1 Samuel 10 11

1 Samuel 10:11 kjv

And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

1 Samuel 10:11 nkjv

And it happened, when all who knew him formerly saw that he indeed prophesied among the prophets, that the people said to one another, "What is this that has come upon the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?"

1 Samuel 10:11 niv

When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?"

1 Samuel 10:11 esv

And when all who knew him previously saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, "What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?"

1 Samuel 10:11 nlt

When those who knew Saul heard about it, they exclaimed, "What? Is even Saul a prophet? How did the son of Kish become a prophet?"

1 Samuel 10 verses

1 Samuel 10 11 Meaning

This verse describes the bewildered reaction of those who knew Saul as an ordinary individual when they suddenly witnessed him prophesying among a group of prophets. It highlights the astonishment at an unexpected divine anointing and transformation on an otherwise unremarkable person, serving as a public confirmation of God's hand upon him for kingship. The rhetorical question, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" encapsulates their utter surprise at this visible display of divine empowerment.

1 Samuel 10 11 Context

Chapter 10 begins with Samuel privately anointing Saul as king. Samuel then gives Saul three specific signs that will confirm God's anointing. One of these signs, found in 1 Sam 10:5-6, states that Saul would encounter a company of prophets and that the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him, causing him to prophesy with them, signifying his transformation for the task of kingship. Verse 9 mentions that "God gave him another heart." Verse 11 details the fulfillment of this prophecy and the public reaction to it. Historically, Israel was transitioning from a period of judges, where leaders were raised up by God, to a monarchy. This event demonstrates God's continuing direct involvement in choosing and empowering leaders, even as the form of governance changes. The phenomenon of "prophetic companies" points to an emerging, or at least active, form of communal prophetic worship in Israel during this era, distinct from formal priestly or Levitical duties.

1 Samuel 10 11 Word analysis

• And it came to pass: A common transition phrase (`wayehî` וַיְהִי) in Hebrew narrative, indicating a progression of events.
• when all that knew him beforetime: Refers to ordinary people who were familiar with Saul in his common, pre-anointed state. This emphasizes the stark contrast with his new, divinely-empowered state and amplifies the surprise.
• saw that, behold: `hinnêh` (הִנֵּה), an exclamation meaning "look!" or "behold!", drawing immediate attention to a sudden, significant, or surprising sight.
• he prophesied: `wayitnabbe'` (וַיִּתְנַבֵּא). The Hebrew verb is from the Niphal stem of `naba` (נָבָא), meaning "to prophesy," or "to act like a prophet," often in an ecstatic manner involving inspired utterances, singing, or frenzied movements, as an outward sign of divine Spirit possession. This was not necessarily foretelling the future but being under the direct influence of God's Spirit.
• among the prophets: `bəṯôḵ hannəḇîʾîm` (בְּתוֹךְ הַנְּבִאִים). Indicates he joined a group of `nāḇîʾ` (נָבִיא), which are 'prophets' or members of a prophetic guild or community, known for such ecstatic manifestations. Saul was not a prophet by profession or training, making his inclusion remarkable.
• then the people said one to another: Describes the immediate, widespread verbal expression of astonishment among the onlookers.
• What is this that is come unto the son of Kish?: A rhetorical question expressing extreme surprise and confusion. Kish was Saul's father, not known to be from a prominent or religious family, which further underscores the unexpected nature of Saul's transformation.
• Is Saul also among the prophets?: This question became a byword (`hāḡam šāʾûl banneḇîʾîm?` הֲגַם שָׁאוּל בַּנְּבִאִים). It conveys deep astonishment, perhaps even incredulity, and highlights the radical nature of the change in Saul, an ordinary Benjaminite, now participating in such a spiritual manifestation. This proverb would later be used again in a different context when Saul involuntarily prophesies (1 Sam 19:24), further emphasizing the surprising and often ironic nature of his encounters with the prophetic Spirit.

1 Samuel 10 11 Bonus section

This incident of Saul prophesying among the prophets not only serves as a fulfillment of a specific sign from Samuel but also highlights the concept of prophetic ecstacy common in ancient Near Eastern religions and distinct within Israel as a manifestation of the Spirit of the LORD. Unlike the later "writing prophets" whose ministry was primarily teaching and rebuke, this type of prophecy involved spontaneous, often communal, expressions. For Saul, it was a tangible demonstration of God equipping him for the heavy responsibilities of a king. However, this miraculous moment of spiritual empowerment, while genuine, did not guarantee Saul's continued obedience or spiritual integrity. His later history tragically reveals that a powerful divine experience, if not sustained by ongoing faithfulness and humility, does not necessarily lead to lifelong spiritual character. This initial anointing was a gift and a sign, but its lasting effect depended on Saul's choices.

1 Samuel 10 11 Commentary

1 Samuel 10:11 provides a vivid portrayal of Saul's initial anointing, showcasing the Spirit of God manifesting openly upon him. The astonished reactions of his acquaintances underscore the unprecedented nature of this event for a person of Saul's background. It served as clear, public validation of his divine selection and preparation for kingship, demonstrating God's capacity to empower ordinary individuals for extraordinary purposes. While this initial encounter highlights God's grace and anointing for leadership, it also subtly foreshadows the future tension Saul would experience between divine leading and his own will, as his relationship with God's Spirit and prophets would later become contentious and fraught with disobedience. The event signifies a momentary, profound, and public transformation of Saul through divine intervention, which was essential for legitimizing his role as king in the eyes of the people.