King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 9:9 Mean?

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

“(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.)”

1 Samuel 9:9 · King James Version

Context

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

11

And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here? the hill: Heb. in the ascent of the city

Read 1 Samuel 9 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
(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.)

This parenthetical editorial note provides crucial linguistic and historical context, indicating the book's composition occurred after significant time had passed since the events described. The distinction between ro'eh ('seer,' from the root 'to see') and nabi ('prophet,' suggesting one who speaks forth) reflects evolving terminology in Israel's prophetic tradition. The seer emphasized visionary reception of divine revelation, while the prophet emphasized proclamation of God's message. Samuel embodied both functions, seeing what God revealed and speaking what God commanded. This verse also subtly legitimizes prophetic consultation as an appropriate means of 'enquiring of God' (lidrosh elohim), a practice that would later face abuse when people sought prophets while ignoring God's written word. The explanation bridges the reader's contemporary understanding with ancient practice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The terminological shift from 'seer' to 'prophet' likely occurred during the monarchical period. Some scholars suggest 'seer' was associated with more localized, consultative functions while 'prophet' carried broader national significance. By the time of the classical prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah), 'prophet' had become the dominant term, though 'seer' remained in occasional use (Isaiah 30:10; Amos 7:12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How has the church's understanding and terminology of spiritual gifts and offices evolved over time?
  2. What continuity exists between the Old Testament prophetic office and New Testament ministry?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לְפָנִ֖ים1 of 18

“Beforetime”

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

בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל2 of 18

“in Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

כֹּֽה3 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַ֤ר4 of 18

“thus he spake”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָאִישׁ֙5 of 18

“when a 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)

בְּלֶכְתּוֹ֙6 of 18
H1980

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

לִדְר֣וֹשׁ7 of 18

“to enquire”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֱלֹהִ֔ים8 of 18

“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

לְכ֥וּ9 of 18
H1980

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

וְנֵֽלְכָ֖ה10 of 18
H1980

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

עַד11 of 18
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָֽרֹאֶֽה׃12 of 18

“a Seer”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּ֤י13 of 18
H3588

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

לַנָּבִיא֙14 of 18

“called a Prophet”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הַיּ֔וֹם15 of 18

“for he that is now”

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

יִקָּרֵ֥א16 of 18

“called”

H7121

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

לְפָנִ֖ים17 of 18

“Beforetime”

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

הָֽרֹאֶֽה׃18 of 18

“a Seer”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

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 9:9 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 9:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 30:101 Chronicles 26:282 Kings 17:131 Chronicles 29:29Amos 7:122 Samuel 24:11

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