King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 9:8 Mean?

1 Samuel 9:8 in the King James Version says “And the servant answered Saul again, and said, Behold, I have here at hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that w...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Samuel 9:8 · KJV

Context

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.)

10

Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was. Well said: Heb. Thy word is good

Read 1 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

The servant's initiative in providing the quarter-shekel demonstrates both resourcefulness and providential supply. This small amount, roughly 2.8 grams of silver, was modest yet sufficient for their purpose. The Hebrew phrase matsa yadi ('I have at hand,' literally 'my hand has found') suggests unexpected discovery or hidden reserve. Throughout this narrative, the servant consistently moves events forward while Saul hesitates, a dynamic that raises questions about leadership qualities. The servant's willingness to give his own money for their mutual benefit contrasts with Saul's passive uncertainty. This small detail prefigures the coming narrative where God provides what is needed precisely when needed. The verse also establishes that prophetic consultation was accessible even to common people with modest means, reflecting the democratic accessibility of God's guidance through His servants.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

A quarter-shekel was a small but not insignificant sum, perhaps equivalent to a day or two's wages for common labor. Silver was weighed rather than coined in this period, with pieces often cut from larger bars. The transaction illustrates that prophetic guidance was available across economic classes, not reserved for wealthy patrons.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God often provide unexpected resources at crucial moments in your spiritual journey?
  2. What does the servant's greater initiative compared to Saul suggest about true leadership qualities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֤סֶף1 of 19

“again”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

הַנַּ֙עַר֙2 of 19

“And 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

לַֽעֲנ֣וֹת3 of 19

“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,

אֶת4 of 19
H853

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

שָׁא֔וּל5 of 19

“Saul”

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר6 of 19

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנֵּה֙7 of 19
H2009

lo!

נִמְצָ֣א8 of 19

“Behold I have”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בְיָדִ֔י9 of 19

“here at hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

רֶ֖בַע10 of 19

“the fourth part”

H7253

a fourth (part or side)

שֶׁ֣קֶל11 of 19

“of a shekel”

H8255

probably a weight; used as a commercial standard

כָּ֑סֶף12 of 19

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וְנָֽתַתִּי֙13 of 19

“that will I give”

H5414

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

לְאִ֣ישׁ14 of 19

“to 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)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים15 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

וְהִגִּ֥יד16 of 19

“to 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

לָ֖נוּ17 of 19
H0
אֶת18 of 19
H853

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

דַּרְכֵּֽנוּ׃19 of 19

“us our way”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

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 9:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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