Trembled Literally, becoming tremulous or terrified. The adjective εντρομος — entromos Imperfect active, was not daring, negative conative imperfect. [source]
Acts 7:31 A voice of the Lord [πωνη κυριου]
Here the angel of Jehovah of Acts 7:30 is termed Jehovah himself. Jesus makes powerful use of these words in his reply to the Sadducees in defence of the doctrine of the resurrection and the future life (Mark 12:26; Matthew 22:32; Luke 20:37.) that God here describes himself as the God of the living. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:7 At the revelation of the Lord Jesus [εν τηι αποκαλυπσει του Κυριου Ιησου]
Here the Παρουσια — Parousia (1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:23) is pictured as a Revelation (Un-veiling, αποκαλυπσις — apȯkalupsis) of the Messiah as in 1 Corinthians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 1:13 (cf. Luke 17:30). At this Unveiling of the Messiah there will come the recompense (2 Thessalonians 1:6) to the persecutors and the rest from the persecutions. This Revelation will be from heaven In Acts 7:30 the text is flame of fire where πυρος — puros is genitive (like Isaiah 66:15) rather than πλογος — phlogos as here (Exodus 3:2). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:7 Revelation [Un-veiling, αποκαλυπσις]
(Un-veiling, αποκαλυπσις — apȯkalupsis) of the Messiah as in 1 Corinthians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 1:13 (cf. Luke 17:30). At this Unveiling of the Messiah there will come the recompense (2 Thessalonians 1:6) to the persecutors and the rest from the persecutions. This Revelation will be from heaven In Acts 7:30 the text is flame of fire where πυρος — puros is genitive (like Isaiah 66:15) rather than πλογος — phlogos as here (Exodus 3:2). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:7 recompense [2 Thessalonians 1:6)]
(2 Thessalonians 1:6) to the persecutors and the rest from the persecutions. This Revelation will be from heaven In Acts 7:30 the text is flame of fire where πυρος — puros is genitive (like Isaiah 66:15) rather than πλογος — phlogos as here (Exodus 3:2). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:7 rest []
from the persecutions. This Revelation will be from heaven In Acts 7:30 the text is flame of fire where πυρος — puros is genitive (like Isaiah 66:15) rather than πλογος — phlogos as here (Exodus 3:2). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:7 from heaven [απ ουρανου]
In Acts 7:30 the text is flame of fire where πυρος — puros is genitive (like Isaiah 66:15) rather than πλογος — phlogos as here (Exodus 3:2). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:7 with the angels of his power [μετ αγγελων δυναμεως αυτου]
In Acts 7:30 the text is flame of fire where πυρος — puros is genitive (like Isaiah 66:15) rather than πλογος — phlogos as here (Exodus 3:2). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:7 in flaming fire [εν πυρι πλογος]
In Acts 7:30 the text is flame of fire where πυρος — puros is genitive (like Isaiah 66:15) rather than πλογος — phlogos as here (Exodus 3:2). [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 7:30 mean?

And having been passed years forty appeared to him in the wilderness of the Mount Sinai an angel a flame of fire of a bush
Καὶ πληρωθέντων ἐτῶν τεσσεράκοντα ὤφθη αὐτῷ ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τοῦ ὄρους Σινᾶ ἄγγελος φλογὶ πυρὸς βάτου

πληρωθέντων  having  been  passed 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: πληρόω  
Sense: to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full.
ἐτῶν  years 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: ἔτος  
Sense: year.
τεσσεράκοντα  forty 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: τεσσαράκοντα 
Sense: forty.
ὤφθη  appeared 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἶδον 
Sense: to see with the eyes.
αὐτῷ  to  him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἐρήμῳ  wilderness 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἔρημος  
Sense: solitary, lonely, desolate, uninhabited.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ὄρους  Mount 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: ὄρος  
Sense: a mountain.
Σινᾶ  Sinai 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: Σινά  
Sense: a mountain or rather a mountainous region in the peninsula of Arabia Petraea, made famous by the giving of the Mosaic law.
ἄγγελος  an  angel 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἄγγελος  
Sense: a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God.
φλογὶ  a  flame 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: φλόξ  
Sense: a flame.
πυρὸς  of  fire 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: πῦρ  
Sense: fire.
βάτου  of  a  bush 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: βάτοσ1  
Sense: a thorn or bramble bush.