And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

ACTS 13:21KJV
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Acts 13:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:21 mean?

Acts 13:21 says that after the people of Israel asked for a king, God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, and Saul ruled as king for forty years. This verse summarizes how Israel transitioned from being led by judges to having a monarchy, with Saul as their first king.

In Acts 13, the apostle Paul is speaking in a synagogue, recounting Israel’s history to show how God guided His people. Paul highlights that the people’s desire for a king led to God appointing Saul, setting the stage for later events in Israel’s story. This verse connects the people’s request to God’s response and Saul’s significant role in Israel’s leadership.

The Greek behind Acts 13:21

  • βασιλέα (basilea, "king"): The Greek word here points to the formal title of a monarch, showing the shift from tribal or judge-based leadership to a centralized royal authority.
  • ἔδωκεν (edōken, "gave"): This word emphasizes that God was the one who granted Israel’s request, making clear that Saul’s kingship was not just a human decision but allowed by divine action.
  • τεσσαράκοντα (tessarakonta, "forty"): The specific mention of "forty years" highlights a significant period in biblical history, often symbolizing a generation or a time of testing and transition.

Why Acts 13:21 matters

  • Acts 13:21 clarifies that Israel’s monarchy began because the people requested it, not because it was God’s original plan, which helps explain later tensions in Israel’s story.
  • The verse shows God’s involvement in Israel’s leadership changes, underlining that even when people make requests, God remains in control of the outcome.
  • By mentioning Saul’s tribe and the length of his reign, Paul sets up the contrast with David, which he will highlight next, helping listeners see the bigger narrative of God’s promises and choices.

Where else these words appear

“Benjamin” Greek G958 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 11:1 I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
  • Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
  • Revelation 7:8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

“Saul” Greek G4549 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
  • Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
  • Acts 22:13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

“afterward” Greek G2547 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 10:1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
  • Acts 14:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
  • Acts 27:4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

“forty” Greek G5062 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Acts 7:30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
  • Hebrews 3:17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?