Acts 13:18
And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Acts 13:18
And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The phrasing here, "put up with them," might seem like God just tolerating their bad behavior. But many scholars note that a slight alteration in the original Greek word could mean "nursed them" or "carried them" like a parent. This shifts the focus from God enduring their faults to His incredible, patient care for them during their forty years in the wilderness.
Paul is recounting Israel's history in his sermon to the synagogue in Antioch, highlighting God's faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness. He reminds them how God led their ancestors out of Egypt and, for forty years in the wilderness, patiently endured their difficult behavior and provided for them. This sets the stage to show how God has also provided a Savior for them, Jesus.
The Bible uses a single Greek word here, but with two possible readings that paint very different pictures of God's relationship with Israel in the desert. What does this tell us about His character?
This verse is fascinating because scholars debate the exact Greek word used!
While both readings are possible and speak to God's amazing character, the 'nurtured them' interpretation aligns more closely with the context of Paul's speech. He's reminding them of God's faithfulness and kindness, not primarily focusing on their failings right at the start.
Forty years in a barren desert. It sounds like a nightmare, but God had a purpose for that extended season. What was it?
The forty years in the wilderness wasn't just a random delay; it was a crucial period of transformation.
Understand the original words
erēmō · Greek Noun
A state of spiritual testing, isolation, or formation where God strips away reliance on worldly things to deepen dependence on Him. It is often portrayed as a place where the people learn obedience, experience God's provision, and endure discipline.
The phrase 'suffered he their manners' is debated among scholars, with strong arguments for it meaning 'He nourished them' or 'He bore them as a nursing father.' This highlights God's incredible patience and care, even amidst Israel's repeated rebellion during the forty years in the wilderness, a crucial period between their liberation from Egypt and their settlement in the Promised Land.
~1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites leave Egypt after centuries of slavery, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC - c. 1406 BC— this verse
Forty Years in the Wilderness
The Israelites wander in the wilderness, experiencing God's provision and judgment due to their disobedience. This period directly precedes their entry into Canaan.
c. 1406 BC
Entry into the Promised Land
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites finally cross the Jordan River and begin conquering the land God promised to Abraham.
c. 1350 BC - c. 1050 BC
Period of the Judges
Following the conquest, Israel experiences cycles of faithfulness and unfaithfulness, governed by charismatic leaders known as Judges.
This passage is a direct parallel, describing God carrying Israel 'as a man carries his son, all the way.' The scholarly context highlights a potential textual variant that shifts the meaning from 'tolerated their ways' to 'nurtured them,' directly aligning with this verse's theme of God's persistent care.
Exodus 19:4This verse powerfully echoes the imagery of God as a nurturing parent, stating, 'I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.' It reinforces the idea of God's active support and protection throughout Israel's wilderness journey, mirroring the compassionate care implied in Acts 13:18.
Psalm 78:38-39This psalm reflects on God's longsuffering, noting that despite Israel's rebellion, 'he was merciful; he did not utterly destroy them, and often turned his anger back.' This highlights the 'endurance' aspect of God's relationship with Israel during their wilderness wanderings.
Isaiah 63:9This prophetic passage speaks of God's love and pity for Israel in their affliction, saying, 'in all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them.' It underscores God's deep empathy and active involvement in the difficult journey through the wilderness.
Numbers 11:12barnesActs 13:18: "And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness."
And about the time of forty years - They were this time going from Egypt to the land of Canaan. Exodus 16:35 ; Numbers 33:38 . Suffered he their manners - This passage has been very variously rendered. See the margin. Syriac, "He nourished them," etc. Arabic, "He blessed them, and nourished them," etc. The Greek word is not elsewhere used in the New Testament. It properly means to tolerate, or endure th…
gillActs 13:18: "And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness."
And about the time of forty years,.... From their coming out of Egypt, to their entrance into the land of Canaan: suffered he their manners in the wilderness; which were very perverse and provoking; as their murmuring for water, their rebellion against Moses and Aaron, their idolatry and the ill report brought on the good land by their spies; and yet the Lord fed them, and led them, and kept them as the…
The phrasing here, "put up with them," might seem like God just tolerating their bad behavior. But many scholars note that a slight alteration in the original Greek word could mean "nursed them" or "carried them" like a parent. This shifts the focus from God enduring their faults to His incredible, patient care for them during their forty years in the wilderness.
Paul is recounting Israel's history in his sermon to the synagogue in Antioch, highlighting God's faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness. He reminds them how God led their ancestors out of Egypt and, for forty years in the wilderness, patiently endured their difficult behavior and provided for them. This sets the stage to show how God has also provided a Savior for them, Jesus.
Paul is recounting Israel's history in his sermon to the synagogue in Antioch, highlighting God's faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness. He reminds them how God led their ancestors out of Egypt and, for forty years in the wilderness, patiently endured their difficult behavior and provided for them. This sets the stage to show how God has also provided a Savior for them, Jesus.
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c. 1050 BC
Anointing of Saul as King
The Israelites demand a king, and Saul is anointed, ushering in the era of the monarchy.
c. 970 BC - c. 931 BC
United Monarchy under David and Solomon
The peak of Israel's power and prosperity, with Jerusalem established as the capital and the Temple built by Solomon.
In this verse, Moses cries out to God, 'Did I conceive all these this people? Or was it I who begot them, that you say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child'?' This resonates with the idea of God bearing the burden of His people, even when their behavior is challenging.
"And for about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness." — The phrasing here, "put up with them," might seem like God just tolerating their bad behavior. But many scholars note that a slight alteration in the original Greek word could mean "nursed them" or "…