And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

1 SAMUEL 10:11KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 10:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 10:11 mean?

1 Samuel 10:11 describes how people who had known Saul before were shocked to see him prophesying with a group of prophets, leading them to question if Saul, the son of Kish, had really become one of the prophets. The verse highlights the surprise and confusion of the people who never expected Saul to act in this way.

The scene takes place just after Saul has been anointed by Samuel and has encountered a group of prophets, as God’s Spirit comes upon him. The people speaking are those familiar with Saul’s past, and they are astonished because Saul had not previously shown any signs of being spiritually gifted or associated with prophets. Their reaction shows how unexpected and dramatic Saul’s transformation appeared to those who knew him.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 10:11

  • "knew" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word means to know personally or be familiar with someone. It emphasizes that these people had a real history with Saul and were not strangers to his character or behavior.
  • "prophesied" (נָבָא, nava’): This word refers to speaking or acting under divine inspiration, often in a group setting. Saul’s participation in this activity was so out of character that it caused a stir.
  • "prophets" (נָבִיא, navi’): This term refers to recognized spokespeople for God, often seen as a distinct group. Saul’s sudden inclusion among them made his transformation even more surprising to onlookers.

Why 1 Samuel 10:11 matters

  • The verse clears up that Saul’s change was not subtle; it was dramatic enough to shock those who knew him best, underlining the power of God’s Spirit at work.
  • It sets up a theme in Saul’s story: the tension between his ordinary background and the extraordinary calling he receives, which will be important throughout his reign.
  • The reaction of the people shows how God’s choices can defy human expectations, a recurring idea in the books of Samuel.

Where else these words appear

“beforetime” Hebrew H865 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 4:7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore.
  • 1 Samuel 19:7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.
  • Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

“Kish” Hebrew H7027 · used in 17 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:1 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.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:30 And his firstborn son Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,
  • 1 Chronicles 23:21 The sons of Merari; Mahli, and Mushi. The sons of Mahli; Eleazar, and Kish.

“beforetime” Hebrew H8032 · used in 25 verses

  • Genesis 31:2 And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
  • Deuteronomy 4:42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live:
  • 1 Samuel 14:21 Moreover the Hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, which went up with them into the camp from the country round about, even they also turned to be with the Israelites that were with Saul and Jonathan.

“prophesied” Hebrew H5012 · used in 102 verses

  • Numbers 11:25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.
  • Jeremiah 20:6 And thou, Pashur, and all that dwell in thine house shall go into captivity: and thou shalt come to Babylon, and there thou shalt die, and shalt be buried there, thou, and all thy friends, to whom thou hast prophesied lies.
  • Ezekiel 13:16 To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.