1 Samuel 9:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 9:5 mean?

1 Samuel 9:5 shows Saul suggesting to his servant that they turn back home because he is worried that his father will stop thinking about the lost donkeys and start worrying about them instead. Saul is considering his father's feelings and responsibilities as they search for the missing animals.

In this verse, Saul is speaking to his servant while they are in the land of Zuph. They have been searching for Saul’s father’s donkeys, which have gone missing. Saul realizes that their absence might now be causing his father more distress than the lost animals themselves, so he suggests they return before causing further concern.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 9:5

• "come" (בּוֹא, bo) and "Come" (יָלַךְ, yalak): The first word, "bo," is used for arriving at a place, while "yalak" is used for the act of going or traveling. This highlights both their arrival in Zuph and Saul’s suggestion to actively turn back.
• "leave" (חָדַל, chadal): This word means to stop or cease. Saul is worried his father will "leave caring" for the donkeys, meaning he will stop searching for them and instead focus on Saul and his servant.
• "thought" (דָּאַג, da'ag): This word means to be anxious or concerned. Saul is sensitive to his father’s possible anxiety, showing his thoughtfulness and sense of responsibility.

Why 1 Samuel 9:5 matters

• This verse highlights Saul’s character as considerate and responsible, even before he becomes king, by showing his concern for his father’s feelings.
• The verse sets up the next events, as their decision to keep searching leads them to meet Samuel, which is a turning point in Saul’s life.
• Understanding the specific words for "leave" and "thought" helps clarify that Saul’s concern is not just about time or inconvenience, but about his father’s emotional state.