1 Samuel 10 6

1 Samuel 10:6 kjv

And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

1 Samuel 10:6 nkjv

Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.

1 Samuel 10:6 niv

The Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.

1 Samuel 10:6 esv

Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.

1 Samuel 10:6 nlt

At that time the Spirit of the LORD will come powerfully upon you, and you will prophesy with them. You will be changed into a different person.

1 Samuel 10 verses

1 Samuel 10 6 Meaning

1 Samuel 10:6 describes the divinely ordained transformation and empowerment of Saul for his appointed role as king over Israel. The verse prophecies that the Spirit of the LORD would powerfully descend upon him, leading to prophetic utterances alongside other prophets and a profound internal change, signifying his qualification for leadership. This spiritual endowment was essential for him to fulfill his God-given responsibilities.

1 Samuel 10 6 Context

1 Samuel Chapter 10 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history—the anointing and public identification of its first king, Saul. After Israel demanded a king to be like other nations (1 Sam 8), God chose Saul through Samuel. The verses preceding 10:6 detail specific signs Samuel gave Saul to confirm the divine legitimacy of his anointing (1 Sam 10:2-5). The journey Saul takes, culminating in meeting a group of prophets descending from the high place (Gibeah), serves as the backdrop. Verse 6 describes the final, most dramatic sign: the direct empowerment by God's Spirit, signaling Saul's transformation and qualification for his new royal office. This spiritual endowment, distinct from common human abilities, validated Saul’s divine selection not just to himself but also to observers, thereby preparing him for public acclamation as king.

1 Samuel 10 6 Word analysis

• Then: VeHaya (וְהָיָה) - "And it shall be," or "Then it will happen." This conjunctive emphasizes the sequential and direct result of the preceding events and divine decree (1 Sam 10:1-5). It indicates the imminent and guaranteed fulfillment of Samuel's prophecy regarding Saul's transformation.
• the Spirit of the LORD: Ruach YHWH (רוּחַ יהוה) - Ruach signifies wind, breath, or spirit, indicating divine energy, power, and life force. YHWH is God's covenant name. This phrase points to a direct, supernatural intervention by God Himself, distinguishing this from mere human psychological states or inspiration. It is God's active presence empowering His chosen servant.
• will come powerfully upon you: Tsalach aleikha (צָלַח עָלֶיךָ) - Tsalach means "to rush upon," "to succeed," "to prosper," or "to go forward." Here, combined with aleikha (upon you), it conveys a forceful, sudden, and irresistible descent of divine power. This indicates an overwhelming anointing, not a gentle influence, enabling Saul to accomplish extraordinary things. This verb is also used for the Spirit coming upon Samson (Judg 14:6, 19).
• and you will prophesy: VeHitnabbeita (וְהִתְנַבֵּאתָ) - This is a Hithpael (reflexive) stem of naba, meaning "to prophesy," "to speak under divine inspiration," or "to act as a prophet." In this context, it suggests an ecstatic, Spirit-induced utterance, likely involving praise, worship, or divine messages, rather than necessarily foretelling future events. This act signifies the Spirit's control and empowerment.
• with them: Immam (עִמָּם) - Referring to the company of prophets mentioned in 1 Sam 10:5. Saul's prophetic act in their midst publicly identifies him with those recognized as spiritually connected to God, further validating his anointing and the source of his new capabilities.
• and be changed into a different person: VeHafoch le-ish acher (וְהָפַכְתָּ לְאִישׁ אַחֵר) - Hafoch means "to turn," "to overturn," or "to change." Le-ish acher means "into another man" or "a different man." This signifies a radical, internal transformation. It's not a mere superficial change but a profound alteration of Saul's character, disposition, and spiritual capacity, making him suitable for the responsibilities and demands of kingship. This divine makeover was essential for a humble Benjamite to become a divinely appointed leader.

1 Samuel 10 6 Bonus section

The nature of the "prophetic" experience in Saul's time, especially within a company of prophets accompanied by music (as seen in the preceding verse, 1 Sam 10:5), likely involved fervent, sometimes ecstatic utterances and worshipful praise rather than purely foretelling the future. This form of inspiration was often sudden and overwhelming, indicative of direct divine touch. Furthermore, this initial empowerment by the Spirit contrasts sharply with Saul's later rejection and the departure of the Spirit from him (1 Sam 16:14), emphasizing that divine enabling for leadership is not automatic or permanent, but conditional on a responsive heart to God's continued guidance and commandments. This episode underscored YHWH's absolute sovereignty in choosing and preparing leaders for His people, a principle fundamentally distinct from reliance on human might, hereditary rights, or pagan spiritualism.

1 Samuel 10 6 Commentary

1 Samuel 10:6 marks a crucial point in the establishment of Israel's monarchy, portraying a clear demonstration of divine intervention in equipping Saul for his kingship. The Ruach YHWH, or Spirit of the LORD, did not just subtly influence Saul, but came powerfully upon him, signifying an undeniable divine empowerment for a specific purpose. This outpouring enabled him to prophesy with them, an action likely characterized by ecstatic, inspired speech consistent with the prophetic bands of that era, confirming his supernatural enabling and authenticating God's choice to those observing.

Crucially, this experience culminated in Saul being changed into a different person. This transformation was not merely external but involved a profound shift in his spiritual and personal disposition, equipping him internally for the immense task of leading the nation. This unique divine indwelling for specific tasks was typical of the Old Testament Spirit's work (as seen with judges and craftsmen), often temporary and purposed for a specific divine commission. Unlike the New Covenant promise of the Spirit's indwelling for all believers, this Old Testament outpouring was contingent on Saul's obedience and designed to enable his rule. It showcased that true leadership over God's people requires divine enablement and character transformation, not merely human skill or popular ascent. For instance, in our own lives, when God calls a person to a significant role, He also provides the necessary internal transformation and empowerment to fulfill that calling beyond their natural abilities.