And Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.

1 SAMUEL 14:51KJV
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1 Samuel 14:51 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 14:51 mean?

1 Samuel 14:51 gives a brief family background, stating that Kish was Saul’s father and Ner, who was Abner’s father, was a son of Abiel. This verse helps clarify the family relationships between Saul, Israel’s first king, and Abner, his military commander.

The verse appears in the middle of a historical narrative, where the writer is explaining the key figures in Saul’s reign. By listing these family ties, the text shows that Saul and Abner were cousins, both descended from Abiel. This helps the reader understand why Abner held such an important position in Saul’s court and military.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 14:51

  • קִישׁ (Qish): This is the name Kish, Saul’s father. The verse uses his name to anchor Saul’s lineage.
  • אָב (av): This word means "father." Its repeated use in the verse emphasizes the direct family relationships being described.
  • נֵר (Ner): Ner is named as Abner’s father, showing another branch of the same family.
  • בֶּן (ben): Meaning "son," this word clarifies that Ner is a son of Abiel, making the family connection explicit.

Why 1 Samuel 14:51 matters

  • This verse clears up the relationship between Saul and Abner, showing they are first cousins, which explains Abner’s loyalty and high rank.
  • The family details help the reader follow the leadership structure in Saul’s rule, especially as Abner plays a major role in later events.
  • By tracing both Saul and Abner back to Abiel, the verse highlights the importance of family ties in Israel’s early monarchy.

Where else these words appear

“Abiel” Hebrew H22 · used in 3 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 11:32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,

“Ner” Hebrew H5369 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 2 Samuel 3:23 When Joab and all the host that was with him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent him away, and he is gone in peace.
  • 1 Kings 2:32 And the LORD shall return his blood upon his own head, who fell upon two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword, my father David not knowing thereof, to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the host of Judah.

“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.

“Abner” Hebrew H74 · used in 53 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 2 Samuel 2:24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
  • 2 Samuel 3:22 And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.