And one of those standing there said, “Can anyone become a prophet, no matter who his father is?” So that is the origin of the saying “Is even Saul a prophet?”
Parallel translations
- WEB One of the same place answered, “Who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
- KJV 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?
- BSB Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
- NKJV Then a man from there answered and said, “But who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
- NASB And a man from there responded and said, “And who is their father?” Therefore it became a saying: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
A local man answers 'Who is their father?', and the saying becomes a proverb. It marks Saul's sudden, surprising inclusion among the prophets.
Overview
The reply likely stresses that prophecy depends on God's calling, not on family pedigree, so even Saul could be among them. The episode passes into Israel's memory as a proverb expressing astonishment at unexpected change. It reminds readers that spiritual gifting flows from God's sovereign choice rather than human ancestry or status.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- John 6:45It is written in the prophets, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who hears from the Father, and has learned, comes to me.
- Isa 54:13All your children will be taught by Yahweh; and your children’s peace will be great.
- John 7:16Jesus therefore answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.
- Jas 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The rise of the anointed king after Israel's failed first choice points to the true Anointed One (Messiah means 'anointed'), the shepherd-king after God's own heart from Bethlehem.
How 1 Samuel 10:12 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.