1 Samuel 10:12
1 Samuel 10:12 in Multiple Translations
Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
And one of the same place answered and said, And who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
And one of the people of that place said in answer, And who is their father? So it became a common saying, Is even Saul among the prophets?
A man living there responded, “But who is their father?” So it became a saying: “Is Saul one of the prophets too?”
And one of the same place answered, and said, But who is their father? Therefore it was a prouerbe, Is Saul also among the Prophets?
And a man thence answereth and saith, 'And who [is] their father?' therefore it hath been for a simile, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'
One from the same place answered, “Who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
And one answered another, saying: And who is their father? therefore it became a proverb: Is Saul also among the prophets?
One of the men who lived there replied, “Saul cannot be a prophet, because all prophets receive their power to speak messages from God, not from their parents.” And that is why, when people hear about a report of someone prophesying, they think about what happened to Saul and say, “We are surprised about that person becoming a prophet, like we were surprised to hear that Saul had really become one of the prophets.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 10:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 10:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֨עַן
אִ֥ישׁ
מִ/שָּׁ֛ם
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
וּ/מִ֣י
אֲבִי/הֶ֑ם
עַל
כֵּן֙
הָיְתָ֣ה
לְ/מָשָׁ֔ל
הֲ/גַ֥ם
שָׁא֖וּל
בַּ/נְּבִאִֽים
וַ/יַּ֨עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
מִ/שָּׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וּ/מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Conj | Part
אֲבִי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּן֙
kên
H3651
right
Part
הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לְ/מָשָׁ֔ל
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
Prep | N-ms
הֲ/גַ֥ם
gam
H1571
also
Part | Adv
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
בַּ/נְּבִאִֽים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 10:12
וַ/יַּ֨עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
מִ/שָּׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
וּ/מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Conj | Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אֲבִי/הֶ֑ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּן֙
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
הָיְתָ֣ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/מָשָׁ֔ל
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
Prep | N-ms
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
הֲ/גַ֥ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Part | Adv
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
שָׁא֖וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
"Shaul"
N-proper
Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.
בַּ/נְּבִאִֽים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Prep | N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 10:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 10:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 10:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 10:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 10:12
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 10:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 10:12
Context — Samuel’s Signs Fulfilled
10When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them.
11When all those who had formerly known Saul saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
12Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
13And when Saul had finished prophesying, he went up to the high place. 14Now Saul’s uncle asked him and his servant, “Where did you go?” “To look for the donkeys,” Saul replied. “When we saw they were not to be found, we went to Samuel.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 54:13 | Then all your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their prosperity. |
| 2 | John 6:45 | It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me— |
| 3 | James 1:17 | Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. |
| 4 | John 7:16 | “My teaching is not My own,” Jesus replied. “It comes from Him who sent Me. |
1 Samuel 10:12 Summary
This verse shows how God can surprise us with new gifts and abilities, like when Saul started prophesying with the prophets. The people were amazed and wondered if Saul was now one of the prophets, which became a proverb. This event was a key part of Saul's journey to becoming king, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:24. It reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to do great things for Him, just like in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, where God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the question 'Is Saul also among the prophets?' mean in this context?
This question, which became a proverb, expresses the surprise of the people that Saul, who was not known to be a prophet, was now prophesying along with the prophets, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:10-11, similar to how the Spirit of God came upon other leaders in the Bible, such as in Numbers 11:25-29.
Why did the man ask 'And who is their father?' in response to the question about Saul?
The man's question 'And who is their father?' suggests that he is wondering if Saul has a family background that would explain his sudden ability to prophesy, highlighting the unexpected nature of Saul's prophesying, as noted in 1 Samuel 10:11.
What is the significance of this verse in relation to Saul's calling as king?
This verse marks a turning point in Saul's life, as he is now being recognized as someone who is being used by God, which will eventually lead to his anointing as king in 1 Samuel 10:24, fulfilling the prophecy made by Samuel in 1 Samuel 9:17.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual gifts in the Bible?
This verse illustrates how the Holy Spirit can enable people to exercise spiritual gifts, such as prophesying, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:10, and how these gifts can be used for the edification of the body of Christ, as taught in Ephesians 4:11-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has surprised you with unexpected gifts or abilities, and how have you used them to serve Him?
- How can you, like Saul, be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to use you in ways that may be outside of your comfort zone or natural talents?
- In what ways can you, like the prophets in this verse, encourage and support others who are being used by God in unique and powerful ways?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of humility and recognizing God's sovereignty in your life, as seen in Saul's unexpected prophesying?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 10:12
And one of the same place answered, and said,.... One of the same city, and in the same company, that expressed their admiration at what was come to Saul, and at what he did, and wondering how he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 10:12
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? But who is their father?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
One of the same place, Heb. one from thence, i.e. one of the company there present, or one of the prophets there prophesying. Who is their father? who is the father of all these prophets of whom you speak, and among whom Saul now is one? who is it that instructs and inspires them with this holy art, but God? They have it not from their natural parents, nor from their civil education, but by inspiration from God, who, when he pleaseth, can inspire Saul, or any other man, with the same skill. And therefore wonder not at this matter, but give God the glory of it. Father is here put for teacher, or instructer, as it is used; as ,21 Mt 23:9 . And hence the scholars are called sons of the prophets. It became a proverb, used when any strange, unlikely, or unexpected thing happened.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
1 Samuel 10:12 And one of the same place answered and said, But who [is] their father? Therefore it became a proverb, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?Ver. 12. And one of the same place.] And, as it may seem, one of the same company of prophets stopped their wondering with these words, as Peter did the people. But who is their father?] i.e., Their master and instructor? Is it not God? are they not all taught of him? Saul and all? Now, Quando Deus Magister, quam cito discitur quod docetur? God can soon make a prophet of whomsoever he pleaseth. Chald. Paraph.
August.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
(12) Who is their father?—As an instance of the extreme surprise with which the association of Saul with the sons of the prophets was witnessed by the inhabitants of Gibeah—an association apparently very foreign to his old habits and to the manner of life of his family—a short dialogue between two of the citizens of Gibeah is here related: a conversation important, owing to the words uttered by the second citizen in reply to the amazed question, “What is this that is come unto the son of Kish?” The reply gives us some insight into the deep conviction entertained by the ordinary Israelite of the days of Samuel that the invisible God was ever present, working in the midst of His chosen people. The reply of the second citizen has been well explained by Von Bunsen:—“Is the son of Kish, then, a prophet?’ asks the first citizen, surprised, apparently, that one so undistinguished, that one so unlikely to train up a “son of the prophets,” should have a son associated in this peculiar and sudden manner with a chosen band of scholars and teachers. To this question the second citizen replied—no doubt, pointing to the honoured group from the prophet schools of Gibeah—“Do you wonder that the son of so rough and uncultivated a man as Kish should receive the Divine gift which we all love so well and admire so greatly? Who,” pointing to the group singing on the hill-side, “who is their father?” They owe their power of persuasive speech, their gift of holy song, to no accident of birth. Surely Saul, like them, may have received the same power as a gift of the Eternal, not as a patrimony. Owing to this obvious meaning not having occurred to them, the LXX., “Vulgate, and Syriac Versions alter the original into, “Who is his (instead of their) father?” in other words, “Who is Saul? and who is his father, Kish?” But the Hebrew text and the English Version, as explained above, gives an admirable sense, and teaches besides a great spiritual lesson.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
Verse 12. But who is their father?] The Septuagint, in its principal editions, adds ουΚεις; is it not Kish? This makes the sense more complete.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 10:12
12. it became a proverb] Applied probably to the unexpected appearance of any person in a novel character alien to his former occupation and habits. The proverb received a fresh exemplification in the occurrence related in ch. 1 Samuel 19:24.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 10:12
But who is their father - This is a very obscure phrase. If by “father” be intended the head or leader (compare 1 Chronicles 25:6; 2 Kings 2:12) of the prophets, the question means: “What kind of
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:12
12. Who is their father — Not his father, as the Septuagint and other versions presume to amend the Hebrew text, — for this was not a contemptuous question; and otherwise it would have been
Sermons on 1 Samuel 10:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Message to Fathers and Children by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of families and the influence of children over their parents. He mentions the controversy of television in Christian homes, |
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(John - Part 28): The Basis of True Conversion by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the misconception that God is constantly watching for the devil's next move and trying to block him. He argues that this belief leads to a la |
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The Mercy & Grace of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker urges the audience to present their bodies as living and holy sacrifices to God. He emphasizes the importance of passionately pursuing God and not being |
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(Godly Home) Part 28 - the Overtaking Blessings on the Second Generation by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to join the congregation and share in their spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of parents reaching f |
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The Humble Will Soon Hear Your Song by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's presence in our lives. He describes the blessings that come with God's presence, such as a harmonious family and obe |
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(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Being Godly Parents by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the husband-wife relationship in churches, particularly in India. The devil seeks to attack the Christian home because he k |
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Established in Righteousness by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being established in righteousness, steering clear of distractions like idolatry and commercialism that can hinder spiritual growth. It war |