King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 10:12 Mean?

1 Samuel 10:12 in the King James Version says “And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? of: Heb. from thence”

1 Samuel 10:12 · KJV

Context

10

And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

11

And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? one: Heb. a man to his neighbour

12

And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? of: Heb. from thence

13

And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.

14

And Saul's uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses: and when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?

This enigmatic response 'who is their father?' has generated much scholarly discussion. The question likely redirects attention from Saul's natural parentage to his spiritual calling. Just as the prophets' authority came not from physical descent but from divine calling, so too Saul's new role transcended his family origins. The 'father' of the prophets was God Himself, or perhaps Samuel as their spiritual leader. This response subtly affirms that spiritual gifts derive from God's sovereign bestowal, not hereditary qualification. The phrase becoming a proverb (mashal) indicates its enduring significance in Israel's memory. Proverbs crystallize wisdom from experience, and this saying captured the truth that God can radically transform anyone for His purposes. Yet proverbs can carry double meanings: the same phrase later expressed shocked disillusionment when the king-turned-persecutor lay naked and prophesying (19:24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, identity was closely tied to lineage. The priestly tribe of Levi inherited their role; prophetic calling, by contrast, came directly from God regardless of family. This distinction became crucial in Israel's understanding of divine sovereignty over human institutions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the principle that spiritual calling transcends natural lineage apply to the church today?
  2. What 'proverbs' might emerge from God's transforming work in your community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיַּ֨עַן1 of 13

“of the same place answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אִ֥ישׁ2 of 13

“And one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִשָּׁ֛ם3 of 13
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

וַיֹּ֖אמֶר4 of 13

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וּמִ֣י5 of 13
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

אֲבִיהֶ֑ם6 of 13

“But who is their father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

עַל7 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּן֙8 of 13
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הָֽיְתָ֣ה9 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְמָשָׁ֔ל10 of 13

“Therefore it became a proverb”

H4912

properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)

הֲגַ֥ם11 of 13
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

שָׁא֖וּל12 of 13

“Is Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

בַּנְּבִאִֽים׃13 of 13

“also among the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 10:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 10:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 6:45Isaiah 54:13James 1:17John 7:16

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