1 Samuel 9 1

1 Samuel 9:1 kjv

Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

1 Samuel 9:1 nkjv

There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

1 Samuel 9:1 niv

There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin.

1 Samuel 9:1 esv

There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth.

1 Samuel 9:1 nlt

There was a wealthy, influential man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, of the tribe of Benjamin.

1 Samuel 9 verses

1 Samuel 9 1 Meaning

This verse introduces Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin and the father of Saul. He is depicted as a man of significant social standing and means, described as a "mighty man of valor." This sets the stage for the appearance of his son, Saul, who will become Israel's first king, immediately grounding his origins in a respected and capable lineage within one of Israel's tribes.

1 Samuel 9 1 Context

First Samuel details the crucial period of Israel's transition from the leadership of judges to the establishment of monarchy. Chapters 8-12 narrate the demand for a king, Samuel's anointing of Saul, and Saul's early reign. Chapter 8 describes Israel's rejection of God's direct rule, expressing a desire to be "like all the nations" with a human king. God, though displeased, grants their request, forewarning them of the burdens of such a kingdom. This pivotal verse (1 Samuel 9:1) marks the immediate commencement of identifying this chosen king, introducing the lineage from which Saul will emerge, setting the stage for the story of Israel's first monarch and the challenges inherent in a humanly-conceived, though divinely-permitted, monarchy.

1 Samuel 9 1 Word analysis

• Now: Connects this new narrative segment to the preceding chapter's conclusion about the Israelites' demand for a king, signaling a direct progression in the divine plan.
• there was a man: Hebrew: אִישׁ ('îsh). A simple introductory phrase for an individual, focusing attention on a specific person crucial to the unfolding story.
• of Benjamin: Hebrew: בִּנְיָמִין (bin-yāmîn). Literally "son of the right hand," also implying "son of good fortune." This tribe was the smallest and youngest of the twelve tribes (Gen 35:18). Its history was tumultuous, notably experiencing near extinction due due to civil war (Jdg 19-21), making its prominence here (as the source of Israel's first king) an unexpected detail, highlighting God's unexpected ways.
• whose name was Kish: Hebrew: קִישׁ (qîsh). The name itself means "bow" or "snare." While not carrying explicit thematic weight within this immediate context, naming the father of the future king establishes the precise lineage and provides context for Saul's familial and social origins.
• the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite: This detailed genealogy establishes Kish's specific place within his tribal clan (Matt 1:1-17). In ancient Israel, such lineage authenticated one's standing, connection to the land, and societal role, providing a legitimate background for the future king.
• a mighty man of valor: Hebrew: גִּבּוֹר חַיִל (gibbor ḥayil). This significant phrase signifies much more than just physical strength.
  • גִּבּוֹר (gibbor): Means "strong one," "hero," "warrior." Often refers to military prowess or physical might (Exod 15:3).
  • חַיִל (ḥayil): Has a broader semantic range, encompassing "strength," "wealth," "power," "army," or even "virtue" or "worth" (Prov 31:10; Ruth 2:1).
  • When combined (gibbor ḥayil), it denotes a person of substantial societal standing, someone of influence, wealth, and capability within their community. While Kish may have been a physically strong man, the primary connotation here is likely his status as a prominent and resourceful head of a family, a man of substance and leadership within his clan. This prepares the reader for the king's family to possess the material and social standing that was often expected of rulers.

1 Samuel 9 1 Bonus section

• Narrative Function: The precise introduction of Kish's lineage and status is a common biblical narrative technique used to establish the legitimacy and background of important figures. It signals to the audience that this is a person of consequence.
• Anticipation of Saul's Appearance: By detailing the impressive background of Saul's father, the narrative sets expectations for Saul himself, hinting at his own significant physical appearance and stature, which will be elaborated upon in the very next verse. This also prepares the reader for why the people might initially find Saul appealing as their king.
• Polemical Implication: The detailed description of Kish as a "mighty man of valor" from a specific tribe, rather than as a semi-divine or divinely begotten ruler as in some surrounding Near Eastern monarchies, emphasizes the human, earthly origins of Israel's king. It grounds Saul's kingship in an existing tribal, familial, and social structure, distinct from pagan conceptions of kingship that often blurred lines between humanity and deity. This is not about his godlike qualities but his respectable human status.

1 Samuel 9 1 Commentary

1 Samuel 9:1 immediately anchors the story of Israel's monarchy in a concrete social and tribal setting. The introduction of Kish, a man of wealth and standing from the tribe of Benjamin, serves multiple purposes. It highlights that Israel's first king did not emerge from utter obscurity but from a respected lineage with societal means, aligning with human expectations for a ruler to possess influence and resources. The tribe of Benjamin's small size and troubled history (Jdg 19-21) provides an initial subtle contrast; God chooses not from the traditionally powerful tribes like Judah or Ephraim. The description of Kish as a "mighty man of valor" is less about martial prowess and more about his prominent status and affluence, reflecting the desired outward qualities for a leader in the eyes of the people. This verse is thus foundational, transitioning the narrative from the request for a king to the concrete identification of that king's lineage and early context, subtly setting up the later tension between God's internal criteria for a leader (1 Sam 16:7) and humanity's outward desires.