King James Version
What Does 1 Samuel 19:21 Mean?
“And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.”
1 Samuel 19:21 · KJV
Context
19
And it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.
20
And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.
21
And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.
22
Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah.
23
And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.
The threefold sending of messengers - each group overpowered by the Spirit - demonstrates both Saul's stubborn persistence and God's inexhaustible power. The Hebrew structure emphasizes repetition: sent, prophesied; sent again, prophesied; sent a third time, prophesied. Saul refused to learn from repeated failure. His persistence against divine intervention reveals how obsession blinds rational assessment. Three groups of armed messengers became three companies of prophets. God's power converts enemies into worshippers when He chooses.
The threefold sending of messengers - each group overpowered by the Spirit - demonstrates both Saul's stubborn persistence and God's inexhaustible power. The Hebrew structure emphasizes repetition: sent, prophesied; sent again, prophesied; sent a third time, prophesied. Saul refused to learn from repeated failure. His persistence against divine intervention reveals how obsession blinds rational assessment. Three groups of armed messengers became three companies of prophets. God's power converts enemies into worshippers when He chooses.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The number three often signifies completeness in Hebrew narrative. Each new group would have heard about their predecessors' strange experience yet still came. The repeated transformation demonstrates the Spirit's consistent overpowering presence at Naioth.
Reflection Questions
- How does repeated failure teach you about the futility of opposing God's purposes?
- What does the threefold pattern reveal about divine patience and power?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 16 wordsוַיַּגִּ֣דוּ1 of 16
“And when it was told”
H5046properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
מַלְאָכִ֣ים4 of 16
“messengers”
H4397a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ6 of 16
“and they prophesied”
H5012to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
גַּם7 of 16
H1571properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
מַלְאָכִ֣ים12 of 16
“messengers”
H4397a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
שְׁלִשִׁ֔ים13 of 16
“the third”
H7992third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
וַיִּֽתְנַבְּא֖וּ14 of 16
“and they prophesied”
H5012to prophesy, i.e., speak (or sing) by inspiration (in prediction or simple discourse)
גַּם15 of 16
H1571properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
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 19:21 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 19:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge