1 Samuel 10:11 All those who had formerly known Saul and saw him prophesying with the prophets asked one another, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?"

Bible > 1 Samuel > Chapter 10 > Verse 11

◄ 1 Samuel 10:11 ►

New International Version
When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

New Living Translation
When those who knew Saul heard about it, they exclaimed, “What? Is even Saul a prophet? How did the son of Kish become a prophet?”

English Standard Version
And when all who knew him previously saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, “What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Berean Standard Bible
All those who had formerly known Saul and saw him prophesying with the prophets asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

King James Bible
And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

New King James Version
And it happened, when all who knew him formerly saw that he indeed prophesied among the prophets, that the people said to one another, “What is this that has come upon the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

New American Standard Bible
And it came about, when all who previously knew him saw that he was indeed prophesying with the prophets, that the people said to one another, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

NASB 1995
It came about, when all who knew him previously saw that he prophesied now with the prophets, that the people said to one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

NASB 1977
And it came about, when all who knew him previously saw that he prophesied now with the prophets, that the people said to one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened that all who knew him previously saw, and behold, he was prophesying with the prophets, so the people said to one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Amplified Bible
Now when all who knew Saul previously saw that he actually prophesied now [by inspiration] with the prophets, the people said one to another, “What has happened to [Saul, who is nobody but] the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Christian Standard Bible
Everyone who knew him previously and saw him prophesy with the prophets asked each other, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Everyone who knew him previously and saw him prophesy with the prophets asked each other, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

Contemporary English Version
Some people who had known Saul for a long time saw that he was speaking and behaving like a prophet. They said to each other, "What's happened? How can Saul be a prophet?"

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When all who had known him before saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people asked one another, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul one of the prophets?"

Good News Translation
People who had known him before saw him doing this and asked one another, "What has happened to the son of Kish? Has Saul become a prophet?"

International Standard Version
When all those who had known Saul previously saw that he was there among the prophets prophesying, the people told one another, "What has happened to Kish's son? Is Saul also among the prophets?"

Majority Standard Bible
All those who had formerly known Saul and saw him prophesying with the prophets asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

NET Bible
When everyone who had known him previously saw him prophesying with the prophets, the people all asked one another, "What on earth has happened to the son of Kish? Does even Saul belong with the prophets?"

New Heart English Bible
It happened, when all who knew him before saw that, look, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said one to another, "What is this that has come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass when all that formerly knew him saw, that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that hath come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

World English Bible
When all who knew him before saw that, behold, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said to one another, “What is this that has come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass, all knowing him before, see, and behold, he has prophesied with prophets, and the people say to one another, “What [is] this [that] has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, all his acquaintance heretofore, see, and lo, with prophets he hath prophesied, and the people say one unto another, 'What is this hath happened to the son of Kish? is Saul also among the prophets?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be all will know him from yesterday the third day, and will see him and behold, he prophesied with the prophets, and the people will say, a man to his neighbor, What was this to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And all that had known him yesterday and the day before, seeing that he was with the prophets, and prophesied, said to each other: What is this that hath happened to the son of Cis? Is Saul also among the prophets?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then all those who had known him yesterday and the day before, seeing that he was with the prophets, and that he was prophesying, said to one other: “What is this thing that has happened to the son of Kish? Could Saul also be among the prophets?”

New American Bible
When all who had known him previously saw him in a prophetic state among the prophets, they said to one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

New Revised Standard Version
When all who knew him before saw how he prophesied with the prophets, the people said to one another, “What has come over the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that has come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was that all who had known him before saw a Prophet prophesying, and the people said, each man to his neighbor: “Who is this who was son of Qish?, for behold, Shaul also is among the Prophets!”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said one to another: 'What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And all that had known him before came, and saw, and behold, he was in the midst of the prophets: and the people said every one to his neighbour, What is this that has happened to the son of Kis? is Saul also among the prophets?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Samuel's Signs Fulfilled
…10When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them. 11 All those who had formerly known Saul and saw him prophesying with the prophets asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 12Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Acts 9:21
All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”

John 7:15
The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?”

Matthew 13:54-57
Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked. / “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? / Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?” ...

Mark 6:2-3
When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these ideas?” they asked. “What is this wisdom He has been given? And how can He perform such miracles? / Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him.

Luke 4:22
All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.

John 9:8-9
At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to ask, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” / Some claimed that he was, but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” But the man kept saying, “I am the one.”

Acts 4:13
When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Matthew 21:23
When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”

John 7:46-47
“Never has anyone spoken like this man!” the officers answered. / “Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees.

Acts 2:7-8
Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? / How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language?

Numbers 11:26-29
Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp. / A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” / Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since youth, spoke up and said, “Moses, my lord, stop them!” ...

Judges 6:34
So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him.

Judges 11:29
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, then through Mizpah of Gilead. And from there he advanced against the Ammonites.

1 Samuel 19:23-24
So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. / Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”

2 Kings 2:15
When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.

Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?

when all

John 9:8,9
The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? …

Acts 3:10
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Matthew 13:54,55
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? …

Acts 2:7,8
And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? …

Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Is Saul

1 Samuel 19:24
And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?

John 7:15
And the Jews marvelled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?

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Beforetime Kish Previously Prophesied Prophesying Prophets Saul

1 Samuel 10

1. Samuel anoints Saul
2. He confirms him by prediction of three signs
9. Saul's heart is changed, and he prophesies
14. He conceals the matter of the kingdom from his uncle
17. Saul is chosen at Mizpeh by lot
26. The different affections of his subjects

Berean Study Bible

All those who had formerly known him
This phrase highlights the transformation witnessed by those familiar with Saul's previous life. The Hebrew root for "known" is יָדַע (yada), which implies an intimate or experiential knowledge. This suggests that Saul's acquaintances had a deep understanding of his character and past behavior, making his prophetic activity all the more surprising. Historically, this transformation signifies the divine intervention in Saul's life, marking a pivotal moment where God equips him for his future role as king.

saw him prophesying with the prophets
The act of "prophesying" here is from the Hebrew נָבָא (naba), which means to speak or sing by divine inspiration. This indicates that Saul was not merely speaking but was under the influence of the Holy Spirit, joining the company of prophets. Archaeologically, this reflects the existence of prophetic groups or schools during this period, which were communities dedicated to worship and receiving divine messages. Saul's inclusion among them signifies his temporary induction into a spiritual state, foreshadowing his anointed role.

and they asked one another
This phrase captures the communal reaction to Saul's unexpected behavior. The Hebrew verb שָׁאַל (sha'al) for "asked" suggests a sense of inquiry or seeking understanding. This reflects the natural human response to divine mysteries and the unexpected workings of God. It also underscores the communal nature of Israelite society, where significant events were discussed and interpreted collectively.

'What has happened to the son of Kish?
The question posed here reflects astonishment and curiosity. "Son of Kish" emphasizes Saul's identity and lineage, grounding him in his familial and tribal context. Historically, Kish was a man of standing within the tribe of Benjamin, and Saul's transformation would have been a matter of public interest. This question underscores the theme of divine election, where God chooses individuals regardless of their background or previous status.

Is Saul also among the prophets?'
This rhetorical question highlights the incredulity of the observers. The phrase "among the prophets" suggests a recognized group with a specific spiritual role. The Hebrew word for "prophets" is נָבִיא (navi), indicating those who are called to speak on behalf of God. Saul's inclusion among them was unexpected, challenging societal expectations and norms. This moment foreshadows the complex nature of Saul's kingship, where divine calling and human frailty intersect. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty in choosing and equipping leaders according to His purposes, often beyond human understanding.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(11) What is this?--The natural expression of extreme surprise at the sudden change which had come over one so well known at Gibeah as Saul evidently was, shows us that this was his home. The words, "What is this that is come unto the son of Kish?" seem to tell us that the life hitherto led by Saul was a life very different in all respects to the life led by the sons of the prophets in their schools. It need not be assumed that the youth and early manhood of the future king had been wild and dissolute, but simply that the way of life had been rough and uncultured--a life spent in what we should call "country pursuits," in contradistinction to the pursuit of knowledge and of higher acquirements. It is evident from the statement here and in the following verse that a considerable respect for these schools had already grown up among the people.

Is Saul also among the prophets?--In 1Samuel 19:23 we again find Saul, but under changed circumstances, under the influence of a Divine and coercing power, and uttering strange words, and singing hymns as one trained in the prophets' schools. It was probably this recurrence of the same incident in the king's life which gave rise to the saying, or proverb, which expresses amazement at the unexpected appearance of any man in a position which had hitherto been quite strange to him. "Is Saul among the preachers of Christ? Was a question of wonder asked by the friends of St. Paul" (Galatians 1:23).--Wordsworth.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

All those
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who had formerly
מֵאִתְּמ֣וֹל (mê·’it·tə·mō·wl)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 865: Heretofore, definitely yesterday

known [Saul]
יֽוֹדְעוֹ֙ (yō·wḏ·‘ōw)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3045: To know

and saw
וַיִּרְא֕וּ (way·yir·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

him prophesying
נִבָּ֑א (nib·bā)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

the prophets
נְבִאִ֖ים (nə·ḇi·’îm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

asked
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

one
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

another,
רֵעֵ֗הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

“What
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

has happened
וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to the son
לְבֶן־ (lə·ḇen-)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Kish?
קִ֔ישׁ (qîš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7027: Kish -- father of Saul, also the name of several other Israelites

Is Saul
שָׁא֖וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

also
הֲגַ֥ם (hă·ḡam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

among the prophets?”
בַּנְּבִיאִֽים׃ (ban·nə·ḇî·’îm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

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OT History: 1 Samuel 10:11 It happened when all who knew him (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)