1 Samuel 9:8
And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֹּ֤סֶף
again
H3254
וַיֹּ֤סֶף
again
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 19
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
And the servant
H5288
הַנַּ֙עַר֙
And the servant
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
2 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
לַֽעֲנ֣וֹת
answered
H6030
לַֽעֲנ֣וֹת
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
3 of 19
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 #:
4 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נִמְצָ֣א
Behold I have
H4672
נִמְצָ֣א
Behold I have
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
בְיָדִ֔י
here at hand
H3027
בְיָדִ֔י
here at hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
9 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
שֶׁ֣קֶל
of a shekel
H8255
שֶׁ֣קֶל
of a shekel
Strong's:
H8255
Word #:
11 of 19
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
כָּ֑סֶף
of silver
H3701
כָּ֑סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
12 of 19
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
וְנָֽתַתִּי֙
that will I give
H5414
וְנָֽתַתִּי֙
that will I give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
13 of 19
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְאִ֣ישׁ
to the man
H376
לְאִ֣ישׁ
to the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
14 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)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 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
וְהִגִּ֥יד
to tell
H5046
וְהִגִּ֥יד
to tell
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
Historical Context
A quarter-shekel was a small but not insignificant sum, perhaps equivalent to a day or two's wages for common labor. Silver was weighed rather than coined in this period, with pieces often cut from larger bars. The transaction illustrates that prophetic guidance was available across economic classes, not reserved for wealthy patrons.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God often provide unexpected resources at crucial moments in your spiritual journey?
- What does the servant's greater initiative compared to Saul suggest about true leadership qualities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way.
The servant's initiative in providing the quarter-shekel demonstrates both resourcefulness and providential supply. This small amount, roughly 2.8 grams of silver, was modest yet sufficient for their purpose. The Hebrew phrase matsa yadi ('I have at hand,' literally 'my hand has found') suggests unexpected discovery or hidden reserve. Throughout this narrative, the servant consistently moves events forward while Saul hesitates, a dynamic that raises questions about leadership qualities. The servant's willingness to give his own money for their mutual benefit contrasts with Saul's passive uncertainty. This small detail prefigures the coming narrative where God provides what is needed precisely when needed. The verse also establishes that prophetic consultation was accessible even to common people with modest means, reflecting the democratic accessibility of God's guidance through His servants.