until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about a new ruler; the original phrasing implies a king of a different kind or character, one who actively didn't value Joseph's legacy. It suggests a deliberate turning away from Joseph's past contributions and influence, rather than mere ignorance.
until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Stephen recounts how after Joseph's influential time, a new king rose to power who was ignorant of Joseph's contributions and the benefits he brought to Egypt. This shift marked the beginning of a new era where the Israelites, once favored, would face oppression and subtlety, setting the stage for their enslavement.
This king 'didn't know Joseph.' Was he truly ignorant of one of Egypt's greatest heroes? Or is there a deeper meaning here?
More Than Just a Name
Stephen is quoting Exodus 1:8, and the phrase 'knew not Joseph' is powerful. It doesn't likely mean this new Pharaoh had never heard of Joseph. After all, Joseph had saved Egypt from famine!
Instead, 'knew not' here speaks to a lack of recognition and appreciation. This king didn't acknowledge Joseph's contributions, value his legacy, or extend the favor to Joseph's family that he deserved.
It highlights a shift: from a ruler who benefited from and remembered Joseph's wisdom, to one who was indifferent or even hostile to his people.
Why does it matter that a new king arose? What changes when leadership and perspective shift?
The Danger of Political Amnesia
The text implies a change in dynasty, a new family or ruling power taking over in Egypt. This 'another king' wasn't just a successor; he was potentially from a different background, with different priorities.
This shift is crucial because it marks the end of a period of favor and protection for the Israelites, who were descendants of Joseph's family. The positive relationship established by Joseph was now gone.
It shows how easily national memory can fade, and how new leadership can bring about drastically different policies, often forgetting the past's lessons and relationships.
Ask a follow-up
In the midst of political change and forgotten heroes, what is God doing?
Providence in Every Season
Stephen places this event within God's larger plan. He notes that this happened 'when the time of the promise drew nigh' (Acts 7:17). Even as a new, unrecognizing king comes to power and begins to oppress the Israelites, God is still actively working.
This new king's actions, though cruel, ultimately serve God's purpose. The oppression described in the following verses (Acts 7:19) sets the stage for God to deliver His people, fulfilling His promise to Abraham.
It's a powerful reminder that even when human leaders forget, ignore, or act against God's people, God Himself never forgets His promises or His children.
Understand the original words
basileus · Greek Noun
A generic term for a monarch, ruler, or sovereign, often implying absolute or dictatorial authority in the context of ancient Near Eastern powers like Egypt.
genos · Greek Noun
In this context, it refers to the children of Israel, the descendants of Jacob, recognized as a chosen people set apart by God for His purposes and covenantal relationship.
patēr · Greek Noun
Commonly used in Scripture to refer to ancestors or patriarchal figures who established the faith and lineage of the people of God.
The 'king who did not know Joseph' likely represents a shift in Egyptian leadership after the expulsion of the Hyksos. This new dynasty, focused on consolidating power and fostering Egyptian nationalism, was less inclined to remember or benefit from the contributions of a foreign advisor like Joseph.
c. 1650 BC
Hyksos Rule in Egypt
The Hyksos, a group of foreign rulers from Western Asia, gained control of Lower Egypt, establishing their own dynasties and introducing new military technologies. This period of foreign rule likely allowed for the rise of Joseph and his family in Egypt.
c. 1550 BC
Expulsion of the Hyksos
Native Egyptian rulers from the south, now known as the 18th Dynasty, successfully expelled the Hyksos. This marked a significant shift in Egyptian power, leading to a more nationalistic and xenophobic outlook.
c. 1550-1539 BC— this verse
Reign of Ahmose I
Ahmose I, the founder of the 18th Dynasty, consolidated Egyptian power after expelling the Hyksos. His reign began the New Kingdom, a period characterized by a strong emphasis on Egyptian identity and a suspicion of foreigners.
c. 1539-1514 BC
Reign of Amenhotep I
Following Ahmose I, his son Amenhotep I continued to strengthen Egypt. During this time, the memory of Joseph's influence likely faded as a new regime solidified its power and policies.
c. 1514-1493 BC
Reign of Thutmose I
Thutmose I expanded Egypt's empire and solidified its borders. The growing prosperity and military might of Egypt might have fostered a sense of self-sufficiency, further diminishing any need to remember Joseph's contributions.
This is the direct source of Stephen's quote, establishing the historical context of a new Egyptian ruler who was unaware of Joseph's past contributions and therefore posed a threat to the Israelites.
Genesis 50:20This verse, spoken by Joseph himself, highlights the divine providence behind his suffering and rise to power, contrasting with the later Pharaoh's ignorance of this purposeful plan.
Psalm 105:17-22This passage recounts God's elevation of Joseph and the subsequent favor shown to the Israelites in Egypt, directly preceding the period of oppression by a ruler 'who did not know Joseph'.
Romans 8:28This verse speaks to God's overarching plan where He works all things for good, a principle that stands in stark contrast to the Pharaoh's actions, which stemmed from ignorance of God's purposes and His people.
ellicottActs 7:18: "Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph."
(18) Which knew not Joseph. —The idiom was originally a Hebrew one, for “not remembering, not caring for;” but as the words are quoted from the LXX. they do not affect the question as to the language in which the speech was delivered.
barnesActs 7:18: "Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph."
Till another king arose - This is quoted from Exodus 1:8 . What was the "name" of this king is not certainly known. The "common" name of all the kings of Egypt was "Pharaoh," as "Caesar" became the common name of the emperors of Rome after the time of Julius Caesar: thus we say, Augustus Caesar, Tiberius Caesar, etc. It has commonly been supposed to have been the celebrated Rameses, the sixth king of the eighteenth dynasty, and the ev…
This isn't just about a new ruler; the original phrasing implies a king of a different kind or character, one who actively didn't value Joseph's legacy. It suggests a deliberate turning away from Joseph's past contributions and influence, rather than mere ignorance.
Stephen recounts how after Joseph's influential time, a new king rose to power who was ignorant of Joseph's contributions and the benefits he brought to Egypt. This shift marked the beginning of a new era where the Israelites, once favored, would face oppression and subtlety, setting the stage for their enslavement.
Stephen recounts how after Joseph's influential time, a new king rose to power who was ignorant of Joseph's contributions and the benefits he brought to Egypt. This shift marked the beginning of a new era where the Israelites, once favored, would face oppression and subtlety, setting the stage for their enslavement.
"until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive." — This isn't just about a new ruler; the original phrasing implies a king of a different kind or character, one who actively didn't value Joseph's legacy. It suggests a deliberate turning away from J…
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Last reviewed October 2026