What does Acts 7:33 mean?

Explanation

In Acts 7:33, the phrase, "Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground," recounts the instructions given by God to Moses at the burning bush, as retold by Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

The literal interpretation of this verse is that Moses was commanded to remove his shoes as a sign of respect and recognition that the ground on which he stood, due to the presence of God, was sanctified.

Symbolically, this act of removing shoes can be understood as an act of humility and submission before the divine.

Historical Context

The verse is part of a speech given by Stephen in his defense before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council in Jerusalem.

Stephen recounts the history of the Israelites to demonstrate that rejection of God's messengers is a pattern in their history.

The reference to Moses and the burning bush comes from the book of Exodus in the Old Testament, where Moses encounters God in the form of a bush that is on fire but not consumed.

This episode is situated in the context of Moses' life after he had fled Egypt and settled in Midian.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the command to remove shoes serves as a sign of reverence towards a holy God. It symbolizes the separation between the sacred and the profane. It also reinforces the Old Testament notion that purity and holiness are required to approach God.

In a broader Christian context, this verse exemplifies the continuation of God's presence and holiness from the Old Testament into the teachings of the New Testament.

Practical Applications

The command to Moses carries practical implications for believers today. It invites individuals to approach God with the appropriate humility and respect. The notion of holy ground can extend to any place where one feels the presence of God.

It is also a reminder that individuals should examine their lives and separate themselves from whatever is profane or impure when approaching God in worship, prayer, or daily life.

Cross-References

• Exodus 3:5: "And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."
• Joshua 5:15: "And the captain of the Lord's host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy.

And Joshua did so."

Language Study

The key directive, "Put off thy shoes," is derived from the Greek phrase, "ὑπόδημά σου ἔκθετο," where "ὑπόδημα" refers to "footwear" or "shoes" and "ἔκθετο" means "put off" or "take away." The term "holy" translates from the Greek "ἅγιος," which conveys the sense of something being consecrated, sacred, or set apart for God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Removing shoes in the presence of the divine is a practice observed in many religious and cultural traditions.

For example, in Islam, removing shoes is a common practice when entering a mosque.

In Hinduism and Buddhism, shoes are taken off when entering temples as a sign of respect.

The practice underscores a universal principle across different faiths that sacred spaces require a demonstration of humility and purity.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on the command to remove shoes as it pertains to holy ground.

However, from an anthropological viewpoint, the act of removing shoes can be seen as a ritual behavior signifying a change in status or context, marking the transition from common to sacred space.

commentaries

Biblical commentators offer various insights on this verse:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that by commanding Moses to put off his shoes, God was setting him apart for the service he was now to be employed in, and it was also an emblem of Moses putting away earthly thoughts and designs.
• John Gill's Exposition of the Bible notes that taking off the shoes was a token of reverence in eastern nations and even now it is a custom in various parts; it signifies acknowledging the majesty of God and own unworthiness to stand before him.
• The Pulpit Commentary addresses the act of removing shoes as a mark of humility and reverence and also as an act acknowledging the purity that should belong to God's sanctuary.