Translations
Modern
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?”
Traditional
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?
Literal
And it came to pass that all who knew him before now saw, and behold, among the prophets he prophesied, and the people said one to another, “What is this that has come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Latin
Videntes autem omnes qui noverant eum heri et nudiustertius quod esset cum prophetis, et prophetaret, dixerunt ad invicem: Quænam res accidit filio Cis? num et Saul inter prophetas?
Original
Hebrew
English
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?”
Notes
People who knew Saul might have thought he was not religious, making him an unlikely choice for a prophet. They might have been surprised and disappointed to get a prophet instead of a king (see John 6:14–15).
Saul became powerful through three main events:
Samuel secretly anointed him (1 Samuel 9:1–10:16).
He was chosen by casting lots (1 Samuel 10:17–27).
He defeated the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1–15).
See also study note on 1 Samuel 13:1–16:13.
Events
People
Kish: Father of Saul, the first king of Israel Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel
Glossary
Prophecy Prophet, Prophetess Samuel, Books of First and Second Sons of the Prophets