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1 Samuel 10:12 Then a man who lived there replied, "And who is their father?" So the saying became a proverb: "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
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Therefore it became a proverb, <i>Is</i> Saul also among the prophets?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then a man from there answered and said, “But who <i>is</i> their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “<i>Is</i> Saul also among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And a man from there responded and said, “And who is their father?” Therefore it became a saying: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A man there said, “Now, who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And a man there answered and said, “Now, who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And a man there answered and said, “Now, who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And a man from there answered, “But who is the father of the others?” So it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a man who was from there asked, “And who is their father? ” As a result, “Is Saul also among the prophets? ” became a popular saying.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a man who was from there asked, “And who is their father?” As a result, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” became a popular saying. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And one of the same place answered and said, And who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Why not?" one of them answered. "Saul has as much right to be a prophet as anyone else!" That's why everyone started saying, "How can Saul be a prophet?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And one of the same place answered and said, And who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But a man from that place asked, "But who's the chief prophet?" So it became a proverb: "Is Saul one of the prophets?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A man who lived there asked, "How about these other prophets--who do you think their fathers are?" This is how the saying originated, "Has even Saul become a prophet?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A man from there answered: "Now who is their father?" Therefore it became a proverb, "Is Saul also among the prophets?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then a man who lived there replied, ?And who is their father?? So the saying became a proverb: ?Is Saul also among the prophets??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A man who was from there replied, "And who is their father?" Therefore this became a proverb: "Is even Saul among the prophets?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />One of the same place answered, "Who is their father?" Therefore it became a proverb, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />One from the same place answered, “Who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And a man there answers and says, “And who [is] their father?” Therefore it has been for an allegory, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And a man thence answereth and saith, 'And who is their father?' therefore it hath been for a simile, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And a man will answer from thence and will say, And who their father? For this it was for a parable, Is Saul also among the prophets?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And one answered another, saying: And who is their father? therefore it became a proverb: Is Saul also among the prophets? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And one would respond to the other, saying, “And who is their father?” Because of this, it turned into a proverb, “Could Saul also be among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />And someone from that district responded, “And who is their father?” Thus the saying arose, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A man of the place answered, “And who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And a man of the same place answered and said, But who is his father? Therefore it became a byword, Is Saul also among the prophets?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/10.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And a man answered from there and said, “Who is his father?”, because this was a proverb: ‘Behold, Shaul also is among the Prophets!’<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/10.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And one of the same place answered and said: 'And who is their father?' Therefore it became a proverb: 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/10.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And one of them answered and said, And who <i>is</i> his father? and therefore it became a proverb, <i>Is</i> Saul also among the prophets?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/10-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=2476" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/10.htm">Samuel's Signs Fulfilled</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>All those who had formerly known Saul and saw him prophesying with the prophets asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><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.">Then a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: miš·šām (Prep-m:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">who lived there</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: way·ya·‘an (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To answer, respond.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: ū·mî (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">“And who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇî·hem (N-msc:: 3mp) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">is their father?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">So</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">the saying</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yə·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">became</a> <a href="/hebrew/4912.htm" title="4912: lə·mā·šāl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A proverb, parable. ">a proverb:</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">“Is Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: hă·ḡam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">also</a> <a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: ban·nə·ḇi·’îm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">among the prophets?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>And when Saul had finished prophesying, he went up to the high place.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/11-29.htm">Numbers 11:29</a></span><br />But Moses replied, “Are you jealous on my account? I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would place His Spirit on them!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-52.htm">John 7:52</a></span><br />“Aren’t you also from Galilee?” they replied. “Look into it, and you will see that no prophet comes out of Galilee.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17-18</a></span><br />‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-55.htm">Matthew 13:55-57</a></span><br />“Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? / Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?” / And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-3.htm">Mark 6:3-4</a></span><br />Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him. / Then Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives, and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22-24</a></span><br />All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked. / Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to Me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in Your hometown what we have heard that You did in Capernaum.’” / Then He added, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-46.htm">John 1:46</a></span><br />“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/9-29.htm">John 9:29-34</a></span><br />We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” / “That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. / We know that God does not listen to sinners, but He does listen to the one who worships Him and does His will. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-13.htm">Acts 4:13</a></span><br />When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1</a></span><br />Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14-15</a></span><br />“I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. / But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-15.htm">Judges 6:15</a></span><br />“Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">1 Kings 19:19-21</a></span><br />So Elijah departed and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve teams of oxen, and he was with the twelfth team. Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak around him. / So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” / So Elisha turned back from him, took his pair of oxen, and slaughtered them. Using the oxen’s equipment for fuel, he cooked the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow and serve Elijah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm">2 Kings 2:3</a></span><br />Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha and said, “Do you know that the LORD will take your master away from you today?” “Yes, I know,” he replied. “Do not speak of it.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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?</p><p class="hdg">of the same place [heb] from thence </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/54-13.htm">Isaiah 54:13</a></b></br> And all thy children <i>shall be</i> taught of the LORD; and great <i>shall be</i> the peace of thy children.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/6-45.htm">John 6:45</a></b></br> It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/7-16.htm">John 7:16</a></b></br> Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-30.htm">Common</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-11.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-37.htm">Proverb</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-11.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-37.htm">Simile</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-3.htm">Thence</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/21-4.htm">Common</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-13.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">Proverb</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-13.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-13.htm">Simile</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-23.htm">Thence</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/10-1.htm">Samuel anoints Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/10-2.htm">He confirms him by prediction of three signs</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/10-9.htm">Saul's heart is changed, and he prophesies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/10-14.htm">He conceals the matter of the kingdom from his uncle</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/10-17.htm">Saul is chosen at Mizpeh by lot</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/10-26.htm">The different affections of his subjects</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/10.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/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then a man who lived there replied</b><br>This phrase indicates a local resident's response to the events unfolding. The setting is Gibeah, Saul's hometown, where people would have been familiar with his previous life and character. The man's question reflects the surprise and skepticism of the community, as Saul was not known for prophetic activity. This highlights the unexpected nature of God's calling and the transformation that can occur when God chooses someone for His purposes.<p><b>“And who is their father?”</b><br>This rhetorical question suggests doubt about the legitimacy or origin of the prophetic group Saul was seen with. In ancient Israel, lineage and family background were significant, often determining one's social and religious roles. The question implies skepticism about the authority or authenticity of the prophets, and by extension, Saul's sudden inclusion among them. It underscores the theme that God's choices often defy human expectations and societal norms.<p><b>So the saying became a proverb</b><br>The transformation of this event into a proverb indicates its widespread impact and the lasting impression it made on the people. Proverbs in biblical times were used to convey wisdom or express common experiences. This particular saying captures the astonishment and irony of Saul, a man not previously associated with spiritual leadership, being counted among the prophets. It serves as a reminder of God's unpredictable ways and the potential for change in anyone's life.<p><b>“Is Saul also among the prophets?”</b><br>This phrase became a proverbial expression of surprise and disbelief. Saul's unexpected prophetic behavior was so remarkable that it became a cultural reference point. Theologically, it illustrates the theme of divine empowerment, where God equips individuals for His purposes regardless of their past. This event foreshadows Saul's complex relationship with God and his eventual failure to fully embrace his divine calling. It also prefigures the New Testament concept of transformation through the Holy Spirit, as seen in the lives of the apostles and early Christians.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is experiencing a transformation that leads others to question his newfound prophetic behavior.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a></b><br>A group of individuals who were known for their spiritual insight and connection to God. Saul's unexpected prophesying among them raises questions about his identity and role.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gibeah.htm">Gibeah</a></b><br>The location where this event takes place. It is Saul's hometown and becomes a significant place in his account.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Samuel is the prophet who anointed Saul and plays a crucial role in his rise to kingship.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_man_who_lived_there.htm">The Man Who Lived There</a></b><br>An unnamed individual who questions Saul's prophetic behavior, highlighting the surprise and skepticism of the people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_choosing_leaders.htm">God's Sovereignty in Choosing Leaders</a></b><br>God often chooses unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Saul's unexpected prophetic behavior. This reminds us that God's criteria differ from human expectations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_the_spirit.htm">Transformation Through the Spirit</a></b><br>Saul's experience among the prophets illustrates the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Believers today can also experience transformation through the Spirit's work in their lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/q/questioning_and_skepticism.htm">Questioning and Skepticism</a></b><br>The reaction of the people to Saul's prophesying shows that God's work can sometimes be met with skepticism. As Christians, we should be open to God's unexpected actions and remain discerning.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_and_calling.htm">Identity and Calling</a></b><br>Saul's account encourages us to reflect on our identity and calling in Christ. Just as Saul was called to a new role, we too are called to live out our God-given purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_saul_counted_among_the_prophets.htm">Is Saul counted among the prophets?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/israel's_leaders'_genealogies,_reigns.htm">What are the genealogies and reigns of Israel's leaders?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_1_sam_13_1-2_and_acts_13_21_align.htm">How does 1 Samuel 13:1-2 reconcile with Acts 13:21, which states Saul reigned for forty years?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_10_4_and_2_sam_1_10.htm">How can 1 Chronicles 10's account that Saul died by falling on his own sword (1 Chronicles 10:4) be reconciled with 2 Samuel 1:10, where an Amalekite claims to have killed him?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Who is their father?</span>--As an instance of the extreme surprise with which the association of Saul with the sons of the prophets was witnessed by the inhabitants of Gibeah--an association apparently very foreign to his old habits and to the manner of life of his family--a short dialogue between two of the citizens of Gibeah is here related: a conversation important, owing to the words uttered by the second citizen in reply to the amazed question, "What is this that is come unto the son of Kish?" The reply gives us some insight into the deep conviction entertained by the ordinary Israelite of the days of Samuel that the invisible God was ever present, <span class= "ital">working </span>in the midst of His chosen people.<p>The reply of the second citizen has been well explained by Von Bunsen:--"Is the <span class= "ital">son of Kish, </span>then, a prophet?' asks the first citizen, surprised, apparently, that one so undistinguished, that one so unlikely to train up a "son of the prophets," should have a son associated in this peculiar and sudden manner with a chosen band of scholars and teachers. To this question the second citizen replied--no doubt, pointing to the honoured group from the prophet schools of Gibeah--"Do you wonder that the son of so rough and uncultivated a man as Kish should receive the Divine gift which we all love so well and admire so greatly? Who," pointing to the group singing on the hill-side, "who is <span class= "ital">their </span>father?" <span class= "ital">They </span>owe their power of persuasive speech, their gift of holy song, to no accident of birth. Surely Saul, like them, may have received the same power as a gift of the Eternal, not as a patrimony. Owing to this obvious meaning not having occurred to them, the LXX., "Vulgate, and Syriac Versions alter the original into, "Who is his (instead of their) father?" in other words, "Who is Saul? and who is his father, Kish?" But the Hebrew text and the English Version, as explained above, gives an admirable sense, and teaches besides a great spiritual lesson.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_samuel/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">One of the same place</span> - <span class="accented">i.e.</span> Gibeah - <span class="cmt_word">answered and said, But who is their father?</span> The Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read, <span class="accented">But who is his father?</span> But this would be a foolish reply to the question, "What has happened to the son of Kish?" The meaning rather must be, You ask about the son of Kish; but what has birth to do with prophecy? None of these young men have inherited these gifts, and if Saul can take part in their prophesyings, why should he not? Kish, his father, is no worse than theirs. <span class="cmt_word">Is Saul also among the prophets?</span> Under very different circumstances Saul once again took part in the exercises of these youthful prophets (<a href="/1_samuel/19-24.htm">1 Samuel 19:24</a>), and evidently on both occasions with such skill and success as prove the readiness of his genius; and so struck were the people at the strange power which he thus evinced, that their expression of wonder became fixed in the national mind as a proverb. Saul was a man of great natural ability, and yet not the sort of person whom the people expected would be made king. He probably could neither read nor write, and from his extreme height was perhaps awkward and bashful; as he suffered afterwards from fits of insanity (<a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a>), he may always have been flighty and wilful; and altogether, though possessed of marvellous gifts, was certainly the very opposite of Samuel's well trained and orderly scholars. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/10-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then a man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who lived there</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשָּׁ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(miš·šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֨עַן</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘an)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“And who</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is their father?”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִיהֶ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">So the saying</span><br /><span class="heb">כֵּן֙</span> <span class="translit">(kên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> </span><span class="str2">So -- thus</span><br /><br /><span class="word">became</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיְתָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yə·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a proverb:</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמָשָׁ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mā·šāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4912.htm">Strong's 4912: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pithy maxim, a simile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Is Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֖וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">also</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲגַ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ḡam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> </span><span class="str2">Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and</span><br /><br /><span class="word">among the prophets?”</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּנְּבִאִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(ban·nə·ḇi·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> </span><span class="str2">A spokesman, speaker, prophet</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/10-12.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 10:12 One of the same place answered Who (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/10-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 10:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 10:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/10-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 10:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 10:13" /></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>