Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But the servant replied, “Look, in this town there is a man of God; he is highly respected, and everything he says comes true. Let’s go there now. Perhaps he will tell us what way to take.” New Living Translation But the servant said, “I’ve just thought of something! There is a man of God who lives here in this town. He is held in high honor by all the people because everything he says comes true. Let’s go find him. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.” English Standard Version But he said to him, “Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor; all that he says comes true. So now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.” Berean Standard Bible “Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” Berean Literal Bible And he said to him, “Behold now, a man of God is in this city, and the man is honored; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can declare to us the way on which we should go.” King James Bible And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. New King James Version And he said to him, “Look now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can show us the way that we should go.” New American Standard Bible But he said to him, “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor; everything that he says definitely comes true. Now let’s go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out.” NASB 1995 He said to him, “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor; all that he says surely comes true. Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out.” NASB 1977 And he said to him, “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor; all that he says surely comes true. Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have set out.” Legacy Standard Bible But he said to him, “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is held in honor; all that he says surely comes true. Now let us go there, perhaps he can tell us about our journey on which we have gone.” Amplified Bible The servant said to him, “Look here, in this city there is a man of God, and the man is held in honor; everything that he says comes true. Now let us go there; perhaps he can advise us about our journey [and tell us where we should go].” Berean Annotated Bible “Look, said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God {Elohim} who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” Christian Standard Bible “Look,” the servant said, “there’s a man of God in this city who is highly respected; everything he says is sure to come true. Let’s go there now. Maybe he’ll tell us which way we should go.” Holman Christian Standard Bible “Look,” the attendant said, “there’s a man of God in this city who is highly respected; everything he says is sure to come true. Let’s go there now. Maybe he’ll tell us which way we should go.” American Standard Version And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is a man that is held in honor; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can tell us concerning our journey whereon we go. Contemporary English Version "Wait!" the servant answered. "There's a man of God who lives in a town near here. He's amazing! Everything he says comes true. Let's talk to him. Maybe he can tell us where to look." English Revised Version And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is a man that is held in honour; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can tell us concerning our journey whereon we go. GOD'S WORD® Translation The servant responded, "There's a man of God in this city, a highly respected man. Everything he says is sure to happen. Let's go there. Maybe he'll tell us which way we should go." Good News Translation The servant answered, "Wait! In this town there is a holy man who is highly respected because everything he says comes true. Let's go to him, and maybe he can tell us where we can find the donkeys." International Standard Version The young man said, "Look, there's a man of God in this town. The man is respected, and everything he predicts happens. Now, let's go there. Perhaps he can tell us about the journey on which we have set out." NET Bible But the servant said to him, "Look, there is a man of God in this town. He is highly respected. Everything that he says really happens. Now let's go there. Perhaps he will tell us where we should go from here." New Heart English Bible He said to him, "See now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is a man who is held in honor. All that he says surely comes to pass. Now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us concerning our journey on which we have set out." Webster's Bible Translation And he said to him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; it may be he can show us our way that we should go. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” World English Bible The servant said to him, “Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor. All that he says surely happens. Now let’s go there. Perhaps he can tell us which way to go.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he says to him, “Now behold, a man of God [is] in this city, and the man is honored; all that he speaks certainly comes; now, we go there, it may be he declares to us our way on which we have gone.” Berean Literal Bible And he said to him, “Behold now, a man of God is in this city, and the man is honored; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can declare to us the way on which we should go.” Young's Literal Translation And he saith to him, 'Lo, I pray thee, a man of God is in this city, and the man is honoured; all that he speaketh doth certainly come; now, we go there, it may be he doth declare to us our way on which we have gone.' Smith's Literal Translation And he will say to him, Behold now, a man of God in this city, and the man honored; all which he shall speak, coming, will come: now we will go there, perhaps he will announce to us our way which we went upon it. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to him: Behold there is a man of God in this city, a famous man: all that he saith, cometh certainly to pass. Now therefore let us go thither, perhaps he may tell us of our way, for which we are come. Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to him: “Behold, there is a man of God in this city, a noble man. All that he says, happens without fail. Now therefore, let us go there. For perhaps he may tell us about our way, because of which we have arrived.” New American Bible The servant replied, “Listen! There is a man of God in this city, a man held in high esteem; everything he says comes true. Let us go there now! Perhaps he can advise us about the journey we have undertaken.” New Revised Standard Version But he said to him, “There is a man of God in this town; he is a man held in honor. Whatever he says always comes true. Let us go there now; perhaps he will tell us about the journey on which we have set out.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut his servant said to him, Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and he is an honorable man in the eyes of the people; all that he says comes surely to pass; now let us go there; perhaps he can tell us about the errand for which we have come. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And his boy said to him: “See, a certain man of God is in the city, and a man honored in the eyes of the people, and everything that he says is coming, comes. Now, let us go there; perhaps he will show us the way where we may come upon it” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said unto him: 'Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is a man that is held in honour; all that he saith cometh surely to pass; now let us go thither; peradventure he can tell us concerning our journey whereon we go.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the young man said to him, Behold now, there is a man of God in this city, and the man is of high repute; all that he shall speak will surely come to pass: now then let us go, that he may tell us our way on which we have set out. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Saul Chosen as King…5When they reached the land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant, “Come, let us go back, or my father will stop worrying about the donkeys and start worrying about us.” 6“Look,” said the servant, “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” 7“If we do go,” Saul replied, “what can we give the man? For the bread in our packs is gone, and there is no gift to take to the man of God. What do we have?”… Cross References “Look,” said the servant, 2 Kings 5:13 Naaman’s servants, however, approached him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’?” Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; 2 Kings 4:9 Then the woman said to her husband, “Behold, now I know that the one who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 2 Kings 5:8 Now when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king: “Why have you torn your clothes? Please let the man come to me, and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 1 Kings 17:24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.” “everything he says surely comes to pass. 1 Samuel 3:19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground. Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? Deuteronomy 18:22 When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. “Let us go there now. Luke 2:15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 2 Kings 22:13 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah concerning the words in this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing all that is written about us.” “Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” Jeremiah 42:3 Pray that the LORD your God will tell us the way we should walk and the thing we should do.” Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Psalm 25:4-5 Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. / Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You. 1 Kings 14:3 Take with you ten loaves of bread, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what will become of the boy.” 1 Kings 13:1-3 Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD. / And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, “O altar, O altar, this is what the LORD says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David, and upon you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense upon you, and human bones will be burned upon you.’” / That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, “The LORD has spoken this sign: ‘Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’” 2 Kings 4:42-44 Now a man from Baal-shalishah came to the man of God with a sack of twenty loaves of barley bread from the first ripe grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha. / But his servant asked, “How am I to set twenty loaves before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha, “for this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’” / So he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD. Treasury of Scripture And he said to him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he said comes surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can show us our way that we should go. city 1 Samuel 2:27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house? Deuteronomy 33:1 And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. 1 Kings 13:1 And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. an honourable 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 1 Thessalonians 5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. all that he saith 1 Samuel 3:19,20 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground… Isaiah 44:26 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: Zechariah 1:5,6 Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever? … Jump to Previous City Held Honor Honorable Honour Journey Peradventure Show Surely Thither True. Way WhereonJump to Next City Held Honor Honorable Honour Journey Peradventure Show Surely Thither True. Way Whereon1 Samuel 9 1. Saul despairing to find his father's donkeys6. by the counsel of his servant 11. and direction of young maidens 15. according to God's revelation 18. comes to Samuel 19. Samuel entertains Saul at the feast 25. Samuel, after secret communication, brings Saul on his way “Look,” said the servant, The servant's role here is significant, as servants often provided counsel and assistance in ancient Israelite society. This reflects the cultural norm where servants were trusted members of a household, sometimes possessing wisdom and insight. The servant's initiative suggests a level of faith and awareness of spiritual matters, which is crucial in the narrative of Saul's anointing. “in this city there is a man of God who is highly respected; everything he says surely comes to pass. Let us go there now. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go.” Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who is on a journey to find his father's lost donkeys. He is later anointed as the first king of Israel. 2. Saul's Servant Accompanies Saul on his journey and suggests seeking the counsel of the man of God, demonstrating faith and wisdom. 3. The Man of God (Samuel) A prophet and judge in Israel, known for his integrity and the accuracy of his prophecies. He plays a crucial role in the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy. 4. The City The location where Samuel resides, which is not named in this verse but is known to be Ramah, Samuel's hometown. 5. The Event Saul and his servant are searching for lost donkeys, and the servant suggests consulting Samuel, the prophet, for guidance. Teaching Points The Importance of Seeking Godly CounselJust as Saul's servant recognized the value of consulting a man of God, we should seek wise and godly counsel in our decisions. Recognizing True Prophets and Leaders Samuel's reputation as a true prophet is based on the fulfillment of his words. We should discern and follow leaders whose lives and words align with God's truth. Faith in God's Guidance The servant's suggestion to seek Samuel's guidance reflects a trust in God's ability to direct our paths. We should cultivate a similar faith in God's providence. The Role of Servants in God's Plan The servant's initiative and faith play a crucial role in leading Saul to Samuel. God often uses humble and seemingly insignificant people to fulfill His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 9:6?2. How does 1 Samuel 9:6 highlight the importance of seeking God's guidance today? 3. What qualities made the prophet in 1 Samuel 9:6 trustworthy and respected? 4. How can we discern and trust spiritual leaders like in 1 Samuel 9:6? 5. How does seeking God's guidance in 1 Samuel 9:6 connect to Proverbs 3:5-6? 6. How can we apply the principle of seeking divine counsel in daily decisions? 7. What does 1 Samuel 9:6 reveal about the role of prophets in ancient Israel? 8. How does 1 Samuel 9:6 illustrate the importance of seeking divine guidance? 9. What historical evidence supports the existence of prophets like Samuel in ancient Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 9? 11. Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements? 12. How can the dramatic shift in Saul's demeanor in 1 Samuel 10:6 be explained scientifically or psychologically? 13. In 1 Samuel 6:4, why are golden tumors and rats treated as valid offerings for atonement? 14. Have you been a good and faithful servant? What Does 1 Samuel 9:6 Mean Look• The servant’s first word jolts Saul from discouragement to expectation, much like John proclaimed, “Look, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). • Scripture often begins turning points with a call to “see” what God is doing (Exodus 3:2; Psalm 46:8), nudging hearts to shift from the visible problem to the invisible Promise-Maker. said the servant • God regularly speaks through humble voices—here, an unnamed attendant—echoing moments when servants steered history (Genesis 24:12-27; 2 Kings 5:13). • His initiative reminds us “God chose the lowly things of the world … to nullify the things that are” (1 Corinthians 1:28). in this city there is a man of God • The “man of God” is Samuel, already recognized nationwide (1 Samuel 3:20). • Others used the same title for Elijah (1 Kings 17:24) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:9), showing a consistent biblical pattern: God plants trustworthy voices within reachable distance of every seeking heart. who is highly respected • True honor flows from proven faithfulness; “Elders who lead well are worthy of double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17). • Samuel’s integrity drew esteem, matching Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is more desirable than great riches.” everything he says surely comes to pass • This line recalls Deuteronomy 18:22: a genuine prophet’s words come true. • “The LORD was with him and let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19), underscoring God’s commitment to confirm His message and protect His messenger. Let us go there now • Prompt obedience matters: “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments” (Psalm 119:60). • Faith acts; it does not merely admire. Jesus urged, “Ask … seek … knock” (Matthew 7:7), and the servant follows that rhythm. Perhaps he will tell us which way to go • Humble hope, not presumption, marks their request—“Perhaps” leaves room for God’s sovereignty. • Guidance is promised to the trusting: “Trust in the LORD … He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). • James 1:5 invites the same posture: ask for wisdom and expect God to give it. summary This verse captures a pivotal, everyday moment when ordinary people decide to seek extraordinary guidance. A servant urges a weary master to look beyond lost donkeys to a living God who speaks through an honored prophet. Their swift, respectful approach models how believers today should respond: notice God’s provision, value proven spiritual leadership, trust the reliability of God’s word, act without delay, and expect divine direction while resting in His sovereign “perhaps.” (6) A man of God.--When Saul determined to give up the search for his father's asses, he was in the neigh. bourhood of the city of Samuel the seer--"Raman of the Watchers." The servant points out to him the tower of the then famous residence of the seer and judge, Samuel. "Will you not ask him," suggests the servant, "about the missing beasts?"--the young countryman, in the simplicity of his heart, thinking the occasion of the loss of his master's asses a sufficient one to warrant an intrusion upon the prophet-judge of Israel. The relation, however, between Samuel and the people must have been of a very close and friendly nature, else it would never have occurred, even to a simple countryman--as probably then Saul's servant was--to have sought the advice of one so great as Samuel in such a matter. It says, too, much for the old prophet's kindly, unselfish disposition that his name was thus loved and honoured, even in the secluded farms of the Land of Promise.An honourable man.--Better rendered, one held in honour. Verse 6. - In this city. Probably Ramathaim-zophim, i.e. Ramah, Samuel's dwelling place and property. Confessedly, however, Saul's route hither and thither in search of lost cattle is very obscure, and it is difficult to reconcile this identification with the statement in 1 Samuel 10:2, that Rachel's sepulchre lay on the route between this city and Gibeah of Saul. Nevertheless, Ramah was certainly in the land of Zuph, whence too it took its longer name (see on 1 Samuel 1:1); and it is remarkable that Jeremiah (1 Samuel 31:15) describes Rachel's weeping as being heard in Ramah. It seems extraordinary that Saul should have known nothing of Israel's chief ruler, and that his servant was acquainted with him only in his lower capacity as a person to be consulted in private difficulties. He describes him, nevertheless, as an honourable man, or, more literally, an honoured man, one held in honour.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Look,”הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-) Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! said the servant, וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “in this הַזֹּ֔את (haz·zōṯ) Article | Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, city בָּעִ֣יר (bā·‘îr) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5892: Excitement there is a man אִישׁ־ (’îš-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person of God אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative who וְהָאִ֣ישׁ (wə·hā·’îš) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person is highly respected; נִכְבָּ֔ד (niḵ·bāḏ) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome everything כֹּ֥ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every he says יְדַבֵּ֖ר (yə·ḏab·bêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue surely בּ֣וֹא (bō·w) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go comes to pass. יָב֑וֹא (yā·ḇō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go Let us go נֵ֣לֲכָה (nê·lă·ḵāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk there שָּׁ֔ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither now. עַתָּה֙ (‘at·tāh) Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time Maybe אוּלַי֙ (’ū·lay) Adverb Strong's 194: Perhaps he will tell יַגִּ֣יד (yag·gîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous us which אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that way דַּרְכֵּ֖נוּ (dar·kê·nū) Noun - common singular construct | first person common plural Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action to go.” הָלַ֥כְנוּ (hā·laḵ·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk Links 1 Samuel 9:6 NIV1 Samuel 9:6 NLT 1 Samuel 9:6 ESV 1 Samuel 9:6 NASB 1 Samuel 9:6 KJV 1 Samuel 9:6 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 9:6 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 9:6 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 9:6 French Bible 1 Samuel 9:6 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 9:6 He said to him See now there (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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