1 Samuel 9:7
Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?
Original Language Analysis
לְנַֽעֲר֗וֹ
to his servant
H5288
לְנַֽעֲר֗וֹ
to his servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
3 of 19
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
נֵלֵךְ֮
H1980
נֵלֵךְ֮
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
5 of 19
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וּמַה
H4100
וּמַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
לְאִ֣ישׁ
the man
H376
לְאִ֣ישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
8 of 19
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)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הַלֶּ֙חֶם֙
for the bread
H3899
הַלֶּ֙חֶם֙
for the bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
10 of 19
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
מִכֵּלֵ֔ינוּ
in our vessels
H3627
מִכֵּלֵ֔ינוּ
in our vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
12 of 19
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
לְהָבִ֖יא
to bring
H935
לְהָבִ֖יא
to bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
15 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לְאִ֣ישׁ
the man
H376
לְאִ֣ישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
16 of 19
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)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
17 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
Cross References
1 Kings 14:3And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child.2 Kings 8:8And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?2 Kings 4:42And there came a man from Baal-shalisha, and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto the people, that they may eat.2 Kings 5:5And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.2 Kings 5:15And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.Judges 6:18Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
Historical Context
Offering gifts to prophets was customary practice (2 Kings 4:42; 8:8-9). Such presents were not payment for services but tokens of respect and recognition of the prophet's status. The practice continued in various forms throughout Israel's history, though prophets like Samuel and Elisha often refused material gain to preserve the purity of their ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How might our concern with proper religious forms sometimes overshadow the relationship God truly desires?
- What does Saul's anxiety about approaching the prophet without a gift reveal about his understanding of spiritual authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?
Saul's response reveals cultural sensitivity and proper etiquette: one did not approach a prophet empty-handed. His concern about having no gift (teshurah, a present given to secure favor or consultation) reflects both humility and awareness of social customs. The detail that their bread provisions were exhausted emphasizes the length and difficulty of their journey. Yet Saul's focus on material offering contrasts with the spiritual reality that Samuel would soon present him with a gift beyond measure, the kingship itself. This moment subtly exposes a pattern that would characterize Saul's reign: excessive concern with external formalities and human approval rather than the heart disposition God truly desires. His question 'what have we?' unknowingly echoes Israel's spiritual poverty even as they sought human kingship over divine rule.