Lexical Summary Saoul: Saul Original Word: Σαούλ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Saul. Of Hebrew origin (Sha'uwl); Saul (i.e. Shaul), the Jewish name of Paul -- Saul. Compare Saulos. see GREEK Saulos see HEBREW Sha'uwl NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Shaul Definition Saul, the first Isr. king, also the Jewish name of Paul NASB Translation Saul (9). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4549: ΣαούλΣαούλ (שָׁאוּל, 'asked for'), ὁ, indeclinable (in Josephus, Σαουλος), Saul; 1. the name of the first king of Israel: Acts 13:21. 2. the Jewish name of the apostle Paul, but occurring only in address (cf. Buttmann, 6): Acts 9:4, 17; Acts 22:7, 13; Acts 26:14; in the other passages of the Book of Acts the form Σαῦλος (which see) with the Greek terminology is used. Greek 4549 appears nine times, all in Acts. Eight occurrences designate the persecutor-turned-apostle, and one recalls Israel’s first king. Luke’s deliberate limitation of the term to Acts underscores pivotal moments in salvation history: Israel’s demand for a king and Jesus Christ’s personal intervention in calling His chosen instrument to the Gentiles. Connection to the Old Testament Monarchy (Acts 13:21) “Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them forty years under Saul son of Kish of the tribe of Benjamin.” Paul (still using his Roman name in this synagogue message) reminds his hearers that the monarchy began with Saul. By invoking the name, Luke creates a bridge between two eras of redemptive history. King Saul’s mixed legacy—initial promise followed by disobedience—contrasts with David’s heart after God, preparing listeners for the ultimate Davidic Son, Jesus Christ. Divine Encounter on the Damascus Road Acts 9:4 records the risen Lord’s arresting summons: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” The double vocative conveys urgency and intimacy, reflecting Old Testament theophanies where repetition marked solemn address (Genesis 22:11; Exodus 3:4). The question exposes the unity of Christ with His Church: to oppress believers is to assault the Lord Himself. Paul twice recounts the episode (Acts 22:7; Acts 26:14), each time preserving the Aramaic or Hebraic form “Saul,” even when narrating before Greek audiences. This retention of the Hebrew name roots his calling in Israel’s account and accentuates the authenticity of the revelation. Ananias’ Ministry and Affirmation (Acts 9:17; 22:13) “So Ananias went and entered the house. Placing his hands on him, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus … has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’” Addressing him as “Brother” signals immediate acceptance into the covenant community. The laying on of hands mediates both healing and commissioning, demonstrating the Church’s role in welcoming former enemies and recognizing God’s sovereign choice. Transition from Saul to Paul Luke continues to use “Saul” until Acts 13:9, where he notes, “Saul, who was also called Paul.” The shift occurs in the context of missionary outreach, symbolizing the apostle’s broadened horizon to the Gentiles. The retention of “Saul” in Christ’s direct speech, however, preserves the memory of grace that transforms persecutors into proclaimers. Theological Themes 1. Sovereign Grace: The repeated address “Saul, Saul” illustrates divine initiative. Salvation does not originate in human pursuit but in God’s electing call. Practical Applications • No adversary is beyond the reach of redeeming grace; the Church prays and waits expectantly for God’s surprising interventions. Summary Strong’s Greek 4549, while numerically rare, marks decisive junctures in Acts: Israel’s first king, the Church’s greatest missionary, and the Lord who unites past and future in His saving plan. Englishman's Concordance Acts 9:4 NGRK: λέγουσαν αὐτῷ Σαούλ Σαούλ τί NAS: saying to him, Saul, Saul, KJV: saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why INT: saying to him Saul Saul why Acts 9:4 N Acts 9:17 N Acts 13:21 N Acts 22:7 N Acts 22:7 N Acts 22:13 N Acts 26:14 N Acts 26:14 N |
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