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1 Samuel 10:12

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 10:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And one of the same place answered and said, And who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And one of the same place answered and said, And who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
1 Samuel 10:12 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And it was so, that, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
10And 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.
11And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied with 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?
12And one of the same place answered and said, And who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
13And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place.
14And Saul`s uncle said unto him and to his servant, Whither went ye? And he said, To seek the asses; and when we saw that they were not found, we came to Samuel.
15And Saul`s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.
← 1 Samuel 10:111 Samuel 10:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And one of the same place answered, and said, etc.] One of the same city, and in the same company, that expressed their admiration at what was come to Saul, and at what he did, and wondering how he came into such company, and to have such a gift, who was of so mean an education: but who is their father? the father of the prophets; their fathers were not prophets, no more than Saul’s was; their Father that taught them is the Lord, and he was able to teach Saul, and bestow on him the gift of prophecy, as well as on them; and so the Targum, who is their master or teacher; for though they might have an undermaster or teacher, as Samuel, or another prophet, yet their chief teacher was God; who…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But who is their father?--The Septuagint reads, "Who is his father?" referring to Saul the son of Kish.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But who is their father - This is a very obscure phrase. If by “father” be intended the head or leader (compare 1 Chronicles 25:6; 2 Kings 2:12) of the prophets, the question means: “What kind of leader can they have to admit such a person as Saul into the company?” Some versions read “Who is his father?” in the sense: “Who would have expected Kish to have a son among the prophets?” (Compare Matthew 13:54-55.) return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Who is, &c. - Who is the father of all these prophets, among whom Saul now is one? Who is it that instructs and inspires them but God? They have it not from their parents, nor from their education, but by inspiration from God, who, when he pleaseth, can inspire Saul, or any other man with the same skill. And therefore wonder not at this matter, but give God the glory of it. A proverb - Used when any strange, or unexpected thing happened. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 10:13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“10:12 “Can anyone become a prophet, no matter who his father is?” Unlike priests and kings, prophets never inherited their office. Possibly the people were asking why Saul, whose well-to-do father was well known, would associate himself with a group of people who had no pedigree.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“of the same place: Heb. from thence who is their: Isa 54:13; Joh 6:45, Joh 7:16; Jam 1:17 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 10:14”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification