Acts 7:14
Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
Acts 7:14 · King James Version
Meaning
Joseph's action of calling his father Jacob and all his kindred, totaling seventy-five souls, holds significant meaning in the biblical narrative. This event marks a key moment in the story of the Israelites, as Joseph reunites with his family after many years of separation. By bringing together Jacob and his extended family, Joseph is fulfilling a promise made to his father to ensure that the family lineage continues. This gathering also sets the stage for the eventual migration of the Israelites to Egypt, where they will eventually become a great nation. The number seventy-five holds symbolic importance in the Bible, signifying completeness and divine protection. Through Joseph's actions, we see the fulfillment of God's plan for the Israelites and the beginning of their journey towards fulfilling their destiny.
Theological Overview
Genesis 46:27 recounts how Joseph called his father Jacob and all his kindred, totaling seventy-five souls, to join him in Egypt. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the importance of family and unity. Joseph's actions reflect his desire to reunite with his family and ensure their well-being during the famine. The number seventy-five holds significance in biblical numerology, symbolizing completeness and wholeness. This verse also foreshadows the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham of making his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. In addition, word studies on the Hebrew text reveal that the word "souls" in this verse can encompass not just people, but also their entire households and possessions. This expands the concept of family beyond biological ties to include a community bound together by faith and commitment to God's covenant.
Acts 7:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Joseph sent, and called to him Jacob his father, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
World English Bible
Joseph sent, and summoned Jacob, his father, and all his relatives, seventy-five souls.
Douay-Rheims
And Joseph sending, called thither Jacob, his father, and all his kindred, seventy-five souls.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then sent Ioseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kindred, euen threescore and fifteene soules.