King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 9:1 Mean?

1 Samuel 9:1 in the King James Version says “Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. a Benjamite: or, the son of a man of Jemini power: or, substance”

1 Samuel 9:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. a Benjamite: or, the son of a man of Jemini power: or, substance

2

And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.

3

And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek the asses.

Read 1 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.

The narrative shifts dramatically from Samuel's prophetic ministry to introduce Saul's lineage with careful genealogical precision. The Hebrew phrase gibbor chayil ('mighty man of power') describes Kish as a man of substance, wealth, and social standing, establishing that Israel's first king would emerge from respectable stock. The tribe of Benjamin, though smallest among the tribes (Judges 21:3), held strategic significance, situated between the powerful tribes of Ephraim and Judah. This five-generation genealogy grounds Saul's identity in Israel's covenant community while subtly highlighting that God's choice would not follow human expectations. The detailed lineage serves as literary foreshadowing: just as this genealogy traces back through generations, God's sovereign plan has been unfolding through history toward this pivotal moment when Israel would receive their king.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Benjamin's territory served as a buffer zone between the northern and southern tribes, making it politically advantageous for Israel's first king to come from this neutral tribe. Archaeological evidence from the period (c. 1050 BCE) shows Benjamite settlements were modest compared to larger tribal centers, confirming the tribe's smaller stature while maintaining strategic importance along major trade routes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereign choice of leaders often confound human expectations about status and lineage?
  2. What does the careful recording of Saul's genealogy teach us about God's providence working through family histories?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיְהִי1 of 19
H1961

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

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 19

“Now there was a man”

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)

מִבִּן3 of 19
H0
יָמִ֗ין4 of 19

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וּ֠שְׁמוֹ5 of 19

“whose name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

קִ֣ישׁ6 of 19

“was Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

בֶּן7 of 19

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲבִיאֵ֞ל8 of 19

“of Abiel”

H22

abiel, the name of two israelites

בֶּן9 of 19

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

צְר֧וֹר10 of 19

“of Zeror”

H6872

a parcel (as packed up); also a kernel or particle (as if a package)

בֶּן11 of 19

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְּכוֹרַ֛ת12 of 19

“of Bechorath”

H1064

bekorath, an israelite

בֶּן13 of 19

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אֲפִ֖יחַ14 of 19

“of Aphiah”

H647

aphiach, an israelite

בֶּן15 of 19

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִ֣ישׁ16 of 19

“Now there was a man”

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)

יְמִינִ֑י17 of 19
H3227

right

גִּבּ֖וֹר18 of 19

“a mighty”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חָֽיִל׃19 of 19

“of power”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

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 9:1 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 9:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 14:51Acts 13:211 Chronicles 9:36-391 Samuel 25:21 Chronicles 8:30-33Job 1:3

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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