New International Version So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even on him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. New Living Translation But on the way to Naioth in Ramah the Spirit of God came even upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy all the way to Naioth! English Standard Version And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God came upon him also, and as he went he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And he went there to Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God was upon him, even him, and he went, going on, and he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. King James Bible And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. New King James Version So he went there to Naioth in Ramah. Then the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on and prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. New American Standard Bible So he proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; but the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. NASB 1995 He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. NASB 1977 And he proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Legacy Standard Bible So he went there, to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Amplified Bible So he went on to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him too, and he went along continually prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Berean Annotated Bible So Saul went to Naioth (habitations) in Ramah (hill). But the Spirit of God {Ruach Elohim} came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Christian Standard Bible So he went to Naioth in Ramah. The Spirit of God also came on him, and as he walked along, he prophesied until he entered Naioth in Ramah. Holman Christian Standard Bible So he went to Naioth in Ramah. The Spirit of God also came on him, and as he walked along, he prophesied until he entered Naioth in Ramah. American Standard Version And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God came upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Contemporary English Version Saul left for Ramah. But as he walked along, the Spirit of God took control of him, and he started prophesying. Then, when he reached Prophets Village, English Revised Version And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the spirit of God came upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. GOD'S WORD® Translation As he went toward the pastures at Ramah, God's Spirit came over him too. He continued his journey, prophesying until he came to the pastures at Ramah. Good News Translation As he was going there, the spirit of God took control of him also, and he danced and shouted all the way to Naioth. International Standard Version Saul went to Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God came on him also. He continued in prophetic ecstasy until he came to Naioth in Ramah. NET Bible So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. The Spirit of God came upon him as well, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. New Heart English Bible So he went to the dwellings at Ramah. Then the Spirit of God came on him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to the dwellings in Ramah. Webster's Bible Translation And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo 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. World English Bible He went there to Naioth in Ramah. Then God’s Spirit came on him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he goes there—to Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God is on him also; and he goes, going on, and he prophesies until his coming to Naioth in Ramah, Berean Literal Bible And he went there to Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God was upon him, even him, and he went, going on, and he prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Young's Literal Translation And he goeth thither -- unto Naioth in Ramah, and the Spirit of God is upon him -- him also; and he goeth, going on, and he prophesieth till his coming in to Naioth in Ramah, Smith's Literal Translation And he will go there to Naioth in Ramah: and the spirit of God will be upon him, him also, and going, he will go and prophesy even till his coming into Naioth in Ramah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he went to Najoth in Ramatha, and the spirit of the Lord came upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied till he came to Najoth in Ramatha. Catholic Public Domain Version And he went to Naioth, in Ramah, and the Spirit of the Lord came to him also. And he continued on, walking and prophesying, until he arrived at Naioth, in Ramah. New American Bible As he walked from there to Naioth in Ramah, the spirit of God came upon him also, and he continued on, acting like a prophet until he reached Naioth in Ramah. New Revised Standard Version He went there, toward Naioth in Ramah; and the spirit of God came upon him. As he was going, he fell into a prophetic frenzy, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he went toward Jonath in Ramtha; and the Spirit of God came upon him also; and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Jonath in Ramtha. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he went on there to Yonath that is in Ramtha, and the Spirit of God was also upon him and he went on and he prophesied until he arrived at Yonath that is in Ramtha OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah; and the spirit of God came upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he went thence to Navath in Rama: and there came the Spirit of God upon him also, and he went on prophesying till he came to Navath in Rama. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Michal Saves David…22Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the large cistern at Secu, where he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “At Naioth in Ramah,” he was told. 23So 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. 24Then 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?”… Cross References So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. 1 Samuel 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home in Gibeah of Saul. 1 Samuel 7:17 Then he would return to Ramah because his home was there, and there he judged Israel and built an altar to the LORD. 1 Samuel 1:19 The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, 1 Samuel 10:10 When 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. 1 Samuel 11:6 When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he burned with great anger. Numbers 24:2 When Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him, and he walked along prophesying 1 Samuel 10:11 When all those who had formerly known Saul saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 1 Samuel 10:6 Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person. 1 Samuel 10:5 After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying. until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 1 Samuel 25:1 When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David set out and went down to the Wilderness of Paran. 1 Samuel 28:3 Now by this time Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had removed the mediums and spiritists from the land. Jeremiah 31:15 This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Numbers 11:25 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again. 1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. 2 Kings 3:15 But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha Joel 2:28 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Treasury of Scripture And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was on him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. the Spirit 1 Samuel 19:20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 1 Samuel 10:10 And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. Numbers 23:5 And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. until he came Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Jump to Previous Acting Continually Naioth Nai'oth Proceeded Prophesied Prophesying Prophet Ramah Saul Spirit Thither WalkedJump to Next Acting Continually Naioth Nai'oth Proceeded Prophesied Prophesying Prophet Ramah Saul Spirit Thither Walked1 Samuel 19 1. Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh4. He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah 9. Hannah in grief prays for a child 12. Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her 19. Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned 24. She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. Saul pursued David to Samuel’s prophetic community at Naioth, near Samuel’s hometown of Ramah in Benjamin. David had found refuge with the aged prophet who had anointed him, while Saul came intending to seize the man God had chosen to succeed him. Saul’s arrival at this place of worship and prophetic ministry exposes the conflict between his rebellious kingship and God’s unfolding purpose for David. 1Sa 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, but Saul went up to his home… But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, God intervened directly against Saul’s violent purpose. The same Spirit who had once empowered Saul at the beginning of his reign now restrained him from harming David. Saul’s experience did not erase his hardened rebellion or restore him to faithful obedience, but it demonstrated that no king can act beyond God’s sovereign control. 1Sa 10:10 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah,… and he walked along prophesying Saul became overcome by the Spirit’s influence and spoke as one among the prophets rather than advancing as David’s captor. His determined pursuit was turned into public humiliation, as God redirected the very man seeking to oppose His anointed servant. The incident recalls Saul’s earlier prophesying after his anointing and underscores how far he had fallen from the obedience God required. 1Sa 10:11 When all those who had formerly known Saul saw him… until he came to Naioth in Ramah. God’s restraining power continued throughout Saul’s journey and preserved David in the place where Samuel and the prophets ministered. Saul could send messengers, come personally, and bring royal authority against David, yet he could not overcome the protection of the Lord. 1Sa 25:1 When Samuel died, all Israel gathered to mourn for him;… Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is experiencing a decline in his spiritual and mental state due to his disobedience to God. 2. Naioth A place in Ramah where a group of prophets, including Samuel, were gathered. It served as a prophetic community or school. 3. Ramah The hometown of Samuel, the prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel. 4. Spirit of God The divine presence and power that comes upon individuals, enabling them to prophesy or perform acts beyond their natural abilities. 5. Prophesying Speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit, often involving declarations of God's will or future events. Teaching Points The Sovereignty of GodGod's Spirit can intervene in the lives of individuals, regardless of their intentions or spiritual state, demonstrating His ultimate control over human affairs. The Power of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit empowers individuals to speak and act beyond their natural capabilities, emphasizing the importance of being open to the Spirit's leading in our lives. God's Protection of His Anointed Despite Saul's intentions to harm David, God intervenes, showing His protection over those He has chosen and anointed for His purposes. Unexpected Instruments of God God can use anyone, even those who are opposed to Him, to fulfill His purposes, reminding us not to underestimate how God might work in and through others. The Importance of Community Naioth at Ramah represents a community of believers where the Spirit of God is active, highlighting the value of being part of a faith community for spiritual growth and protection. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 19:23?2. How does God's Spirit in 1 Samuel 19:23 demonstrate His sovereign control? 3. What can we learn about God's protection from 1 Samuel 19:23? 4. How does 1 Samuel 19:23 connect with other instances of God's Spirit intervening? 5. How should we respond when witnessing God's power as in 1 Samuel 19:23? 6. What practical steps can we take to trust God's plans like in 1 Samuel 19:23? 7. Why did the Spirit of God cause Saul to prophesy in 1 Samuel 19:23? 8. How does 1 Samuel 19:23 demonstrate God's control over human actions? 9. What is the significance of Saul prophesying in 1 Samuel 19:23? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 19? What Does 1 Samuel 19:23 Mean So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah“So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah.” (1 Samuel 19:23) • Naioth was the location where Samuel headed a community of prophets (1 Samuel 19:18–20). • Saul’s journey is literal and deliberate—he sets out to seize David after earlier assassination attempts failed (1 Samuel 19:1, 11). • Ramah, Samuel’s hometown (1 Samuel 15:34), had long been linked to God’s prophet and thus to divine authority. Saul’s arrival there brings him face-to-face with God’s own appointed messenger rather than merely with David. • By recording Saul’s movement in straightforward geographical terms, Scripture underscores the historical reliability of the account (cf. Luke 1:3-4). • God allows Saul to proceed physically, but each step is leading the king into a setting entirely under divine control, preparing the way for the next intervention. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul “But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul…” • This same phrase had marked Saul’s earlier, positive experiences with God (1 Samuel 10:6, 10; 11:6). Now, despite Saul’s hardened rebellion, the Spirit still sovereignly overrules him. • The wording “even Saul” highlights the surprise: the king who has drifted far from obedience is nevertheless subject to God’s power (cf. Numbers 24:2 with Balaam; John 11:49-51 with Caiaphas). • God is not endorsing Saul’s character but asserting dominion over him. The Spirit can fall on a disobedient person to fulfill divine purposes, just as He raises up or restrains rulers (Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 4:34-35). • This moment protects David without violence: God disarms Saul by turning the pursuer into a prophetic instrument, demonstrating both mercy and judgment simultaneously. and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah “…and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah.” • The prophesying begins on the road and continues “until” arrival, indicating an extended, uncontrollable state (1 Samuel 19:24). • Such prophetic utterance—likely praise or declaration of God’s greatness—renders Saul incapable of carrying out his hostile intent (cf. 1 Samuel 18:10, where similar prophetic activity foreshadows this event). • God turns the hunter into a herald; Saul’s mouth glorifies the very God he is defying. Like Balaam blessing Israel instead of cursing (Numbers 23:11-12), Saul is compelled to speak what God allows. • The episode publicly exposes Saul’s impotence before God and vindicates David’s anointing, reinforcing to onlookers that divine calling outstrips royal decree (1 Samuel 16:13; Psalm 89:20-23). • In halting Saul without a sword, the Lord shows that the battle belongs to Him (1 Samuel 17:47). summary Saul marches to Naioth intent on capturing David, yet every step is orchestrated by God. The same Spirit who once equipped Saul to rule now overtakes him, proving that no human rebellion can thwart divine sovereignty. Forced into prophetic speech, Saul becomes an unwitting witness to God’s supremacy and a living shield for David. The verse reminds us that God can arrest evil intentions, redirect rulers, and use even the disobedient to declare His glory. Hebrew So Saul wentוַיֵּ֣לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Naioth נָי֖וֹת (nā·yō·wṯ) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5121: Naioth -- an abode of prophets in Ramah. בָּרָמָ֑ה (bā·rā·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7414: Ramah -- 'height', the name of several places in Israel But the Spirit ר֣וּחַ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit of God אֱלֹהִ֗ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative came וַתְּהִי֩ (wat·tə·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be upon עָלָ֨יו (‘ā·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against even גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and [Saul], ה֜וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are and he walked along וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk prophesying וַיִּתְנַבֵּ֔א (way·yiṯ·nab·bê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration until עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while he came to בֹּא֖וֹ (bō·’ōw) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go Naioth בְּנָי֥וֹת (bə·nā·yō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5121: Naioth -- an abode of prophets in Ramah. בָּרָמָֽה׃ (bā·rā·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 7414: Ramah -- 'height', the name of several places in Israel Additonal Resources 1 Samuel 19:23 Blue Letter Bible1 Samuel 19:23 Bible Gateway 1 Samuel 19:23 Bible.com 1 Samuel 19:23 NIV |
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