1 Samuel 9:21

Translations

Modern

Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”

Traditional

And Saul answered and said, Am not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?

Literal

And Saul answered and said, “Am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? And why do you speak to me like this?”

Latin

Respondens autem Saul, ait: Numquid non filius Jemini ego sum de minima tribu Israël, et cognatio mea novissima inter omnes familias de tribu Benjamin? quare ergo locutus es mihi sermonem istum?

Original

Hebrew

English

Saul replied, “Am I not a Benjamite from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of Benjamin? So why would you say such a thing to me?”

Notes

1 Samuel 9:21

the smallest tribe: Saul tried to downplay Benjamin's importance, but they were strong warriors (Judges 20:14–31; see study note on 1 Samuel 10:17). What better tribe to lead in battle?
least of all the clans: See 1 Samuel 9:1.

1 Samuel 9:1–11:15

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Samuel Saul

Related verses

1 Samuel 15:17
And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel
Judges 20:46–48
That day 25,000 Benjamite swordsmen fell, all men of valor.
Psalm 68:27
There is Benjamin, the youngest, ruling them, the princes of Judah in their company, the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.
Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Ephesians 3:8
Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
1 Samuel 10:27
But some worthless men said, “How can this man save us?” So they despised him and brought him no gifts; but Saul remained silent about it.
Judges 6:14–15
The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Am I not sending you?”
1 Samuel 18:18
And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?”
1 Samuel 18:23
But when Saul’s servants relayed these words to David, he replied, “Does it seem trivial in your sight to be the son-in-law of the king? I am a poor man and lightly esteemed.”
Hosea 13:1
When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel. But he incurred guilt through Baal, and he died.

People

Benjamin: Youngest son of Jacob and Rachel Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

High Place Offerings and Sacrifices Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Modesty: Saul Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Its rank during the time of Samuel

1 Samuel 9:21

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Translations

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Glossary

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