1 Samuel 10:12
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֨עַן
of the same place answered
H6030
וַיַּ֨עַן
of the same place answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 13
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,
אִ֥ישׁ
And one
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
And one
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 13
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)
מִשָּׁ֛ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֛ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
3 of 13
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וּמִ֣י
H4310
וּמִ֣י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
5 of 13
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
אֲבִיהֶ֑ם
But who is their father
H1
אֲבִיהֶ֑ם
But who is their father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
6 of 13
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּן֙
H3651
כֵּן֙
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
הָֽיְתָ֣ה
H1961
הָֽיְתָ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
9 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְמָשָׁ֔ל
Therefore it became a proverb
H4912
לְמָשָׁ֔ל
Therefore it became a proverb
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
הֲגַ֥ם
H1571
הֲגַ֥ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, identity was closely tied to lineage. The priestly tribe of Levi inherited their role; prophetic calling, by contrast, came directly from God regardless of family. This distinction became crucial in Israel's understanding of divine sovereignty over human institutions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the principle that spiritual calling transcends natural lineage apply to the church today?
- What 'proverbs' might emerge from God's transforming work in your community?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
This enigmatic response 'who is their father?' has generated much scholarly discussion. The question likely redirects attention from Saul's natural parentage to his spiritual calling. Just as the prophets' authority came not from physical descent but from divine calling, so too Saul's new role transcended his family origins. The 'father' of the prophets was God Himself, or perhaps Samuel as their spiritual leader. This response subtly affirms that spiritual gifts derive from God's sovereign bestowal, not hereditary qualification. The phrase becoming a proverb (mashal) indicates its enduring significance in Israel's memory. Proverbs crystallize wisdom from experience, and this saying captured the truth that God can radically transform anyone for His purposes. Yet proverbs can carry double meanings: the same phrase later expressed shocked disillusionment when the king-turned-persecutor lay naked and prophesying (19:24).