1 Samuel 28:14
And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.
Original Language Analysis
מַֽה
H4100
מַֽה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אִ֤ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֤ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 20
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)
עֹלֶ֔ה
cometh up
H5927
עֹלֶ֔ה
cometh up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 20
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וְה֥וּא
H1931
וְה֥וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עֹטֶ֖ה
and he is covered
H5844
עֹטֶ֖ה
and he is covered
Strong's:
H5844
Word #:
10 of 20
to wrap, i.e., cover, veil, clothe, or roll
וַיֵּ֤דַע
perceived
H3045
וַיֵּ֤דַע
perceived
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
12 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל
that it was Samuel
H8050
שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל
that it was Samuel
Strong's:
H8050
Word #:
15 of 20
shemuel, the name of three israelites
ה֔וּא
H1931
ה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
16 of 20
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וַיִּקֹּ֥ד
and he stooped
H6915
וַיִּקֹּ֥ד
and he stooped
Strong's:
H6915
Word #:
17 of 20
to shrivel up, i.e., contract or bend the body (or neck) in deference
אַפַּ֛יִם
with his face
H639
אַפַּ֛יִם
with his face
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
Historical Context
The mantle was the characteristic garment of prophets, later associated with Elijah and Elisha. Samuel's me'il served as a recognition marker and symbol of prophetic authority throughout his career.
Questions for Reflection
- What identifying marks reveal someone's true identity and calling?
- How do we respond differently to God's messengers in desperate situations than in prosperous ones?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The identifying details, 'an old man covered with a mantle' (Hebrew: 'me'il'), connect to Samuel's characteristic prophetic garb. The mantle (me'il) was specifically associated with Samuel from when his mother made him a little robe (2:19) to when Saul tore his mantle symbolizing the torn kingdom (15:27). Saul's immediate perception that 'it was Samuel' and his prostration (Hebrew: 'wayyiqqod') indicate recognition and reverence. The king bows before the prophet he once resisted, now seeking what he previously rejected.