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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ
And when it was told
H5046
וַיַּגִּ֣דוּ
And when it was told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙
he sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙
he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
3 of 16
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָכִ֣ים
messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכִ֣ים
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
4 of 16
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they prophesied
H5012
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they prophesied
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
6 of 16
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
וַיֹּ֣סֶף
again
H3254
וַיֹּ֣סֶף
again
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
9 of 16
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙
he sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַח֙
he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
11 of 16
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
מַלְאָכִ֣ים
messengers
H4397
מַלְאָכִ֣ים
messengers
Strong's:
H4397
Word #:
12 of 16
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
שְׁלִשִׁ֔ים
the third
H7992
שְׁלִשִׁ֔ים
the third
Strong's:
H7992
Word #:
13 of 16
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they prophesied
H5012
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ
and they prophesied
Strong's:
H5012
Word #:
14 of 16
to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
Historical Context
The number three often signifies completeness in Hebrew narrative. Each new group would have heard about their predecessors' strange experience yet still came. The repeated transformation demonstrates the Spirit's consistent overpowering presence at Naioth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does repeated failure teach you about the futility of opposing God's purposes?
- What does the threefold pattern reveal about divine patience and power?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
The threefold sending of messengers - each group overpowered by the Spirit - demonstrates both Saul's stubborn persistence and God's inexhaustible power. The Hebrew structure emphasizes repetition: sent, prophesied; sent again, prophesied; sent a third time, prophesied. Saul refused to learn from repeated failure. His persistence against divine intervention reveals how obsession blinds rational assessment. Three groups of armed messengers became three companies of prophets. God's power converts enemies into worshippers when He chooses.