King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 9:5 Mean?

1 Samuel 9:5 in the King James Version says “And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest m...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.”

1 Samuel 9:5 · KJV

Context

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.

4

And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim, and there they were not: and he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they found them not.

5

And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.

6

And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.

7

Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we? is spent: Heb. is gone out of, etc have we: Heb. is with us?

Read 1 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when they were come to the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with him, Come, and let us return; lest my father leave caring for the asses, and take thought for us.

Saul's words reveal a son's concern for his father's anxiety, showing filial piety that was highly valued in Israelite culture. The land of Zuph holds special significance as the ancestral territory of Samuel's family (1:1). Thus Saul's decision to abandon the search brings him precisely to where God intended. His reasoning demonstrates practical wisdom: prolonged absence would cause his father to worry more about his son than the lost animals. The Hebrew da'ag ('take thought' or 'be anxious') suggests genuine emotional concern. Ironically, Saul's consideration for his father's peace of mind leads him to the very place where his family's future would be forever changed. This intersection of human decision and divine sovereignty illustrates how God weaves our choices into His predetermined plan without violating our moral agency.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The land of Zuph was associated with Samuel's Levitical ancestry through Zuph/Zophai (1 Chronicles 6:26, 35). This region in the hill country of Ephraim contained Ramah, Samuel's home and prophetic base. The servant's subsequent knowledge of a 'man of God' in this city suggests Samuel's reputation had spread throughout the region.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does honoring parents and family responsibilities sometimes lead to unexpected divine appointments?
  2. What balance should we strike between persistent effort and knowing when to change course?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
הֵ֗מָּה1 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בָּ֚אוּ2 of 18

“And when they were come”

H935

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

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ3 of 18

“to the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

צ֔וּף4 of 18

“of Zuph”

H6689

tsuph or tsophai or tsiph, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine

וְשָׁא֥וּל5 of 18

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

אָמַ֛ר6 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְנַֽעֲר֥וֹ7 of 18

“to 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

אֲשֶׁר8 of 18
H834

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

עִמּ֖וֹ9 of 18
H5973

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

לְכָ֣ה10 of 18
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְנָשׁ֑וּבָה11 of 18

“and let us return”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

פֶּן12 of 18
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יֶחְדַּ֥ל13 of 18

“leave”

H2308

properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

אָבִ֛י14 of 18

“lest my father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

מִן15 of 18
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽאֲתֹנ֖וֹת16 of 18

“caring for the asses”

H860

a female donkey (from its docility)

וְדָ֥אַג17 of 18

“and take thought”

H1672

be anxious

לָֽנוּ׃18 of 18
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 9:5 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 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 10:21 Samuel 1:1Luke 12:11Luke 12:22Matthew 6:25Matthew 6:28

Places in This Verse

ZuphRegion · Modern: Al Ram · 31.85°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in 1 Samuel 9 →

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