CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 9:1 Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/9-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/09_1Sa_09_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 9:1 - Saul Chosen as King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/9-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/9-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/8-22.htm" title="1 Samuel 8:22">◄</a> 1 Samuel 9:1 <a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm" title="1 Samuel 9:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/9.htm">New International Version</a> There was a Benjamite, a man of standing, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bekorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> There was a wealthy, influential man named Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. He was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, of the tribe of Benjamin. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/9.htm">New King James Version</a> There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, son of a Benjaminite, a valiant mighty man. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> There was a man of [the tribe of] Benjamin whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of influence and wealth. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> There was a prominent man of Benjamin named Kish son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, son of a Benjaminite. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> There was an influential man of Benjamin named Kish son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, son of a Benjaminite. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Kish was a wealthy man who belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. His father was Abiel, his grandfather was Zeror, his great-grandfather was Becorath, and his great-great-grandfather was Aphiah. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valour. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> There was a man from the tribe of Benjamin whose name was Kish. He was a son of Abiel, grandson of Zeror, and great-grandson of Becorath, whose father was Aphiah, a descendant of Benjamin. Kish was a powerful man. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> There was a wealthy and influential man named Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin; he was the son of Abiel and grandson of Zeror, and belonged to the family of Becorath, a part of the clan of Aphiah. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> There was a man from Benjamin named Kish, Abiel's son, the grandson of Zeror and great-grandson of Aphiah's son Becorath. A prominent man from Benjamin, <a href="/msb/1_samuel/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. <a href="/net/1_samuel/9.htm">NET Bible</a> There was a Benjaminite man named Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. He was a prominent person. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a mighty man of valor. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a mighty man of power. <a href="/web/1_samuel/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And there is a man of Benjamin, and his name [is] Kish, son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Bechorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor, <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And there is a man of Benjamin, and his name is Kish, son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Bechorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, mighty of valour, <a href="/slt/1_samuel/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And there will be a man of Benjamin, and his name Kish, son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Bechorah, son of Aphiah, son of a man, a Jaminite, a man of strength.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now I there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Cis, the son of Abiel, the son of Seror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphia, the son of a man of Jemini, valiant and strong. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a man of Benjamin, strong and robust. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/9.htm">New American Bible</a> There was a powerful man from Benjamin named Kish, who was the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish son of Abiel son of Zeror son of Becorath son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> NOW there was a man from Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zerod, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And there was one man from Benjamin, and his name, Qish, son of Abiel, son of Tserud, son of Bekaruth, son of Aphikh, a man from Benjamin, a mighty man of power<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valour. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And there was a man of the sons of Benjamin, and his name was Kis, the son of Abiel, the son of Jared, the son of Bachir, the son of Aphec, the son of a Benjamite, a man of might. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=2014" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/9.htm">Saul Chosen as King</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Now there was</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: mib·bin- (Prep-m:: N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">a Benjamite,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1368.htm" title="1368: gib·bō·wr (Adj-msc) -- Strong, mighty. Or gibbor; intensive from the same as geber; powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant.">a powerful man,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥā·yil (N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3225.htm" title="3225: yå̄·mīn (N-proper-ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: ū·šə·mōw (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">whose name</a> <a href="/hebrew/7027.htm" title="7027: qîš (N-proper-ms) -- Father of Saul, also the name of several other Isr. From qowsh; a bow; Kish, the name of five Israelites.">was Kish</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/22.htm" title="22: ’ă·ḇî·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- El is my father, an Isr. name. From 'ab and 'el; father of God; Abiel, the name of two Israelites.">of Abiel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/6872.htm" title="6872: ṣə·rō·wr (N-proper-ms) -- A parcel, a kernel, particle. Or tsror; from tsarar; a parcel; also a kernel or particle.">of Zeror,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/1064.htm" title="1064: bə·ḵō·w·raṯ (N-proper-ms) -- First-born, a Benjamite. Feminine of bkowrah; primogeniture; Bekorath, an Israelite.">of Becorath,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/647.htm" title="647: ’ă·p̄î·aḥ (N-proper-ms) -- Aphiah -- perhaps helpless. Perhaps from puwach; breeze; Aphiach, an Israelite.">of Aphiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.)."></a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3227.htm" title="3227: yə·mî·nî (N-proper-ms) -- On the right hand. For yamiyn; right.">of Benjamin.</a> 2And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/10-21.htm">1 Samuel 10:21</a> Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. <a href="/1_samuel/14-51.htm">1 Samuel 14:51</a> Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel. <a href="/1_chronicles/8-33.htm">1 Chronicles 8:33</a> Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. <a href="/1_chronicles/9-39.htm">1 Chronicles 9:39</a> Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. <a href="/1_samuel/10-20.htm">1 Samuel 10:20-21</a> Thus Samuel had all the tribes of Israel come forward, and the tribe of Benjamin was selected. / Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. <a href="/1_samuel/14-50.htm">1 Samuel 14:50</a> His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner, the son of Saul’s uncle Ner. <a href="/1_samuel/15-1.htm">1 Samuel 15:1</a> Then Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people Israel. Now therefore, listen to the words of the LORD. <a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">1 Samuel 16:1</a> Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.” <a href="/1_samuel/17-55.htm">1 Samuel 17:55</a> As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” “As surely as you live, O king,” Abner replied, “I do not know.” <a href="/1_samuel/24-20.htm">1 Samuel 24:20</a> Now I know for sure that you will be king and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands. <a href="/1_samuel/28-3.htm">1 Samuel 28:3</a> Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land. <a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2</a> The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8</a> Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, <a href="/2_samuel/21-14.htm">2 Samuel 21:14</a> And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land. <a href="/acts/13-21.htm">Acts 13:21</a> Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.Kish<a href="/1_samuel/14-51.htm">1 Samuel 14:51</a> And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.<a href="/1_chronicles/8-30.htm">1 Chronicles 8:30-33</a> And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab, … <a href="/1_chronicles/9-36.htm">1 Chronicles 9:36-39</a> And his firstborn son Abdon, then Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab, … Cis <a href="/1_samuel/25-2.htm">1 Samuel 25:2</a> And there was a man in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great, and he had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.<a href="/2_samuel/19-32.htm">2 Samuel 19:32</a> Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.<a href="/job/1-3.htm">Job 1:3</a> His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/11-32.htm">Abiel</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-32.htm">Abi'el</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/psalms/7-1.htm">Benjaminite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-12.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/acts/13-21.htm">Kish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-8.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-14.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-26.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/judges/20-46.htm">Valor</a> <a href="/ruth/2-1.htm">Valour</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-32.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/14-51.htm">Abiel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-51.htm">Abi'el</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-4.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">Benjaminite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-21.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-3.htm">Kish</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-52.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-6.htm">Power</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-27.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">Valor</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">Valour</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-1.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 9</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Saul despairing to find his father's donkeys</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/9-6.htm">by the counsel of his servant</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/9-11.htm">and direction of young maidens</a> 15. <a href="/1_samuel/9-15.htm">according to God's revelation</a> 18. <a href="/1_samuel/9-18.htm">comes to Samuel</a> 19. <a href="/1_samuel/9-19.htm">Samuel entertains Saul at the feast</a> 25. <a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">Samuel, after secret communication, brings Saul on his way</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now there was a Benjamite The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's youngest son, Benjamin. This tribe held a significant position in Israel's history, known for its fierce warriors (<a href="/judges/20-16.htm">Judges 20:16</a>) and its strategic location between the northern and southern tribes. The Benjamites were known for their skill in battle, and their territory included Jerusalem, which later became the capital under King David. The mention of a Benjamite here sets the stage for the introduction of Saul, Israel's first king, who also hailed from this tribe.A powerful man The term "powerful" here can be understood as a man of wealth, influence, or military prowess. In ancient Israel, power was often associated with land ownership, livestock, and the ability to lead or protect one's family and community. This description of Kish suggests that he was a man of considerable standing and respect within his tribe, which would have implications for his son Saul's future role as king.Whose name was Kish son of Abiel Kish is introduced as the father of Saul. The genealogy provided here establishes Saul's lineage and connects him to a family of some prominence. Abiel, Kish's father, is mentioned elsewhere in the Bible (<a href="/1_samuel/14-51.htm">1 Samuel 14:51</a>), indicating a family with a notable history. Genealogies in the Bible often serve to legitimize a person's role or authority, and in this case, it underscores Saul's suitability for leadership.The son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin This detailed genealogy traces Kish's ancestry back several generations, emphasizing the importance of lineage in Israelite society. Each name in the genealogy may have held significance for the original audience, possibly indicating alliances, land ownership, or historical events associated with these ancestors. The mention of "Aphiah of Benjamin" reinforces the tribal identity and heritage, which was crucial in a time when tribal affiliations determined social and political dynamics. This lineage also highlights the providential preparation for Saul's rise to kingship, as God often worked through family lines to fulfill His purposes in Israel's history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/k/kish.htm">Kish</a> A Benjamite, father of Saul, described as a "mighty man of valor." His lineage is significant as it establishes Saul's tribal identity and social standing. 2. <a href="/topical/b/benjamin.htm">Benjamin</a> The smallest of the tribes of Israel, known for its warriors. The tribe's history includes both valor and conflict, as seen in the Book of Judges. 3. <a href="/topical/a/abiel,_zeror,_becorath,_aphiah.htm">Abiel, Zeror, Becorath, Aphiah</a> Ancestors of Kish, establishing a genealogical line that emphasizes the heritage and nobility of Saul's family. 4. <a href="/topical/m/mighty_man_of_valor.htm">Mighty Man of Valor</a> This phrase indicates Kish's reputation and status, suggesting he was a man of wealth, influence, and possibly military prowess.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/h/heritage_and_identity.htm">Heritage and Identity</a> Understanding our spiritual heritage can provide insight into our identity and purpose. Just as Saul's lineage was significant, so is our identity in Christ. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_choice.htm">God's Sovereignty in Choice</a> God often chooses individuals from unexpected places or backgrounds to fulfill His purposes, as seen in His choice of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin. <a href="/topical/v/valor_and_responsibility.htm">Valor and Responsibility</a> Being a "mighty man of valor" comes with responsibilities. As Christians, we are called to live courageously and uphold our faith with integrity. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_family_and_legacy.htm">The Role of Family and Legacy</a> Our family background can influence our path, but ultimately, our choices and God's calling define our legacy.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) Saul.--The inspired compiler of these books--having related the circumstances which accompanied the people's request to the last of the judges for a king--closed the first part of the story of this momentous change in the fortunes of the chosen people with the words of the prophet-judge, bidding the representative elders to return to their homes, and wait the result of his solemn communing with the Eternal Friend of Israel on the subject of this king they so earnestly desired.The Eternal answered His servant either in a vision, or by Urim, or by an angel visitant. We are in most cases left in ignorance respecting the precise method by which God communicated with these highly-favoured men--His elect servante. The chosen Israelite whom Samuel was to anoint as the first king in Israel would meet the prophet--so said the "word of the Lord" to Samuel--on a certain day and hour, at a given place. The ninth chapter begins with a short account of the family of this man chosen for so high an office, and after a word or two of personal description, goes on to relate the circumstances under which he met Samuel. Saul, a man in the prime of manhood, distinguished among his fellows by his great stature, and for his grace and manly beauty, was the son of a noble and opulent Benjamite of Gribeah, a small city in the south of the Land of Promise.The whole of this episode in our ancient book is singularly picturesque. We see the yet unproclaimed king occupied in his father's business, and throwing his whole powers into the every-day transactions of the farm on the slopes of Mount Ephraim. In a few words the historian describes how the modest and retiring Saul was roused from the quiet pastoral pursuits in which his hitherto uneventful life had been spent. The reverent, perhaps slightly reluctant, admiration with which the seer of God gazed at the future king of Israel; the prophet's significant address, the symbol gifts, the graceful hospitality, and, above all, the solemn and, no doubt, burning words of the generous old man, woke up the sleeping hero-spirit, and prepared the young Benjamite for his future mighty work. But there was no vulgar elation at the prospect which lay before him, no hurried grasping at the splendid prize which the seer told him the God of his fathers had destined for him. Quietly he took leave of the famous Samuel; the predicted signs of his coming greatness one by one were literally fulfilled; but Saul returned to the ancestral farm in the hills of Benjamin, and was subject to his father, as in old days; and when at last the public summons to the throne came to him, he seems to have accepted the great office for which he had been marked with positive reluctance and shrinking, nor does he appear materially to have altered his old simple way of living until a great national disgrace called for a devoted patriot to avenge it. Then the heroic heart of the Lord's anointed awoke, and Saul, when the hour came, showed himself a king indeed.Kish, the son of Abiel.--On comparison with the genealogical summaries given in <a href="/genesis/46-21.htm" title="And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.">Genesis 46:21</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm" title="Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.">1Samuel 9:1</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/14-51.htm" title="And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.">1Samuel 14:51</a>; <a href="/context/1_chronicles/7-6.htm" title="The sons of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.">1Chronicles 7:6-8</a>, &c, the line of Samuel appears as follows:-- . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - A man... whose name was Kish. The genealogy of Saul is rendered obscure by the Hebrew custom of abbreviating such records by the omission of names. The family documents were no doubt kept in full, but when transcribed, as here and in the First Book of Chronicles, only a summary is given, and as the omitted links are not always the same, great difficulty is necessarily the result. The most satisfactory genealogy is that given by Schaff from a comparison of <a href="/genesis/46-21.htm">Genesis 46:21</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/14-51.htm">1 Samuel 14:51</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/7-6.htm">1 Chronicles 7:6-8</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/8-29.htm">1 Chronicles 8:29-33</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/9-35.htm">1 Chronicles 9:35-39</a>, and is as follows: 1. Benjamin; 2. Becher; 3. Aphish, perhaps same as Abiah; . . . <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/9-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now there was וַֽיְהִי־ (way·hî-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be a Benjamite, מִבִּנְיָמִ֗ין‪‬ (mib·bin·yā·mîn) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites a powerful man, גִּבּ֖וֹר (gib·bō·wr) Adjective - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1368.htm">Strong's 1368: </a> Powerful, warrior, tyrant whose name וּ֠שְׁמוֹ (ū·šə·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name was Kish קִ֣ישׁ (qîš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7027.htm">Strong's 7027: </a> Kish -- father of Saul, also the name of several other Israelites son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Abiel, אֲבִיאֵ֞ל (’ă·ḇî·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_22.htm">Strong's 22: </a> Abiel -- 'El is my father', an Israelite name the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Zeror, צְר֧וֹר (ṣə·rō·wr) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6872.htm">Strong's 6872: </a> A parcel, a kernel, particle the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Becorath, בְּכוֹרַ֛ת (bə·ḵō·w·raṯ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1064.htm">Strong's 1064: </a> Becorath -- 'first-born', a Benjamite the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Aphiah אֲפִ֖יחַ (’ă·p̄î·aḥ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_647.htm">Strong's 647: </a> Aphiah -- perhaps helpless of Benjamin. יְמִינִ֑י (yə·mî·nî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3227.htm">Strong's 3227: </a> On the right hand <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 9:1 Now there was a man of Benjamin (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/8-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 8:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 8:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/9-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 9:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 9:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>