King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 10:16 Mean?

1 Samuel 10:16 in the King James Version says “And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Sa... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 10:16 · KJV


Context

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.

17

And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

18

And said unto the children of Israel, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

Saul's response reveals measured discretion: he shares one truth while withholding another. The phrase 'told us plainly' (higgid higgid) uses emphatic doubling to stress certainty about the donkeys. The matter of the kingdom (davar hammelukah) - literally 'the word/matter of the kingship' - remained unspoken. The narrator's editorial comment ensures readers understand Saul's silence was deliberate, not accidental. This discretion likely reflects obedience to Samuel's implicit guidance and appropriate humility before public confirmation. Saul did not presume upon God's private revelation by announcing himself king. Compare this restraint to his later impulsive actions. Early Saul demonstrated virtues - discretion, humility, patient waiting - that his later self tragically abandoned. The contrast between this self-controlled response and his eventual paranoid tyranny marks one of Scripture's most sobering character trajectories.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The transition from private anointing to public selection follows ancient Near Eastern patterns where kings were often designated privately before public coronation. Saul's discretion preserved this proper sequence, allowing God's public confirmation through the casting of lots at Mizpah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain humility about God's promises before they are publicly confirmed?
  2. What virtues did early Saul display that his later self tragically abandoned?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אָמַ֥ר1 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁאוּל֙2 of 19

And Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דּוֹד֔וֹ4 of 19

unto his uncle

H1730

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

הִגִּ֣יד5 of 19

He told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

הִגִּ֣יד6 of 19

He told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָ֔נוּ7 of 19
H0
כִּ֥י8 of 19
H3588

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

נִמְצְא֖וּ9 of 19

were found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

הָֽאֲתֹנ֑וֹת10 of 19

that the asses

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

וְאֶת11 of 19
H853

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

דְּבַ֤ר12 of 19

But of the matter

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַמְּלוּכָה֙13 of 19

of the kingdom

H4410

something ruled, i.e., a realm

לֹֽא14 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִגִּ֣יד15 of 19

He told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֔וֹ16 of 19
H0
אֲשֶׁ֖ר17 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָמַ֥ר18 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שְׁמוּאֵֽל׃19 of 19

whereof 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 10:16 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 10:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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