King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 9:27 Mean?

1 Samuel 9:27 in the King James Version says “And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he pass...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God. a while: Heb. to day”

1 Samuel 9:27 · KJV

Context

25

And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house.

26

And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad.

27

And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God. a while: Heb. to day

Read 1 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.

The chapter concludes with pregnant anticipation as Samuel prepares to reveal 'the word of God' (davar Elohim) to Saul. The dismissal of the servant ensures privacy for what will be Israel's first royal anointing. The command to 'stand thou still' (amod kayom) echoes other moments of divine encounter where stillness precedes revelation (cf. Exodus 14:13; Psalm 46:10). Samuel's phrase 'the word of God' elevates the coming communication beyond personal opinion or political arrangement to divine pronouncement. This servant who had guided Saul throughout the journey must now step aside: what follows is between God, His prophet, and His chosen king alone. The verse ends suspended, pointing forward to chapter 10's anointing, leaving readers with the understanding that everything in chapter 9 has been preparatory for the revelation about to unfold.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The edge of the city provided semi-private space away from the activity of town life while still technically within city limits. The servant's dismissal follows ancient protocol for confidential communications between superiors. 'The word of God' as a technical term would become increasingly significant in prophetic literature, denoting authoritative divine communication that demanded obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What might God be asking you to 'stand still' to receive from Him?
  2. How does the dismissal of the servant remind us that our ultimate calling comes from God alone?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
הֵ֗מָּה1 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

יֽוֹרְדִים֙2 of 20

“And as they were going down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

בִּקְצֵ֣ה3 of 20

“to the end”

H7097

an extremity

הָעִ֔יר4 of 20

“of the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וּשְׁמוּאֵ֞ל5 of 20

“Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֱמֹ֥ר6 of 20

“Bid”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל7 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שָׁא֗וּל8 of 20

“to Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אֱמֹ֥ר9 of 20

“Bid”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַנַּ֛עַר10 of 20

“the 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

וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֑ר11 of 20

“pass on”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

לְפָנֵ֖ינוּ12 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

וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֑ר13 of 20

“pass on”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

וְאַתָּה֙14 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֲמֹ֣ד15 of 20

“but stand”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

כַּיּ֔וֹם16 of 20

“thou still a while”

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

וְאַשְׁמִֽיעֲךָ֖17 of 20

“that I may shew”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת18 of 20
H853

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

דְּבַ֥ר19 of 20

“thee the word”

H1697

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

אֱלֹהִֽים׃20 of 20

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 9:27 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 9:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:14-151 Samuel 20:38-392 Kings 9:5-61 Samuel 15:16

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