Acts 7:48

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Acts 7:48 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:

King James Version KJV

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

American Standard Version ASV

Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in houses made with hands; as saith the prophet,

Bible in Basic English BBE

But still, the Most High has not his resting-place in houses made with hands, as the prophet says,

Free Bible Version FBV

Of course the Almighty doesn't live in temples we make. As the prophet said,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with handes, as saith the Prophet,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'But the Most High in sanctuaries made with hands doth not dwell, according as the prophet saith:

World English Bible WEB

However, the Most High doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Yet, the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Yet the most High dwelleth not in houses made by hands, as the prophet saith:

Translation for Translators T4T

“However, we(inc) know that God is greater than everything, and he does not live in houses that people [SYN] have made. It is like the prophet Isaiah wrote. He wrote these words that God had spoken:

Plain English Version PEV

But, you know, our great God does not live in houses that people build. You see, God told one of his men to write about that, and it is in God’s book. He wrote,

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Berean Amplified Bible — Acts 7:48

BAB

Word Study

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Acts 7:48 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK αλλ ουχ ο υψιστος εν χειροποιητοις ναοις κατοικει καθως ο προφητης λεγει

αλλ alla G235 but Conj

ουχ ou G3756 no Particle-N

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

υψιστος hupsistos G5310 Highest Adj-NSM-S

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

χειροποιητοις cheiropoiētos G5499 hand-made Adj-DPM

ναοις naos G3485 temple Noun-DPM

κατοικει katoikeō G2730 to dwell Verb-PAI-3S

καθως kathōs G2531 as/just as Adv

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

προφητης prophētēs G4396 prophet Noun-NSM

λεγει legō G3004 to say Verb-PAI-3S

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Greek Word Reference — Acts 7:48

αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj

But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.

Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.

ουχ ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

υψιστος hupsistos G5310 "Highest" Adj-NSM-S

The Greek word for the highest or most high, used to describe God or the heavens, as seen in Luke 1:32 and Acts 7:48. It emphasizes God's supreme power and authority. This term is often used in the New Testament to describe God's majesty.

Definition: ὕψιστος, -η, -ον superlat., without positive in use, in cl. chiefly poët. (Æsch., Soph., al.), [in LXX chiefly for עֶלְיוֹן, also for מָרוֹם, etc. ;] highest, most high: of place, τὰ ὕ. (of the heavens), Mat.21:9, Mrk.11:10, Luk.2:14 19:38 (cf. Joshua 16:19, Isa.57:15); of God (in cl., of Zeus; Pind., Æsch., al.), ὕ., Luk.1:32, 35 1:76 6:35 (as frequently in Sir.4:10, al.); ὁ ὕ., Act.7:48; ὁ θεὸς ὁ ὕ., Mrk.5:7, Luk.8:28, Act.16:17, Heb.7:1 (cf. Gen.14:18).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: most high, highest See also: Acts 7:48; Luke 2:14; Hebrews 7:1.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

χειροποιητοις cheiropoiētos G5499 "hand-made" Adj-DPM

Something made by human hands, like a temple or a statue, as in Mark 14:58 and Acts 7:48. This word emphasizes the human origin of something. It is used to contrast with things made by God.

Definition: χειρο-ποίητος, -ον (χείρ, ποιέω), [in LXX (of idols) for אֱלִיל ;] made by hand (i.e. of human handiwork): of temples, Mrk.14:58, Act.7:48 17:24, Heb.9:11, 24; of circumcision, Eph.2:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: made by (make with) hands See also: Acts 7:48; Hebrews 9:11; Hebrews 9:24.

ναοις naos G3485 "temple" Noun-DPM

A temple refers to a sacred place of worship, like the one in Jerusalem. In the New Testament, it can also mean the innermost part of the temple. The term is used in Acts 17:24 and Acts 19:24.

Definition: ναός, -οῦ, ὁ (Att.. νεώς; ναίω, to inhabit), [in LXX (νεώς, 2Ma.6:2, al.) chiefly for הֵיכָל ;] __1. a temple (Hom., Find., al.). __2. The inmost part of a temple, the shrine (Hat., Xen., al.); in NT, __(a) generally: pl., Act.17:24; of silver models of a heathen shrine, Act.19:24; __(b) of the temple building proper, or sanctuary, at Jerusalem, as distinct from τ. ἱερόν (which see), the whole temple enclosure: Mat.23:16-17, 35 27:5, 40, Mrk.14:58 15:29 Jhn.2:19-20, Rev.11:2; (τοῦ) θεοῦ, Mat.26:61 27:51, Mrk.15:38, Luk.1:9, 21-22 23:45, 1Co.3:17, 2Co.6:16, 2Th.2:4, Rev.11:1; of the temple in the Apocal. visions, Rev.3:12 7:15 11:19 14:15, 17 15:5-6, 8 16:1, 17 21:22 a. Metaphorical, of Christians, 1Co.3:16 6:19, 2Co.6:16, Eph.2:21; of Christ's body, Jhn.2:21 (cf. Jhn.2:19); ὁ θεὸς ν. αὐτῆς ἐστιν, Rev.21:22 b.† SYN.: ἱερόν (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: shrine, temple See also: 1 Corinthians 3:16; Matthew 23:17; Revelation 3:12.

κατοικει katoikeō G2730 "to dwell" Verb-PAI-3S

To dwell or reside, as in Matthew 23:21 and Acts 1:20. It describes making a place one's home, whether physically or spiritually. This term is often used to describe God's presence with his people.

Definition: κατ-οικέω, -ῶ [in LXX very frequently and nearly always for יָשַׁב ;] __1. trans., to inhabit, dwell in: with accusative, Luk.13:4, Act.1:10 2:9, 14 4:16 9:32, 35 19:10, 17. Rev.17:2; of God, Mat.23:21. __2. Intrans., to settle, dwell: Act.22:12; before ἐν (cl.), Act.1:20 (LXX) Act.2:5 7:2, 4 7:48 9:22 11:29 13:27 17:24, Heb.11:9, Rev.13:12; before εἰς (B1., § 39, 3; M, Pr., 62 f., 234 f.), Mat.2:23 4:13, Act.7:4; ἐπὶ τ. γῆς (Num.13:33, al.), Rev.3:10 6:10 8:13 11:10 13:8, 14 17:8; ἐπὶ παντὸς προσώπου τ. γ., Act.17:26; ὅπου, Rev.2:13; ἐκεῖ (of demons), Mat.12:45, Luk.11:26. Metaphorical, of divine indwelling: ὁ Χριστός, Eph.3:17; τ. πνεῦμα, Jas.4:5 (κατῴκισεν, T, WH, R, txt.); τ. πλήωρμα (τ. θεότητος), Col.1:19 2:9; δικαιοσύνη (cf. Wis.1:4), 2Pe.3:13 (cf. ἐν-κατοικέω).† κατοικίζω, [in LXX for יָשַׁב hi., etc. ;] to cause to dwell: metaphorically, with accusative, τὸ πνεῦμα, Jas.4:5 (Rec., R, mg., κατῴκησεν).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 41 NT verses. KJV: dwell(-er), inhabitant(-ter) See also: 2 Peter 3:13; Colossians 1:19; Hebrews 11:9.

καθως kathōs G2531 "as/just as" Adv

As or just as something is, like in Luke 1:2 and John 5:23, showing a comparison or similarity.

Definition: καθώς, (i.e. καθ᾽ ὡς), Hellenistic for καθά, which see, καθάπερ, καθό, καθότι (Mayser, 485; Eutherford, NPhr., 495; Bl., §78, 1), according as, even as, just as, as: Luk.1:2 (see: καθά), 24:39, Jhn.5:23, Act.7:48, 1Co.8:2, Gal.3:6, al.; before οὕτως, Luk.11:30, Jhn.3:14, 2Co.1:5, Col.3:13, 1Jn.2:6, al.; before καί, Jhn.15:9, 1Co.15:49, 1Jn.2:18, al.; οὕτως . . . κ., Luk.24:24; id. with ellipsis of οὕτως, Mat.21:6, Mrk.16:7, Rom.1:13, al.; with other elliptical constructions, Jhn.6:58 17:21, 22 Act.15:8, 1Th.2:13, 1Ti.1:3, 1Jn.3:2, 3 12; καθὼς γέγραπται (Deiss., BS, 249), Mat.26:24, Mrk.9:13, Rom.1:17, al.; introducing subst. clause as object of verb (as in Heb.), Mat.21:6, Mrk.11:6, Luk.5:14, al.; after verbs of speaking, Act.15:14; of proportion and degree, Mrk.4:33, 1Co.12:11, 18 al.; of time (Neh.5:6, 2Ma.1:31), Act.7:17. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 180 NT verses. KJV: according to, (according, even) as, how, when See also: 1 Corinthians 1:6; Galatians 3:6; 1 Peter 4:10.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

προφητης prophētēs G4396 "prophet" Noun-NSM

A prophet is someone who acts as an interpreter of God's will, as seen in Matthew 5:12 and Romans 11:3. They speak forth God's message to others.

Definition: προφήτης, -ου, ὁ [πρόφημι, to speak forth), [in LXX chiefly for נָבִיא ;] one who acts as an interpreter or forth-teller of the Divine will (see Lft., Notes, 83f.; Tr., Syn., §vi), a prophet; __1. in cl. (Æsch., Hdt., Plat., al.), of the interpreters of oracles. __2. In NT, __(a) of the OT prophets: Mat.5:12, Mrk.6:15, Luk.4:27, Jhn.8:52, Rom.11:3, al.; __(b) of prophets in general: Mat.10:41 13:57 21:46, Mrk.6:4, Luk.13:33, al.; __(with) of John the Baptist: Mat.21:26, Mrk.6:15, Luk.1:76; __(d) of Christ: Mat.21:11, Jhn.6:14, Act.3:22, 23 7:37" (LXX) ; __(e) of Christian prophets in the apostolic age: Act.15:32, 1Co.12:28, Eph.2:20, al.; __(f) by meton., of the writings of prophets: Luk.24:27, Act.8:28, al.; __(g) of a poet: Tit.1:12 (on the use of the term in π. and Inscr., see Deiss., BS, 235f.; MM, xxii). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 142 NT verses. KJV: prophet See also: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Luke 9:19; 1 Peter 1:10.

λεγει legō G3004 "to say" Verb-PAI-3S

This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.

Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.

Study Notes — Acts 7:48

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Acts 7:48 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Acts 7:48
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 7:48
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 7:48
Trapp's Commentary on Acts 7:48
Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 7:48
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 7:48
Cambridge Bible on Acts 7:48
Barnes' Notes on Acts 7:48
Whedon's Commentary on Acts 7:48
Sermons on Acts 7:48

Context — The Tabernacle of the Testimony

46who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47But it was Solomon who built the house for Him.

48However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:

49‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be? 50Has not My hand made all these things?’

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 17:24–25	The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.
2	Isaiah 66:1–2	This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be? Has not My hand made all these things? And so they came into being,” declares the LORD. “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.
3	1 Kings 8:27	But will God indeed dwell upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.
4	2 Chronicles 2:5–6	The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I, that I should build a house for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him?
5	2 Chronicles 6:18	But will God indeed dwell with man upon the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built.
6	Psalms 91:9	Because you have made the LORD your dwelling— my refuge, the Most High—
7	Psalms 91:1	He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
8	Daniel 4:17	This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’
9	Psalms 92:8	But You, O LORD, are exalted forever!
10	Daniel 4:24–25	This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree that the Most High has issued against my lord the king: You will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling will be with the beasts of the field. You will feed on grass like an ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.

Acts 7:48 Summary

[This verse is saying that God is too big and powerful to be contained in any physical building or structure, as also seen in Psalm 102:25-27, where it says that the heavens are the work of God's hands. He is everywhere and fills all things, and we can't limit Him to just one place. This means that we can worship and connect with God anywhere, not just in a church building, as seen in John 4:21-24, where Jesus says that true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands?

This means that God is not limited to or confined by physical structures built by humans, as seen in Acts 7:48, and is a concept also found in Isaiah 66:1-2, where God says He does not dwell in temples made by human hands.

Is this verse saying that church buildings are not important?

No, this verse is not saying that church buildings are not important, but rather that God's presence and power are not limited to physical structures, as also stated in 1 Corinthians 3:16, where it says that we are the temple of God.

What prophet is being referenced in this verse?

The prophet being referenced in this verse is likely Isaiah, as the quote in Acts 7:49-50 is from Isaiah 66:1-2, where God says that heaven is His throne and the earth is His footstool.

How does this verse relate to the idea of God's omnipresence?

This verse relates to the idea of God's omnipresence, as seen in Psalm 139:7-10 and Jeremiah 23:24, where it says that God is everywhere and fills all things, and is not limited to physical structures or locations.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I try to 'contain' or 'limit' God in my life, and how can I surrender those things to Him?
How does the idea that God does not dwell in houses made by human hands challenge my understanding of worship and church?
In what ways can I acknowledge and reverence God's presence in my daily life, beyond just physical church buildings?
What are some 'temples' or 'structures' in my life that I need to tear down in order to make room for God's presence and power?

Gill's Exposition on Acts 7:48

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands,.... Such an one as Solomon's was; he did indeed dwell in his temple, but he was not confined to it, nor included in it, or circumscribed

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Acts 7:48

Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in [temples] made with hands. The word "temples," though in the Received Text, is evidently not genuine.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Acts 7:48

This is also St. Paul’ s doctrine, , which divers amongst the wiser heathens were persuaded of; for God cannot be comprehended in any place, no, not where he is worshipped; and therefore they did foolishly conceive that the worship of God was so tied to the temple, as if he himself had been included in it. In temples; the primitive Christians abstained from calling the places of their assembling by the name of temples; and were charged by their pagan enemies for having no altars, or temples, or images.

Trapp's Commentary on Acts 7:48

48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Ver. 48. Howbeit, the Most High dwelleth not] This he subjoineth, because the Jews bore themselves so bold upon the temple, and made such ado about it, as if God were tied to it (as the Chinese chain their gods, that they may be sure of them), crying, "The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord," when they little respected the Lord of the temple. The disciples also were taxed with this error, Matthew 24:1, and thought that the temple and the world must needs end together; quasi absque stationibus non staret mundus. But our Saviour undeceiveth them there.

Ellicott's Commentary on Acts 7:48

(48) Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples.—The sequel shows the impression which these words made on the hearers. Stephen had risen to the truth which, though it had been proclaimed before, had been practically dormant. It broke down the thought of any exclusive holiness in the Temple, and therefore placed its downfall among the chances and changes which might be involved in God’s chastisement of the people, and His education of mankind. The inference which we have seen reason to draw as to the probability of some connection, direct or indirect, between Stephen and the Samaritans (see Notes on Acts 7:16 and Acts 6:5), suggests the thought that we may trace here something like an echo of the teaching of our Lord in His dialogue with the woman of Samaria (John 4:21-23). It is a fact of singular interest to note how one who now listened to the words as applied to the Temple of the God of Israel, afterwards embraced them in all their fulness, and used them as his text in asserting the truth they embodied as against the Temples of Zeus and Athenè (Acts 17:24). As saith the prophet.—The truth which Stephen asserted had been uttered in the very dedication prayer of the Temple (1 Kings 8:27). The builder of the Temple had himself felt that it was the witness not of a localised but a universal Presence. But he turns to what might seem to his hearers a yet higher authority—to the great prophet (Isaiah 66:1-2), who was preeminently the preacher of glad tidings, and who had closed his mission with the utterance of the truth that, whatever glory and greatness might attach to the Temple in Jerusalem, the prayer of him that was “poor and of a contrite spirit” was equally acceptable wherever it might be offered. The words were full of deep meaning in themselves. They were yet more significant as showing that the thoughts of Stephen had been turned to that great close of a great work, and that he must thus have been led to that wider vision of the future when all nations and tongues should be gathered to see the glory of the Eternal; and the work of Israel, especially of those who, like himself, belonged to the Dispersion, should be to declare His glory to the Gentiles, and when they, too, should be accepted as priests and Levites in the true Temple (Isaiah 66:21). Here also we may think of him as anticipating the widest and highest teaching of St. Paul.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Acts 7:48

Verse 48. The Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands] Here St. Stephen evidently refers to Solomon's speech, 1Kg 8:27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less this house that I have builded? Both Solomon and St. Stephen mean that the majesty of God could not be contained, not even in the whole vortex of nature; much less in any temple which human hands could erect. As saith the prophet] The place referred to is Isaiah 66:1-2 : Thus saith the Lord, the heaven is my throne, and the earth my footstool. Where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest, &c., with which the quotation by Stephen agrees.

Cambridge Bible on Acts 7:48

48. Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet] The oldest authorities omit temples. We must supply some English word to complete the sense; perhaps houses. Stephen allows that in the days of Solomon there seemed to be a more permanent abode appointed for God’s worship, but instantly points out that God through His prophet (Isaiah 66:1-2) had taught that He was not controlled by or confined to any place.

Barnes' Notes on Acts 7:48

Howbeit - But. Stephen was charged with speaking against the temple. He had now shown that he had due veneration for it, by his declaring that it had been built by the command of God.

Whedon's Commentary on Acts 7:48

48. Howbeit—Nevertheless Although Solomon built the house for God, yet (as the following verses affirm) God cannot be circumscribed by an earthly building.

Sermons on Acts 7:48

	Sermon	Description
	What Would You Be Willing to Die For? by Nigel Lee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the qualities of Stephen, a man who lived a quality life day by day. Stephen was known for his deep understanding and ability to explain Scrip
	Mark - Jesus in the Jewish Court by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the trials of Jesus before his crucifixion. He explains that Jesus was tried by both the Jews and the Romans because the Jews did not have the
	Defiling the Temple of God by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical issue of defiling the temple of God, which he clarifies is not about physical buildings but about the hearts of believers. He reflects on Pro
	The Continuous Controversy and Conflict by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks addresses the ongoing conflict and controversy present from the beginning of the Bible, emphasizing that the central issue is God's desire to dwell among His peopl
	Love of God by John Follette	John Follette preaches about the persistency of God's love in seeking humanity, from the creation to the coming of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God seeks to have a
	The Church Is the People by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that the true essence of the Church lies in its people rather than the physical buildings they occupy. He reflects on his experiences in Asia, where many C
	Day 35, Acts 7 by David Servant	David Servant delves into the significance of Stephen's lengthy defense, explaining that it was not merely a history lesson but a convicting sermon highlighting the rejection of Go