King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 10:14 Mean?

1 Samuel 10:14 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 10:14 · KJV

Context

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.

15

And Saul's uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.

16

And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not.

Read 1 Samuel 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The inquiry from Saul's uncle introduces a test of discretion. Saul mentions the donkeys and consulting Samuel but withholds the matter of the kingdom. His partial answer is technically true but strategically incomplete. The Hebrew construction presents straightforward narrative: 'to seek the donkeys... we came to Samuel.' The uncle's question 'whither' (anah) seeks itinerary information, which Saul provides. Whether this reticence reflects humble obedience to Samuel's implicit instruction, appropriate discretion about unconfirmed matters, or the beginning of Saul's pattern of selective disclosure is debated. Given the immediate context of his transformation, discretion seems the most charitable reading. Yet Saul's later tendency toward secrecy and paranoia may find its earliest seed here. Wisdom requires knowing when to speak and when to remain silent; Saul's silence here appears appropriate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Extended family played crucial roles in ancient Israelite society. Saul's uncle's interest reflects the close-knit nature of clan relationships. The family's prominence within Benjamin may explain his curiosity about Saul's meeting with the prophet Samuel, who was a known national figure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you exercise wisdom about what to share and what to keep confidential?
  2. When might silence be humble obedience, and when might it reveal problematic patterns?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דּ֨וֹד2 of 18

“uncle”

H1730

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

שָׁא֥וּל3 of 18

“And Saul's”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֵלָ֛יו4 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאֶֽל5 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נַעֲר֖וֹ6 of 18

“unto him and to his servant”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

אָ֣ן7 of 18

“Whither”

H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

הֲלַכְתֶּ֑ם8 of 18

“went”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר9 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְבַקֵּשׁ֙10 of 18

“To seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת11 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָ֣אֲתֹנ֔וֹת12 of 18

“the asses”

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

וַנִּרְאֶ֣ה13 of 18

“and when we saw”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִי14 of 18
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַ֔יִן15 of 18

“that they were no where”

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

וַנָּב֖וֹא16 of 18

“we came”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל17 of 18
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁמוּאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“to Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

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 10:14 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 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 14:501 Samuel 9:3-102 Kings 5:25

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