1 Samuel 10:12 Meaning and Explanation
“And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Someone responds, 'But who is their father?', and the saying 'Is Saul also among the prophets?' becomes a proverb in Israel.
What Does 1 Samuel 10:12 Mean?
A bystander pushes back with a question, 'But who is their father?', reminding the crowd that prophecy is a gift from God, not an inheritance of birth. From this exchange a saying takes root in Israel, repeated whenever someone turns up where no one expected.
The point cuts gently against snobbery: standing among the prophets has nothing to do with pedigree and everything to do with God's choosing. The Lord raises up whom He will, from any family or background. That a passing remark became a lasting proverb shows how deeply Saul's change marked the memory of his people, a sign that God's surprising grace is not soon forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 10:12
What does 1 Samuel 10:12 mean?
Someone responds, 'But who is their father?', and the saying 'Is Saul also among the prophets?' becomes a proverb in Israel.