Saul
Saul in the Bible — son of Kish (1SA 9:2), King of Israel (1SA 11:15). Saul belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. Referenced in 16 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “demanded; lent; ditch; death”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Benjamin
- Scripture References
- 16 references
- Known Names
- 3 names
- Relationships
- 13 connections
Biography
Saul was a male from the tribe of Benjamin, known primarily as the son of Kish and the first King of Israel. His leadership marked a significant transition in Israel's history as the establishment of monarchy under God's guidance. There are no additional notes beyond his unique identification as king and son of Kish.
Names & Titles
The name Saul means 'asked' or possibly 'dedicated to God,' reflecting a name given by his family rather than directly by God. He is also referred to by titles such as 'the LORD's anointed,' indicating his divine appointment as king, and 'King of Israel,' highlighting his role as the nation's ruler.
Family
Scripture records Saul as the son of Kish and father to several children including Jonathan, Ishvi, Malchi-shua, Merab, Michal, Ish-bosheth, Armoni, and Mephibosheth. He was husband to Ahinoam and had Rizpah as a concubine. His family also included notable relatives such as his grandson Ner and nephew Abner.
Significance
Saul's reign as Israel's first king is significant for demonstrating the consequences of incomplete obedience to God. Although initially humble and physically impressive, his failure to fully follow God's commands led to his rejection by God in favor of David. His life underscores God's priority on the heart over outward appearance and serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of disobedience and jealousy.
Key Events
Names & Labels (3)
- Hebrew
- שָׁאוּל
- Transliteration
- shaul
- Meaning
- asked, [poss.] dedicated to G-d
- Greek
- Σαούλ
- Reference
- 1SA 9:2
- Strong's
- H7586
- Hebrew
- מָשִׁיחַ יְהוָה
- Transliteration
- mashiyach y-h-v-h
- Meaning
- [the] LORD's anointed/messiah
- Greek
- χριστῷ κυρίου
- Reference
- 1SA 24:6
- Strong's
- H4899 H3068
- Hebrew
- מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
- Transliteration
- melek yisərael
- Meaning
- king of Israel
- Greek
- βασιλεῦ Ισραηλ
- Reference
- 1SA 24:14
- Strong's
- H4428, H3478
Family & Relationships (13)
son
father
husband
grandson
nephew
concubinator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Saul in the Bible?
Saul was a male from the tribe of Benjamin, known primarily as the son of Kish and the first King of Israel. His leadership marked a significant transition in Israel's history as the establishment of monarchy under God's guidance. There are no additional notes beyond his unique identification as king and son of Kish.
What does the name Saul mean?
The name Saul means “demanded; lent; ditch; death” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.