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Saul(2)

Saul in the Bible — the apostle Paul, at whose feet witnesses to Stephen's death laid their robes (ACT 7:58). Referenced in 3 scripture passages.

Name meaning: demanded; lent; ditch; death

Profile

Gender
male
Scripture References
3 references
Known Names
2 names
Relationships
1 connection

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

Anointed as Israel's first king(1 Samuel 10:1)
Publicly chosen as king(1 Samuel 10:24)
Disobeyed by offering unauthorized sacrifice(1 Samuel 13:8-14)
Rejected as king for sparing Agag(1 Samuel 15:22-23)
Attempted to kill David(1 Samuel 18:10-11)
Suicide after defeat by Philistines(1 Samuel 31:4)

Names & Labels (2)

Saulproper name
Hebrew
שָׁאוּל
Transliteration
shaul
Meaning
asked [dedicated?] to G-d
Greek
Σαῦλος
Reference
ACT 7:58
Strong's
H7586
Paulproper name
Hebrew
פּוֹלוֹס
Transliteration
polos
Greek
Παῦλος
Reference
ACT 13:9
Strong's
none

Family & Relationships (1)

descendant

Benjamin(ROM 11:1)

Notes

from Tarsus (ACT 9:11)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Saul in the Bible?

Saul is described in the Bible as the apostle Paul, at whose feet witnesses to Stephen's death laid their robes (ACT 7:58).

What does the name Saul mean?

The name Saul means “demanded; lent; ditch; death” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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