King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 9:19 Mean?

1 Samuel 9:19 in the King James Version says “And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day,... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.

1 Samuel 9:19 · KJV


Context

17

And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people. reign over: Heb. restrain in

18

Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is.

19

And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.

20

And as for thine asses that were lost three days ago, set not thy mind on them; for they are found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee, and on all thy father's house? three: Heb. to day three days

21

And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me? so: Heb. according to this word


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am the seer: go up before me unto the high place; for ye shall eat with me to day, and to morrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all that is in thine heart.

Samuel's self-identification, 'I am the seer' (anoki haro'eh), initiates the revelation that will transform Saul's life. The command to 'go up before me' inverts normal social order: typically a lesser person would follow, not precede, a dignitary. This inversion signals Saul's impending elevation while testing his response to unexpected honor. Samuel's promise to reveal 'all that is in thine heart' (kol asher bilvaveka) demonstrates prophetic insight that transcends natural knowledge. Saul came with questions about donkeys; Samuel promises answers about his deepest concerns and hidden thoughts. The invitation to eat together carries covenant significance in ancient Near Eastern culture: sharing a meal established or confirmed relationship. Samuel thus initiates Saul into a new relationship that would soon be formalized through anointing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic knowledge of hidden thoughts demonstrated authentic divine communication, distinguishing true prophets from false ones who relied on manipulation or guesswork. The invitation to share a meal was a significant honor and social commitment in ancient culture, often sealing agreements or marking the beginning of important relationships.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's knowledge of 'all that is in your heart' comfort or challenge you?
  2. What does it mean to be invited to 'go before' God into His presence?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיַּ֨עַן1 of 20

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,

שְׁמוּאֵ֜ל2 of 20

And Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֶת3 of 20
H853

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

שָׁא֗וּל4 of 20

Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙5 of 20

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אָֽנֹכִ֣י6 of 20
H595

i

הָֽרֹאֶ֔ה7 of 20

I am the seer

H7200

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

עֲלֵ֤ה8 of 20

go up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

לְפָנַי֙9 of 20

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַבָּמָ֔ה10 of 20

me unto the high place

H1116

an elevation

וַֽאֲכַלְתֶּ֥ם11 of 20

for ye shall eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

עִמִּ֖י12 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

הַיּ֑וֹם13 of 20

with me to day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וְשִׁלַּחְתִּ֣יךָ14 of 20

I will let thee go

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בַבֹּ֔קֶר15 of 20

and to morrow

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְכֹ֛ל16 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 20
H834

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

בִּֽלְבָבְךָ֖18 of 20

thee all that is in thine heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

אַגִּ֥יד19 of 20

and will tell

H5046

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

לָֽךְ׃20 of 20
H0

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 9:19 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 9:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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