1 Samuel 9:23
1 Samuel 9:23 in Multiple Translations
And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.”
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.
And Samuel said to the cook, Give me that part which I gave you orders to keep by you.
Samuel told the cook, “Bring the special piece of meat I gave you and told you to keep to one side.”
And Samuel saide vnto the cooke, Bring foorth the portion which I gaue thee, and whereof I said vnto thee, Keepe it with thee.
And Samuel saith to the cook, 'Give the portion which I gave to thee, of which I said unto thee, 'Set it by thee?'
Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Set it aside.’”
And Samuel said to the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said to thee, Set it by thee.
And Samuel said to the cook: Bring the portion, which I gave thee, and commanded thee to set it apart by thee.
Then Samuel told the cook, “Bring to me the special piece of meat that I told you to set aside.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 9:23
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 9:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
שְׁמוּאֵל֙
לַ/טַּבָּ֔ח
תְּנָ/ה֙
אֶת
הַ/מָּנָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
נָתַ֖תִּי
לָ֑/ךְ
אֲשֶׁר֙
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
שִׂ֥ים
אֹתָ֖/הּ
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שְׁמוּאֵל֙
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
N-proper
לַ/טַּבָּ֔ח
ṭabbâch
H2876
guard
Prep | N-ms
תְּנָ/ה֙
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מָּנָ֔ה
mânâh
H4490
portion
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נָתַ֖תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
שִׂ֥ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 9:23
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
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.
שְׁמוּאֵל֙
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
"Shemuel"
N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
לַ/טַּבָּ֔ח
ṭabbâch
H2876
"guard"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word originally meant a butcher, but came to describe a lifeguardsman or executioner, and even a cook who slaughtered animals for food. It is used to describe various roles in the Bible, including a bodyguard or cook. The word has an Aramaic equivalent.
Definition: 1) executioner, cook, bodyguard, guardsman 1a) cook (who also killed the animal for food) 1b) guardsmen, bodyguard Aramaic equivalent: tab.bach (טַבָּח "guardsman" H2877)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: cook, guard. See also: Genesis 37:36; Jeremiah 39:10; Jeremiah 39:9.
תְּנָ/ה֙
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
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.
הַ/מָּנָ֔ה
mânâh
H4490
"portion"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a portion or division of something, like food or land. It refers to a part or share of something, as seen in various Bible translations. The concept of portion is important in biblical times.
Definition: part, portion
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: such things as belonged, part, portion. See also: Exodus 29:26; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 16:5.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָתַ֖תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁר֙
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שִׂ֥ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אֹתָ֖/הּ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 9:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 9:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
Context — Saul Chosen as King
21Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”
22Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them in the place of honor among those who were invited—about thirty in all.
23And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.”
24So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, “Here is what was kept back. It was set apart for you. Eat, for it has been kept for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’” So Saul dined with Samuel that day. 25And after they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the roof of his house.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 1:5 | But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. |
| 2 | Genesis 43:34 | When the portions were served to them from Joseph’s table, Benjamin’s portion was five times larger than any of the others. So they feasted and drank freely with Joseph. |
1 Samuel 9:23 Summary
In 1 Samuel 9:23, Samuel instructs the cook to bring the portion of food that he had set aside, demonstrating his prophetic insight and preparation for the events that were about to unfold. This act of setting aside a portion represents God's special provision and blessing for Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:24. Just like Samuel prepared for Saul, God prepares and provides for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, where He promises to prosper us and give us hope for the future. As we trust in God's sovereignty and provision, we can respond with gratitude and obedience, seeking to follow His leading and guidance in our lives, just as Samuel did in 1 Samuel 9:23.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Samuel instruct the cook to set aside a portion of food?
Samuel instructed the cook to set aside a portion of food because he had a special purpose in mind for Saul, as indicated in 1 Samuel 9:23. This act of setting aside a portion was a demonstration of Samuel's prophetic insight and preparation for the events that were about to unfold, similar to how God prepared a special role for Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:24.
What is the significance of the portion that Samuel told the cook to set aside?
The portion that Samuel told the cook to set aside represents the special provision and blessing that God had in store for Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 9:23-24. This act of setting aside a portion is reminiscent of God's provision for His people, as seen in Exodus 16:4-5, where God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Saul's calling as king?
This verse is a pivotal moment in the calling of Saul as king, as it demonstrates Samuel's prophetic insight and preparation for the events that were about to unfold, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:1. It also highlights God's sovereignty and provision in the life of Saul, as seen in 1 Samuel 10:24, where Saul is publicly declared as the king of Israel.
What can we learn from Samuel's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Samuel's actions in this verse the importance of obedience to God's leading and the value of preparation and planning, as seen in 1 Samuel 9:23. We also see the significance of recognizing and responding to God's provision and blessing in our lives, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has specifically provided for me, and how can I respond to His provision with gratitude and obedience?
- How can I, like Samuel, prepare and plan for the events that God has in store for me, and trust in His sovereign guidance?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's provision and blessing, and how can I seek His guidance and direction in those areas?
- How can I, like Saul, recognize and respond to God's calling and purpose for my life, and trust in His sovereignty and provision?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 9:23
And Samuel said unto the cook,.... That dressed and prepared the food for the entertainment of the guests: bring the portion which I gave thee; to dress; for part of the provisions of the feast was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 9:23
And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
Or, which I appointed or disposed to thee, i.e. which I bade the reserve for this use.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
1 Samuel 9:23 And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.Ver. 23. Bring the portion which I gave thee.] A choice mess, that Saul might see by his cheer what his welcome was: and that the rest at table might take notice that Saul was no ordinary guest.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
(23) And Samuel said unto the cook.—The meaning of this statement is simply this—all that took place in the meeting of the prophet and Saul at the sacrificial feast, and subsequently in Samuel’s house, was arranged for beforehand; every event was foreseen and provided for, even the trivial details—all was symbolical in this preparation for the great change in the constitution of Israel, which, under God’s providence, was fraught with such important consequences. The very piece of meat set before Samuel at the Ramah banquet was no chance piece, but one which, owing, no doubt, to its being considered the choicest, had been carefully set aside for him when the sacrificial feast was being prepared.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
Verse 23. Said unto the cook] טבח tabbach, here rendered cook; the singular of טבחות tabbachoth, female cooks, 1 Samuel 8:13, from the root tabach, to slay or butcher. Probably the butcher is here meant.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 9:23
23. the portion] Cp. 1 Samuel 1:4.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 9:23
23. The cook — ùׂ ?áç, the slaughterer. He who had the whole charge of the preparation, not only of the cooking, but also of the butchering.