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
Israel's first king, chosen for his impressive physical stature. Initially humble, Saul began well but disobeyed God's commands, offering unauthorized sacrifice and sparing King Agag when commanded to destroy the Amalekites. God rejected Saul as king and chose David to replace him. Consumed by jealousy of David, Saul's later years were marked by madness and pursuit of David. He died by suicide after defeat in battle.
Significance
Saul's reign demonstrates the danger of partial obedience and the priority of obeying God rather than fearing man. His rejection shows that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance.
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 is described in the Bible as son of Kish (1SA 9:2), King of Israel (1SA 11:15). Saul belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.
What does the name Saul mean?
The name Saul means “demanded; lent; ditch; death” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.