1 Samuel 10:11
And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 23
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 23
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יֽוֹדְעוֹ֙
And it came to pass when all that knew
H3045
יֽוֹדְעוֹ֙
And it came to pass when all that knew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 23
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
שִׁלְשֹׁ֔ם
H8032
וַיִּרְא֕וּ
saw
H7200
וַיִּרְא֕וּ
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 23
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
8 of 23
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
בַּנְּבִיאִֽים׃
also among the prophets
H5030
בַּנְּבִיאִֽים׃
also among the prophets
Strong's:
H5030
Word #:
9 of 23
a prophet or (generally) inspired man
נִבָּ֑א
that behold he prophesied
H5012
נִבָּ֑א
that behold he prophesied
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
10 of 23
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
הָעָ֜ם
then the people
H5971
הָעָ֜ם
then the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 23
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִ֣ישׁ
one
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
13 of 23
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
זֶּה֙
H2088
הָיָ֣ה
H1961
הָיָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
18 of 23
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְבֶן
What is this that is come unto the son
H1121
לְבֶן
What is this that is come unto the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
19 of 23
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הֲגַ֥ם
H1571
הֲגַ֥ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Historical Context
Proverbs arising from notable events were common in ancient Israel, preserving communal memory of significant moments. This saying's later application when Saul prophesied while pursuing David (19:24) gave it an ironic twist: the king among the prophets was actually persecuting God's anointed.
Questions for Reflection
- How do people who knew you before Christ respond to the changes they see in your life?
- What does this passage teach about God's ability to transform the most unlikely people?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?
The neighbors' astonishment reveals their perception of Saul before his transformation. The question 'What is this that is come unto' (mah-zeh hayah le) expresses bewildered amazement. 'The son of Kish' identifies Saul by his father's name, emphasizing his ordinary family background with no prophetic lineage. The question 'Is Saul also among the prophets?' (hagam Sha'ul banevi'im) became a proverb in Israel (verse 12; 19:24). This phrase could express genuine wonder at God's transforming power or skeptical dismissal - the grammar allows either reading. Such ambiguity mirrors responses to God's work throughout history: some see transformation as evidence of grace, others as incongruent with a person's known character. The question unwittingly prophesies Saul's conflicted identity: he would stand among the prophets yet persecute David whom the prophets protected.