King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 9:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 9:7 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

1 Samuel 9:7 · KJV

Context

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?

8

And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the man of God, to tell us our way. I have: Heb. there is found in my hand

9

(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

Read 1 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

Saul's response reveals cultural sensitivity and proper etiquette: one did not approach a prophet empty-handed. His concern about having no gift (teshurah, a present given to secure favor or consultation) reflects both humility and awareness of social customs. The detail that their bread provisions were exhausted emphasizes the length and difficulty of their journey. Yet Saul's focus on material offering contrasts with the spiritual reality that Samuel would soon present him with a gift beyond measure, the kingship itself. This moment subtly exposes a pattern that would characterize Saul's reign: excessive concern with external formalities and human approval rather than the heart disposition God truly desires. His question 'what have we?' unknowingly echoes Israel's spiritual poverty even as they sought human kingship over divine rule.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Offering gifts to prophets was customary practice (2 Kings 4:42; 8:8-9). Such presents were not payment for services but tokens of respect and recognition of the prophet's status. The practice continued in various forms throughout Israel's history, though prophets like Samuel and Elisha often refused material gain to preserve the purity of their ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might our concern with proper religious forms sometimes overshadow the relationship God truly desires?
  2. What does Saul's anxiety about approaching the prophet without a gift reveal about his understanding of spiritual authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 19

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁא֜וּל2 of 19

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

לְנַֽעֲר֗וֹ3 of 19

“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

וְהִנֵּ֣ה4 of 19
H2009

lo!

נֵלֵךְ֮5 of 19
H1980

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

וּמַה6 of 19
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

לְהָבִ֖יא7 of 19

“to bring”

H935

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

לְאִ֣ישׁ8 of 19

“the 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)

כִּ֤י9 of 19
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הַלֶּ֙חֶם֙10 of 19

“for the bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אָזַ֣ל11 of 19

“is spent”

H235

to go away, hence, to disappear

מִכֵּלֵ֔ינוּ12 of 19

“in our vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וּתְשׁוּרָ֥ה13 of 19

“and there is not a present”

H8670

a gift

אֵין14 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

לְהָבִ֖יא15 of 19

“to bring”

H935

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

לְאִ֣ישׁ16 of 19

“the 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים17 of 19

“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

מָ֖ה18 of 19
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

אִתָּֽנוּ׃19 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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 9:7 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 9:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 8:81 Kings 14:32 Kings 4:422 Kings 5:52 Kings 5:15Judges 6:18

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