King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 9:22 Mean?

1 Samuel 9:22 in the King James Version says “And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among t...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.”

1 Samuel 9:22 · KJV

Context

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

22

And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.

23

And Samuel said unto the cook, Bring the portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto thee, Set it by thee.

24

And the cook took up the shoulder, and that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, Behold that which is left! set it before thee, and eat: for unto this time hath it been kept for thee since I said, I have invited the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that day. left: or, reserved

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.

Samuel's actions speak louder than words as he physically elevates Saul and even his servant to the 'chiefest place' (rosh, literally 'head') among the thirty invited guests. This public honor before the assembled community signals Saul's new status without explicit announcement. The 'parlour' (lishkah) was a hall or chamber associated with the sanctuary, used for sacrificial meals and sacred gatherings. The inclusion of Saul's servant in this honor demonstrates grace extending beyond the chosen individual to his household, foreshadowing how the king's blessing would affect his entire family and nation. The number thirty suggests a significant gathering of community leaders, making Saul's sudden prominence all the more remarkable. This public seating arrangement prepared the community to accept Saul's coming revelation as king.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The lishkah was a chamber attached to sacred sites, used for storing offerings and hosting sacred meals. Similar structures have been identified archaeologically at various Israelite sites. The number thirty was often associated with official delegations or representative groups in ancient Israel (cf. Judges 14:11). Seating position indicated social rank, with the 'head' position reserved for the most honored guest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God sometimes publicly honor those He has privately chosen?
  2. What does the inclusion of Saul's servant in this honor teach about the scope of God's blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּקַּ֤ח1 of 16

“took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שְׁמוּאֵל֙2 of 16

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֶת3 of 16
H853

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

שָׁא֣וּל4 of 16

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וְאֶֽת5 of 16
H853

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

נַעֲר֔וֹ6 of 16

“and 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

וַיְבִיאֵ֖ם7 of 16

“and brought”

H935

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

לִשְׁכָּ֑תָה8 of 16

“them into the parlour”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

וַיִּתֵּ֨ן9 of 16

“and made them sit”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֤ם10 of 16
H0
מָקוֹם֙11 of 16

“place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

בְּרֹ֣אשׁ12 of 16

“in the chiefest”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הַקְּרוּאִ֔ים13 of 16

“among them that were bidden”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְהֵ֖מָּה14 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כִּשְׁלֹשִׁ֥ם15 of 16

“which were about thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

אִֽישׁ׃16 of 16

“persons”

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)

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 9:22 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 9:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 14:10Genesis 43:32

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