Acts 7:18
Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.
Acts 7:18 · King James Version
Meaning
When the Bible says "Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph," it is referring to a change in leadership that led to a shift in the treatment of the Israelites. In the context of the verse, Joseph had come to Egypt as a favored son and had risen to a position of power and influence. He had helped the Egyptians prosper during a time of famine by storing up grain. However, as time passed and a new king came to power who did not have the same relationship with Joseph, the status of the Israelites changed drastically. They went from being respected members of society to being viewed with suspicion and subjected to harsh treatment. This shift in leadership marked a turning point in the history of the Israelites in Egypt, setting the stage for their eventual enslavement and ultimate deliverance by God.
Theological Overview
In the book of Exodus, the verse "Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph" highlights a shift in power and leadership in Egypt. This transition marked a turning point in the relationship between the Israelites and the Egyptian ruler. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of human alliances and the importance of being rooted in God's promises rather than in the favor of a mortal king. The rise of a new king who did not remember or recognize the contributions of Joseph symbolizes the impermanence of worldly authority and underscores the need for unwavering faith in God's sovereignty. Additionally, word studies on the phrase "knew not Joseph" reveal deeper meanings related to forgetting, disregarding, or failing to acknowledge the past. This serves as a cautionary reminder to remain steadfast in our faith even when earthly powers change and historical connections are overlooked.
Acts 7:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
till there arose another king over Egypt, who knew not Joseph.
World English Bible
until there arose a different king, who didn’t know Joseph.
Douay-Rheims
Till another king arose in Egypt, who knew not Joseph.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Till another King arose, which knewe not Ioseph.