1 Samuel 9:19
And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֨עַן
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָֽרֹאֶ֔ה
I am the seer
H7200
הָֽרֹאֶ֔ה
I am the seer
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
7 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עֲלֵ֤ה
go up
H5927
עֲלֵ֤ה
go 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
לְפָנַי֙
before
H6440
לְפָנַי֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
עִמִּ֖י
H5973
עִמִּ֖י
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
12 of 20
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הַיּ֑וֹם
with me to day
H3117
הַיּ֑וֹם
with me to day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 20
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֣יךָ
I will let thee go
H7971
וְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֣יךָ
I will let thee go
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
14 of 20
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
and to morrow
H1242
בַבֹּ֔קֶר
and to morrow
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וְכֹ֛ל
H3605
וְכֹ֛ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בִּֽלְבָבְךָ֖
thee all that is in thine heart
H3824
בִּֽלְבָבְךָ֖
thee all that is in thine heart
Strong's:
H3824
Word #:
18 of 20
the heart (as the most interior organ)
Historical Context
Prophetic knowledge of hidden thoughts demonstrated authentic divine communication, distinguishing true prophets from false ones who relied on manipulation or guesswork. The invitation to share a meal was a significant honor and social commitment in ancient culture, often sealing agreements or marking the beginning of important relationships.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's knowledge of 'all that is in your heart' comfort or challenge you?
- What does it mean to be invited to 'go before' God into His presence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.
Samuel's self-identification, 'I am the seer' (anoki haro'eh), initiates the revelation that will transform Saul's life. The command to 'go up before me' inverts normal social order: typically a lesser person would follow, not precede, a dignitary. This inversion signals Saul's impending elevation while testing his response to unexpected honor. Samuel's promise to reveal 'all that is in thine heart' (kol asher bilvaveka) demonstrates prophetic insight that transcends natural knowledge. Saul came with questions about donkeys; Samuel promises answers about his deepest concerns and hidden thoughts. The invitation to eat together carries covenant significance in ancient Near Eastern culture: sharing a meal established or confirmed relationship. Samuel thus initiates Saul into a new relationship that would soon be formalized through anointing.