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1 Samuel 19:21

1 Samuel 19:21 in Multiple Translations

When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy.

And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.

And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.

And Saul, having news of this, sent other men, who in the same way became like prophets. And a third time Saul sent men, and they like the others became like prophets.

Saul was told what had happened, so he sent more messengers, and they started prophesying as well.

And when it was tolde Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophecied likewise: againe Saul sent the third messengers, and they prophecied also.

And they declare [it] to Saul, and he sendeth other messengers, and they prophesy — they also; and Saul addeth and sendeth messengers a third time, and they prophesy — they also.

When Saul was told, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.

And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.

And when this was told Saul, he sent other messengers: but they also prophesied. And again Saul sent messengers the third time: and they prophesied also. And Saul being exceedingly angry,

When Saul heard about that, he sent messengers a third time, but they also started to speak ecstatically.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 19:21

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 19:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ לְ/שָׁא֗וּל וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֙ מַלְאָכִ֣ים אֲחֵרִ֔ים וַ/יִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ גַּם הֵ֑מָּה וַ/יֹּ֣סֶף שָׁא֗וּל וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֙ מַלְאָכִ֣ים שְׁלִשִׁ֔ים וַ/יִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ גַּם הֵֽמָּה
וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ nâgad H5046 to tell Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
לְ/שָׁא֗וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֙ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מַלְאָכִ֣ים mălʼâk H4397 messenger N-mp
אֲחֵרִ֔ים ʼachêr H312 another Adj
וַ/יִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
הֵ֑מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
וַ/יֹּ֣סֶף yâçaph H3254 to add Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
שָׁא֗וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper
וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֙ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מַלְאָכִ֣ים mălʼâk H4397 messenger N-mp
שְׁלִשִׁ֔ים shᵉlîyshîy H7992 third Adj
וַ/יִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ nâbâʼ H5012 to prophesy Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM
הֵֽמָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Pron
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 19:21

וַ/יַּגִּ֣דוּ nâgad H5046 "to tell" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
לְ/שָׁא֗וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" Prep | 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.
וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֙ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
מַלְאָכִ֣ים mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" N-mp
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
אֲחֵרִ֔ים ʼachêr H312 "another" Adj
Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.
Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different
Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.
וַ/יִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.
גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
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.
הֵ֑מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
וַ/יֹּ֣סֶף yâçaph H3254 "to add" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
שָׁא֗וּל 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.
וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֙ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
מַלְאָכִ֣ים mălʼâk H4397 "messenger" N-mp
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
שְׁלִשִׁ֔ים shᵉlîyshîy H7992 "third" Adj
This Hebrew word means third in a sequence, like a third day or year. It is used in the Bible to describe time, rank, or quantity, such as the third day of creation in Genesis.
Definition: 1) third, one third, third part, third time 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: third (part, rank, time), three (years old). See also: Genesis 1:13; 1 Kings 22:2; Isaiah 15:5.
וַ/יִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ nâbâʼ H5012 "to prophesy" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.
גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
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.
הֵֽמָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 19:21

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 27:22 Though you grind a fool like grain with mortar and a pestle, yet his folly will not depart from him.
2 Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Neither are you able to do good— you who are accustomed to doing evil.
3 Joel 2:28 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
4 2 Kings 1:9–13 Then King Ahaziah sent to Elijah a captain with his company of fifty men. So the captain went up to Elijah, who was sitting on top of a hill, and said to him, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down!’” Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. So the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. And the captain said to Elijah, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down at once!’” Again Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. So the king sent a third captain with his fifty men. And the third captain went up, fell on his knees before Elijah, and begged him, “Man of God, may my life and the lives of these fifty servants please be precious in your sight.

1 Samuel 19:21 Summary

This verse shows how Saul's messengers were overcome by the Spirit of God and began to prophesy, just like the group of prophets Samuel was leading. This happened not once, not twice, but three times, and it reveals God's power and sovereignty over human plans. As we read in Psalm 33:10-11, God's plans will always prevail, and our attempts to resist Him will ultimately fail. This verse reminds us to be sensitive to the Spirit of God and to obey His will, rather than persisting in our own ways, as seen in James 4:6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Saul's messengers begin to prophesy when they were sent to capture David?

The Spirit of God came upon them, just as it did with the group of prophets Samuel was leading, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:20, causing them to prophesy instead of carrying out their original task.

What does this verse reveal about Saul's character?

This verse shows Saul's persistence in trying to capture David, but also his lack of understanding of God's ways, as he continues to send messengers despite the previous ones being overcome by the Spirit of God, similar to Pharaoh's hardness of heart in Exodus 7:13-14.

Is this a unique event in the Bible where people are unexpectedly overcome by the Spirit of God?

No, there are other instances in the Bible where people are overcome by the Spirit of God, such as in Numbers 11:25-26, where the Spirit of God came upon the seventy elders, and they prophesied.

What can we learn from Saul's repeated attempts to capture David?

We can learn that God is sovereign and will not be thwarted by human plans, as seen in Psalm 33:10-11, and that our persistence in sin will ultimately be met with God's resistance, as seen in James 4:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when God interrupts my plans, and what can I learn from Saul's mistakes in this verse?
  2. What are some ways that I can be more sensitive to the Spirit of God in my daily life, so that I can be more obedient to His will?
  3. In what ways can I be more like Samuel, who was leading the group of prophets and listening to God's voice, as seen in 1 Samuel 19:20?
  4. How can I apply the principle of not persisting in sin, as seen in Saul's repeated attempts to capture David, to my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 19:21

And when it was told Saul,.... That the messengers he had sent, instead of seizing on David, were prophesying of him, or however were attending to services of a different nature than what they were

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 19:21

And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:21

1 Samuel 19:21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.Ver. 21. And they prophesied also.] Such sudden changes we read of also in 2 Kings 1:13 John 7:46. So Augustine was suddenly converted by Ambrose; Latimer by hearing Mr Stafford’ s lectures, which he came to scoff at, and Mr Bilney’ s confession. Concerning the Christian congregation in Queen Mary’ s time, I have heard of one, saith Mr Fox, who being sent to them to take their names and to espy their doings, yet, in being amongst them, was converted, and cried them all mercy. At Miltenberg, a town in the territory of Mentz, an officer was sent to take a certain godly deacon sojourning in a widow’ s house. The deacon meeting and embracing him said, Salve mi frater, frater enimvero meus es, Et adsum, transfode me, vel suffoca me: Hail, brother; here I am, stab me, hang me, do as thou pleasest to me. The officer, by a sudden innovation of his heart from heaven, said, Sir, I will do you no harm, nor shall any man else, if I can hinder it. And when the rustics came in to help to kill the deacon, the officer kept them off, and would not let them harm him. Act. and Mon., fol. 188l. Scultet., Annal., p. 174.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:21

(21) And they prophesied likewise.—Bishop Wordsworth calls attention here to the fact of “this portion of Scripture, from 1 Samuel 19:18 to end of the chapter, which relates the illapse of the Spirit on Saul’s messengers, and even on Saul himself, the persecutor of David, being appointed by the Church to be read on Whitsun Tuesday (Old Lect.), in order to show the existence and working of the Holy Spirit before the times of the Gospel, and the freedom and power of His Divine agency.” (Comp. here Numbers 11:26-31 : the history of Eldad and Medad, which we read on Whitsun Monday, New Lect.)

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 19:21

21. they prophesied also] Carried away by the religious excitement they forgot their errand, and joined the chant of the prophets.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 19:21

21. Sent… the third time — Here we have a striking exhibition of Saul’s blind infatuation.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 19:21

SermonDescription
James Bourne Letter 58 by James Bourne James Bourne preaches about facing difficulties and trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. He encourages the listener to humbly come before God
J.R. Miller Numbering Our Days by J.R. Miller J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of truly numbering our days, which goes beyond merely counting years to living each day with purpose and wisdom. He illustrates that many live
Keith Daniel Satan's Servants in God's Pulpit by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking before God with charity, love, and a pure heart. He questions the listeners if they truly have a good conscience a
Danny Bond How God Transforms Your Life by Danny Bond In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the transformation of Saul into Paul and how God can transform anyone's life. The process of transformation begins with faith in Jesus Christ
Jim Cymbala Three Gifts Under the Tree by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker discusses three unusual gifts that God has given to believers. These gifts are a pure heart, a steadfast spirit, and a willing spirit. The speaker share
J.C. Ryle Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for young men to be self-controlled and spiritually vigilant, as highlighted in Paul's letter to Titus. He reflects on the unique challenges
J.C. Ryle Reasons for Exhorting Young Men by J.C. Ryle J.C. Ryle emphasizes the urgent need to exhort young men, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities and the spiritual dangers they face. He reflects on the alarming reality that ma

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