1 Samuel 10:21
1 Samuel 10:21 in Multiple Translations
Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.
When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
And he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the family of the Matrites was taken; and Saul the son of Kish was taken: but when they sought him, he could not be found.
Then he made the tribe of Benjamin come near by families, and the family of the Matrites was taken: and from them, Saul, the son of Kish, was taken: but when they went in search of him he was nowhere to be seen.
Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its family groups, and the family group of Matri was chosen. Lastly, Saul, son of Kish, was chosen. But when they looked for him, he couldn't be found.
Afterwarde he assembled the tribe of Beniamin according to their families, and the familie of Matri was taken. So Saul the sonne of Kish was taken, and when they sought him, he coulde not be found.
and he bringeth near the tribe of Benjamin by its families, and the family of Matri is captured, and Saul son of Kish is captured, and they seek him, and he hath not been found.
He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families and the family of the Matrites was chosen. Then Saul the son of Kish was chosen; but when they looked for him, he could not be found.
When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.
And he brought the tribe of Benjamin and the kindreds thereof, and the lot fell Upon the kindred of Metri, and it came to Saul the son of Cis. They sought him therefore and he was not found.
Then Samuel told representatives of the tribe of Benjamin to come forward, and God indicated that from that tribe he had chosen someone from the family of Matri, and then God indicated that from the family of Matri he had chosen Saul, the son of Kish. But when they looked for Saul, they could not find him.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 10:21
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 10:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּקְרֵ֞ב
אֶת
שֵׁ֤בֶט
בִּנְיָמִן֙
ל/משפחת/ו
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔י/ו
וַ/תִּלָּכֵ֖ד
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
הַ/מַּטְרִ֑י
וַ/יִּלָּכֵד֙
שָׁא֣וּל
בֶּן
קִ֔ישׁ
וַ/יְבַקְשֻׁ֖/הוּ
וְ/לֹ֥א
נִמְצָֽא
וַ/יַּקְרֵ֞ב
qârab
H7126
to present
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שֵׁ֤בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
tribe
N-ms
בִּנְיָמִן֙
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
ל/משפחת/ו
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp | Suff
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔י/ו
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
Prep | N-fp | Suff
וַ/תִּלָּכֵ֖ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
family
N-fs
הַ/מַּטְרִ֑י
Maṭrîy
H4309
Matrite
Art | Ngmsa
וַ/יִּלָּכֵד֙
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֣וּל
Shâʼûwl
H7586
Shaul
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
קִ֔ישׁ
Qîysh
H7027
Kish
N-proper
וַ/יְבַקְשֻׁ֖/הוּ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נִמְצָֽא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 10:21
וַ/יַּקְרֵ֞ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שֵׁ֤בֶט
shêbeṭ
H7626
"tribe"
N-ms
This word means a stick or staff, but also a clan or tribe, and can refer to a symbol of authority or a tool for punishing. It is used in the Bible to describe the rods used by shepherds or the scepters of kings.
Definition: : tribe 1) rod, staff, branch, offshoot, club, sceptre, tribe 1a) rod, staff 1b) shaft (of spear, dart) 1c) club (of shepherd's implement) 1d) truncheon, sceptre (mark of authority) 1e) clan, tribe
Usage: Occurs in 178 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] correction, dart, rod, sceptre, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 24:2; Psalms 2:9.
בִּנְיָמִן֙
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
ל/משפחת/ו
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
לְ/מִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔י/ו
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
וַ/תִּלָּכֵ֖ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
מִשְׁפַּ֣חַת
mishpâchâh
H4940
"family"
N-fs
This word refers to a family or clan, and can also mean a tribe or nation, such as the people of Israel, emphasizing the importance of family ties.
Definition: 1) clan, family 1a) clan 1a1) family 1a2) tribe 1a3) people, nation 1b) guild 1c) species, kind 1d) aristocrats
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: family, kind(-red). See also: Genesis 8:19; Numbers 26:41; Esther 9:28.
הַ/מַּטְרִ֑י
Maṭrîy
H4309
"Matrite"
Art | Ngmsa
Matri was an Israelite who lived during the United Monarchy period, mentioned in 1 Samuel 10:21 as a member of the tribe of Benjamin, the same tribe as King Saul. His name means rain of Jehovah.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Sa.10.21 § Matri = "rain of Jehovah" a family of the tribe of Benjamin to which king Saul belonged
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Matri. See also: 1 Samuel 10:21.
וַ/יִּלָּכֵד֙
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
שָׁא֣וּל
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.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
קִ֔ישׁ
Qîysh
H7027
"Kish"
N-proper
Kish was the name of several Israelites, including the father of king Saul and an ancestor of Mordecai. The name Kish means bent and is mentioned in Esther 2:5 and other biblical books. Kish was a common name in biblical times.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Est.2.5; father of: Shimei (H8096U) § Kish = "bent" 1) a Benjamite of the family of Matri, father of king Saul 2) an ancestor of Mordecai 3) son of Gibeon and brother of Abdon, Zur, Baal, Ner, Nadab, Gedor, Ahio, Zechariah, and Mikloth; uncle of Kish the father of king Saul 4) a Merarite Levite, son of Mahli and grandson of Merari the progenitor of the family 5) a Merarite Levite, son of Abdi in the time of king Hezekiah of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Kish. See also: 1 Samuel 9:1; 1 Chronicles 9:36; Esther 2:5.
וַ/יְבַקְשֻׁ֖/הוּ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִמְצָֽא
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 10:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- 1 Samuel 10:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 10:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 10:21
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:21
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 10:21
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 10:21
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:21
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 10:21
Context — Saul Proclaimed King
19But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.”
20Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected.
21Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him.
22So again they inquired of the LORD, “Has the man come here yet?” And the LORD replied, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” 23So they ran and brought Saul, and when he stood among the people, he was a head taller than any of the others.1 Samuel 10:21 Summary
In 1 Samuel 10:21, the tribe of Benjamin and then the clan of Matri were selected, and finally, Saul son of Kish was chosen as the first king of Israel. This selection process was guided by God, who had already warned the Israelites about the dangers of having a human king, as seen in 1 Samuel 8:18. Despite this, God still worked through the situation to bring about His will, as seen in the way He revealed Saul's hiding place in 1 Samuel 10:22. This verse reminds us that God is always in control, even when we make decisions that may not align with His desires, as stated in Romans 11:33-36 and Psalm 115:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the clan of Matri and then Saul son of Kish get selected in 1 Samuel 10:21?
The selection process in 1 Samuel 10:21 was guided by God, as seen in the use of a casting of lots, similar to the method used in Joshua 7:14-18 and Acts 1:23-26 to determine God's will.
What can we learn from the fact that Saul was nowhere to be found when he was selected as king?
Saul's initial absence when selected as king in 1 Samuel 10:21 may indicate his humility or lack of ambition for the position, contrasting with the confidence and pride that would later characterize his reign, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:17-23 and 1 Samuel 18:6-9.
How does the selection of Saul as king in 1 Samuel 10:21 relate to the Israelites' desire for a king?
The selection of Saul as king in 1 Samuel 10:21 was a direct response to the Israelites' demand for a king, as stated in 1 Samuel 8:5-7 and 1 Samuel 10:19, highlighting the tension between their desire for human leadership and God's sovereignty, as seen in 1 Samuel 12:12-18 and Deuteronomy 17:14-20.
What role did the LORD play in the selection of Saul as king?
The LORD played a significant role in the selection of Saul as king, guiding the process through the use of lots and revealing Saul's hiding place, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:22, demonstrating God's sovereignty over human events, as stated in Proverbs 21:1 and Isaiah 46:10.
Reflection Questions
- What does the selection of Saul as king reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's guidance, as seen in the use of lots in 1 Samuel 10:21, to my own decision-making process?
- In what ways can I, like Saul, be humble and willing to serve, rather than seeking power and recognition for myself?
- What can I learn from the Israelites' desire for a human king, and how can I apply this to my own relationship with God, considering verses like Psalm 20:7-8 and Isaiah 31:1?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 10:21
And when he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families,.... By the heads of them, to have lots cast for them, out of which of the families the king should be chosen: the family
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 10:21
And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:21
1 Samuel 10:21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.Ver. 21. The family of Matri was taken.] Which is not the name of a man - see 1 Chronicles 8:30; but signifieth a mark, saith one out of Lyra; whence he eoncludeth that the family of Matri was of those that could shoot at a mark so excellently. Fides sit penes Authorem.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:21
(21) The family of Matri was taken.—In none of the Benjamite genealogies connected with the royal house of Saul does this name occur. We cannot account for the omission. Ewald conjectures that the name Matri is a corruption from “Bikri” (see 1 Chronicles 7:8).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:21
Verse 21. When they sought him, he could not be found.] Through modesty or fear he had secreted himself.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 10:21
21. the family of Matri] The family of the Matrites is nowhere else mentioned. It has therefore been conjectured that we should read Bikrites, or descendants of Becher the son of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 7:6). Saul the son of Kish was taken] The description of the process of casting lots is abridged. The family taken would be brought by houses, and the house taken then brought by persons. The Sept. inserts “and they bring the family of Mattari man by man,” which must be understood, as in Joshua 7:17, to mean the heads of houses only, not all the individuals of the family, which would be far too long a process. In this way Kish would be taken, and finally, when he brought his household forward man by man, Saul was taken. he could not be found] Natural feelings of modesty and humility prompted Saul to hide himself. He knew already that he was the object of God’s choice, but he would not appear to court advancement, or in any way put himself forward for the royal dignity.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 10:21
The family of Matri - This name occurs nowhere else among the families of Benjamin, or in the genealogy of Saul. (See 1 Samuel 9:1 note.)
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 10:21
21. Family of Matri — Not mentioned among the families of Benjamin in Numbers 26:38-41; but probably a new family that arose in Benjamin after the tribal war. See note on 1 Samuel 9:1.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 10:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Importance of Total Obedience by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about the rise and fall of King Saul, emphasizing how Saul's humility turned into pride as he allowed his own reasoning and the opinions of others to influence |