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.

Bible > 1 Samuel > Chapter 10 > Verse 10

◄ 1 Samuel 10:10 ►

New International Version
When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying.

New Living Translation
When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, they saw a group of prophets coming toward them. Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy.

English Standard Version
When they came to Gibeah, behold, a group of prophets met him, and the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied among them.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
When they came there to the hill, there was a group of prophets to meet him; then the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

New American Standard Bible
When they came there to the hill, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God rushed upon him, so that he prophesied among them.

NASB 1995
When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them.

NASB 1977
When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they came to the hill there, and behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them.

Amplified Bible
When they came to the hill [Gibeah], behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came on him mightily, and he prophesied [under divine guidance] among them.

Christian Standard Bible
When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God came powerfully on him, and he prophesied along with them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Saul and his attendant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God took control of him, and he prophesied along with them.

American Standard Version
And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came mightily upon him, and he prophesied among them.

Contemporary English Version
When Saul arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. The Spirit of God suddenly took control of him, and right there in the middle of the group he began prophesying.

English Revised Version
And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the spirit of God came mightily upon him, and he prophesied among them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Saul came to the hill, a group of prophets came to meet him, and God's Spirit came over him. He prophesied with them.

Good News Translation
When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Suddenly the spirit of God took control of him, and he joined in their ecstatic dancing and shouting.

International Standard Version
When they arrived there at Gibeah, a band of prophets was right there to meet them. The Spirit of God came upon Saul, and he prophesied along with them.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a company of prophets was coming out to meet him. Then the spirit of God rushed upon Saul and he prophesied among them.

New Heart English Bible
And he went from there to Gibeah, and look, a band of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came mightily on him, and he prophesied among them.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
When they came there to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came mightily on him, and he prophesied among them.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and they come in there to the height, and behold, a band of prophets [is there] to meet him, and the Spirit of God prospers over him, and he prophesies in their midst.

Young's Literal Translation
and they come in thither to the height, and lo, a band of prophets -- to meet him, and prosper over him doth the Spirit of God, and he prophesieth in their midst.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will come there to Gibeah, and behold, a band of prophets to meet him; and the spirit of God will fall suddenly upon him and he will prophesy in the midst of them.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they came to the foresaid hill, and behold a company of prophets met him: and the spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he prophesied in the midst of them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they arrived at the above-stated hill, and behold, a group of prophets met him. And the Spirit of the Lord leapt up within him, and he prophesied in their midst.

New American Bible
From there they arrived at Gibeah, where a band of prophets met Saul, and the spirit of God rushed upon him, so that he joined them in their prophetic ecstasy.

New Revised Standard Version
When they were going from there to Gibeah, a band of prophets met him; and the spirit of God possessed him, and he fell into a prophetic frenzy along with them.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And when they came to Ramtha, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he came unto Ramtha, and behold a band of Prophets met him and the Spirit of God gave success upon him and he prophesied among them

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met him; and the spirit of God came mightily upon him, and he prophesied among them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he comes thence to the hill, and behold a band of prophets opposite to him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied in the midst of them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Samuel's Signs Fulfilled
9As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all the signs came to pass that day. 10When 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. 11All those who had formerly known Saul and saw him prophesying with the prophets asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Numbers 11:25-29
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. / Two men, however, had remained in the camp—one named Eldad and the other Medad—and the Spirit rested on them. They were among those listed, but they had not gone out to the tent, and they prophesied in the camp. / A young man ran and reported to Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” ...

Judges 3:10
The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him.

Judges 6:34
So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him.

Judges 11:29
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, then through Mizpah of Gilead. And from there he advanced against the Ammonites.

Judges 14:6
and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.

Judges 14:19
Then the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, killed thirty of their men, took their apparel, and gave their clothes to those who had solved the riddle. And burning with anger, Samson returned to his father’s house,

Judges 15:14
When Samson arrived in Lehi, the Philistines came out shouting against him. And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him. The ropes on his arms became like burnt flax, and the bonds broke loose from his hands.

1 Samuel 19:20-24
he sent messengers to seize him. But when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel leading them, the Spirit of God came upon them, and Saul’s messengers also began to prophesy. / When this was reported to Saul, he sent more messengers, but they began to prophesy as well. So Saul tried again and sent messengers a third time, and even they began to prophesy. / Finally, 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. ...

2 Kings 2:15
When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him.

2 Kings 3:15
But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,

Ezekiel 11:5
And the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me and told me to declare that this is what the LORD says: “That is what you are thinking, O house of Israel; and I know the thoughts that arise in your minds.

Joel 2:28-29
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. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Luke 1:41
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Treasury of Scripture

And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came on him, and he prophesied among them.

they came

1 Samuel 10:5
After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy:

1 Samuel 19:20-24
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…

Jump to Previous

Arrived Band Company Height Hill Joined Meet Met Midst Mightily Power Procession Prophesied Prophesieth Prophesying Prophets Prosper Spirit Thither

Jump to Next

Arrived Band Company Height Hill Joined Meet Met Midst Mightily Power Procession Prophesied Prophesieth Prophesying Prophets Prosper Spirit Thither

1 Samuel 10

1. Samuel anoints Saul
2. He confirms him by prediction of three signs
9. Saul's heart is changed, and he prophesies
14. He conceals the matter of the kingdom from his uncle
17. Saul is chosen at Mizpeh by lot
26. The different affections of his subjects

Berean Study Bible

When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah
The mention of "Gibeah" is significant as it was Saul's hometown, a place of personal and familial roots. In Hebrew, "Gibeah" means "hill," and it was a prominent location in the territory of Benjamin. Historically, Gibeah was a place of both triumph and tragedy for Israel, as seen in the events of Judges 19-21. Saul's arrival here marks the beginning of his public transformation and divine appointment. The presence of his "servant" underscores the humility and simplicity of Saul's initial journey, contrasting with the grandeur of his future kingship.

a group of prophets met him
The "group of prophets" signifies a collective of individuals dedicated to speaking God's truth and revealing His will. In Hebrew, the word for prophet is "nabi," which means "one who is called" or "one who announces." This encounter is pivotal, as it connects Saul with the spiritual leaders of Israel, indicating a divine orchestration in his path. Prophets in ancient Israel were often seen as intermediaries between God and the people, and their presence here foreshadows Saul's anointing and the spiritual authority he is about to receive.

and the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him
The "Spirit of God" is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often associated with empowerment for a specific task or mission. In Hebrew, "ruach" (spirit) can mean breath, wind, or spirit, indicating a dynamic and life-giving force. The phrase "came powerfully upon him" suggests a sudden and overwhelming divine influence, equipping Saul for leadership. This moment is reminiscent of other biblical figures, such as Samson and David, who were similarly empowered by the Spirit for their roles in God's plan.

and he prophesied along with them
The act of prophesying "along with them" signifies Saul's inclusion into the prophetic community, a sign of his acceptance and validation by God. In the Hebrew context, to prophesy ("naba") often involved speaking under divine inspiration, sometimes in ecstatic utterance. This event serves as a public confirmation of Saul's divine calling and anointing as king. It also highlights the transformative power of God's Spirit, capable of changing hearts and equipping individuals for His purposes. Saul's participation in prophecy marks a significant shift in his identity, aligning him with God's will and the spiritual heritage of Israel.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(10) To the hill.--"To the hill:" more accurately rendered, to Gibeah. This was the home of Saul; the estate of the house of Kish lay evidently in the immediate vicinity of Gibeah, henceforward to be known as Saul's royal city, "Gibeah of Saul." "As he walked, the Spirit of God came upon him," we read. The coming of the Spirit of God upon him may be looked on as the sequel of that Divine gift of the new heart bestowed on him in the early morning, when he left Ramah. The changed heart was a fit home for that Divine Spirit which came on him in the eventide, as he drew near to his ancestral city.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 10, 11. - To the hill. Hebrew, "to Gibeah," his home. He prophesied. Took part in prophetic exercises (see on Ver. 5). On seeing this, the people of Gibeah, who knew him beforetime, - Hebrew, "from yesterday and the day before," but equivalent to our phrase "for years," - asked in surprise, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? What makes him thus act in a manner unlike all our long past experience of him? Is Saul also among the prophets? From this question two things are evident: the first, that the schools founded by Samuel already held a high place in the estimation of the Israelites; the second, that Saul had not shared in that education which so raised the prophets as a class above, the mass of the people. Probably also Saul s character was not such as would have made him care for education. A young man who, while living in his neighbourhood, knew so little about Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6), could not have had a very inquiring or intellectual frame of mind. Of course Samuel could not, by gathering young men together, and giving them the best education the times afforded, gain for them also the highest and rarest of gifts, that of direct inspiration. Even when Elisha, the friend and attendant upon Elijah, asked his master for an elder son's portion of the Divine spirit, Elijah told him that he had asked a hard thing (2 Kings 2:10). The disparity then that the people remarked between Saul and the prophets was that between a rich young farmer's son, who had been brought up at home, and cared only for rustic things, and these young collegians, who were enjoying a careful education (comp. John 7:15). How good that education was is proved by the fact that at David's court all posts which required literary skill were held by prophets. No man could found schools of inspired men; but Samuel founded great educational institutions, which ended by making the Israelites a highly trained and literary people. Saul's prophesying was not the result of training, but came to him by a Divine influence, rousing the slumbering enthusiasm of an energetic but fitful nature.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

When Saul and his servant arrived
וַיָּבֹ֤אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

at Gibeah,
הַגִּבְעָ֔תָה (hag·giḇ·‘ā·ṯāh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1389: A hillock

a group
חֶֽבֶל־ (ḥe·ḇel-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2256: A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin

of prophets
נְבִאִ֖ים (nə·ḇi·’îm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030: A spokesman, speaker, prophet

met him.
לִקְרָאת֑וֹ (liq·rā·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7122: To encounter, befall

Then 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
אֱלֹהִ֔ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

rushed
וַתִּצְלַ֤ח (wat·tiṣ·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6743: To push forward

upon him,
עָלָיו֙ (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

and he prophesied
וַיִּתְנַבֵּ֖א (way·yiṯ·nab·bê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration

along with them.
בְּתוֹכָֽם׃ (bə·ṯō·w·ḵām)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

Links

1 Samuel 10:10 NIV
1 Samuel 10:10 NLT
1 Samuel 10:10 ESV
1 Samuel 10:10 NASB
1 Samuel 10:10 KJV

1 Samuel 10:10 BibleApps.com
1 Samuel 10:10 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 10:10 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 10:10 French Bible
1 Samuel 10:10 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 10:10 When they came there to the hill (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)