1 Samuel 9:11
1 Samuel 9:11 in Multiple Translations
And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?”
¶ And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
As they went up the ascent to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
And when they were on the way up to the town, they saw some young girls going out to get water and said to them, Is the seer here?
As they were going up the hill to the town, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked them, “Is the seer here?”
And as they were going vp the hie way to the citie, they found maydes that came out to draw water, and said vnto them, Is there here a Seer?
They are going up in the ascent of the city, and have found young women going out to draw water, and say to them, 'Is the seer in this [place]?'
As they went up the ascent to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said to them, “Is the seer here?”
And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said to them, Is the seer here?
And when they went up the ascent to the city, they found maids coming out to draw water, and they said to them: Is the seer here?
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 9:11
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 9:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֗מָּה
עֹלִים֙
בְּ/מַעֲלֵ֣ה
הָ/עִ֔יר
וְ/הֵ֨מָּה֙
מָצְא֣וּ
נְעָר֔וֹת
יֹצְא֖וֹת
לִ/שְׁאֹ֣ב
מָ֑יִם
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
לָ/הֶ֔ן
הֲ/יֵ֥שׁ
בָּ/זֶ֖ה
הָ/רֹאֶֽה
הֵ֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
עֹלִים֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal
בְּ/מַעֲלֵ֣ה
maʻăleh
H4608
ascent
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
וְ/הֵ֨מָּה֙
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
מָצְא֣וּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
נְעָר֔וֹת
naʻărâh
H5291
maiden
N-fp
יֹצְא֖וֹת
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal
לִ/שְׁאֹ֣ב
shâʼab
H7579
to draw
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לָ/הֶ֔ן
Prep | Suff
הֲ/יֵ֥שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part | Part
בָּ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
הָ/רֹאֶֽה
rôʼeh
H7203
seer
Art | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 9:11
הֵ֗מָּה
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.
עֹלִים֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
בְּ/מַעֲלֵ֣ה
maʻăleh
H4608
"ascent"
Prep | N-ms
Means an upward movement, like climbing a hill or stairs, as in Exodus 20:26, where the Israelites are instructed not to climb the altar by steps. It can also represent spiritual growth.
Definition: ascent, incline
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: ascent, before, chiefest, cliff, that goeth up, going up, hill, mounting up, stairs. See also: Joshua 15:7; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Isaiah 15:5.
הָ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
וְ/הֵ֨מָּה֙
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | 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.
מָצְא֣וּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
נְעָר֔וֹת
naʻărâh
H5291
"maiden"
N-fp
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
יֹצְא֖וֹת
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
לִ/שְׁאֹ֣ב
shâʼab
H7579
"to draw"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To draw water from a well is what this Hebrew word means, and it is often used to describe the daily task of women in the Bible. In the book of Genesis, it describes the women of the town gathering at the well to draw water and socialize.
Definition: 1) to draw (water) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw (water) 1a2) water-drawing women (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (woman to) draw(-er, water). See also: Genesis 24:11; Joshua 9:23; Isaiah 12:3.
מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
לָ/הֶ֔ן
""
Prep | Suff
הֲ/יֵ֥שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part | Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
בָּ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הָ/רֹאֶֽה
rôʼeh
H7203
"seer"
Art | V-Qal
The Hebrew word for a vision or a seer, often referring to a prophetic vision. It describes a person who receives visions from God. The KJV translates it as vision.
Definition: seer, prophet
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: vision. See also: 1 Samuel 9:9; 1 Samuel 9:18; Isaiah 28:7.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 9:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 9:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:11
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 9:11
Context — Saul Chosen as King
9(Formerly in Israel, a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.” For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.)
10“Good,” said Saul to his servant. “Come, let us go.” So they set out for the city where the man of God was.
11And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?”
12“Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. 13As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 24:11 | As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water. |
| 2 | Exodus 2:16 | Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. |
| 3 | Genesis 24:18–20 | “Drink, my lord,” she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink.” And she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw water, until she had drawn water for all his camels. |
| 4 | Judges 5:11 | the voices of the singers at the watering places. There they shall recount the righteous acts of the LORD, the righteous deeds of His villagers in Israel. Then the people of the LORD went down to the gates: |
1 Samuel 9:11 Summary
[In 1 Samuel 9:11, Saul and his servant were trying to find the seer, who was a prophet that could help them understand God's will. They asked some young women they met if the seer was in the city, showing that they were willing to ask for help and guidance. This is an important lesson for us, because it reminds us that seeking God's guidance and wisdom is a key part of our spiritual journey, as seen in (Proverbs 3:5-6). By trusting in God and seeking His wisdom, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and faith, just like Saul did in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the term 'seer' mean in the context of 1 Samuel 9:11?
In the Bible, a seer is another term for a prophet, as seen in 1 Samuel 9:9, where it says, 'For the prophet of today was formerly called the seer.'
Why were Saul and his servant looking for the seer in 1 Samuel 9:11?
Saul and his servant were looking for the seer because they wanted to inquire of God, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 9:9, which says, 'a man on his way to inquire of God would say, “Come, let us go to the seer.”'
Who are the young women that Saul and his servant met in 1 Samuel 9:11?
The young women that Saul and his servant met were likely the daughters of the city, going about their daily tasks, such as drawing water, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Genesis 24:11.
What can we learn from Saul's approach to finding the seer in 1 Samuel 9:11?
We can learn that seeking God's guidance and wisdom is an important part of our spiritual journey, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can seek God's guidance in my life, just like Saul did in 1 Samuel 9:11?
- How can I apply the principle of seeking God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, to my daily decisions and challenges?
- What are some things that I can learn from the example of Saul and his servant, in terms of their willingness to ask for directions and seek out the seer?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when I'm not sure what the future holds, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:11
And as they went up the hill to the city,.... For the city was built upon an hill, from whence it had the name of Ramah, which signifies high and lifted up: they found young maidens going out to draw
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:11
And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11
Going out, i.e. out of the city, and down to the bottom of the hill, where the fountain or river was.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11
1 Samuel 9:11 [And] as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?Ver. 11. Is the seer here?] Seers then the prophets were called, not only beforetime, but now also: though that name began to be antiquated. “ Multa renascentur quae iam cecidere, cadentque Quae nunc sunt in honore vocabula, si volet usus, Quem penes arbitrium est, et vis et norma loquendi. ” - Horat., De Arte Poet. not only beforetime, but now also: though that name began to be not only beforetime, but now also: though that name began to be
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11
Verse 11. Young maidens going out to draw water] So far is it from being true, that young women were always kept closely shut up at home, that we find them often in the field, drawing and carrying water, as here.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:11
11–14. Inquiry for the seer 11. as they went up] As they were ascending by the ascent to the city. The Hebrew has a peculiar construction, the repetition of which is characteristic of this chapter. Cp. 1 Samuel 9:5; 1 Samuel 9:14; 1 Samuel 9:17; 1 Samuel 9:27. young maidens going out to draw water] Cp. Genesis 24:15; Genesis 29:9 ff.; Exodus 2:16; John 4:7. The well was in the lower ground outside the city wall.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:11
11. Young maidens going out to draw water — Like Rebekah (Genesis 24:15) and the daughters of Jethro. Exodus 2:16.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 9:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 2:16-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He highlights how the Israelites had turned away from God and |
|
Desert Survival Series Pt 6- Moses the Man of God by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Moses and his 40 years in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the lessons that God wanted to teach Moses during this time. One l |