1 Samuel 9:13 As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him."

◄ 1 Samuel 9:13 ►

New International Version
As soon as you enter the town, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not begin eating until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward, those who are invited will eat. Go up now; you should find him about this time.”

New Living Translation
Hurry and catch him before he goes up there to eat. The guests won’t begin eating until he arrives to bless the food.”

English Standard Version
As soon as you enter the city you will find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat till he comes, since he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now go up, for you will meet him immediately.”

Berean Standard Bible
As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”

King James Bible
As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.

New King James Version
As soon as you come into the city, you will surely find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go up, for about this time you will find him.”

New American Standard Bible
As soon as you enter the city you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat, for the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now then, go up, for you will find him about this time.”

NASB 1995
“As soon as you enter the city you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat, for the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go up for you will find him at once.”

NASB 1977
“As soon as you enter the city you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat, for the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go up for you will find him at once.”

Legacy Standard Bible
As soon as you enter the city you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat, for the people will not eat until he comes because he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those who are invited will eat. So now, go up for you will find him at once.”

Amplified Bible
As you enter the city you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat, for the people will not eat until he comes, because he must ask the blessing on the sacrifice; afterward, those who are invited will eat. So go up now, for about now you will find him.”

Christian Standard Bible
As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes to the high place to eat. The people won’t eat until he comes because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests can eat. Go up immediately—you can find him now.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If you go quickly, you can catch up with him before he goes to the high place to eat. The people won’t eat until he comes because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests can eat. Go up immediately—you can find him now.”

American Standard Version
As soon as ye are come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he goeth up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that are bidden. Now therefore get you up; for at this time ye shall find him.

Contemporary English Version
and you should find him right inside the town gate. He's on his way out to the place of worship to eat with the invited guests. They can't start eating until he blesses the sacrifice. If you go now, you should find him."

English Revised Version
as soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for at this time ye shall find him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As you go into the city, you can find him before he goes to the worship site to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, since he blesses the sacrifice. Then those who are invited may eat. Go. You should be able to find him now."

International Standard Version
When you come into town you can find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. For the people don't eat until he arrives, because he must bless the sacrifice and then after that those who are invited will eat. So go up right now because you can find him now."

Majority Standard Bible
As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.”

NET Bible
When you enter the town, you can find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people won't eat until he arrives, for he must bless the sacrifice. Once that happens, those who have been invited will eat. Now go on up, for this is the time when you can find him!"

New Heart English Bible
As soon as you have come into the city, you shall immediately find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice, and afterwards those who are invited may eat. Now therefore go up for you shall find him right now."

Webster's Bible Translation
As soon as ye shall enter the city, ye will straightway find him, before he goeth up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he cometh, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that are invited. Now therefore go up: for about this time ye will find him.

World English Bible
As soon as you have come into the city, you will immediately find him before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he comes, because he blesses the sacrifice. Afterwards those who are invited eat. Now therefore go up; for at this time you will find him.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
At your going into the city so you find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people do not eat until his coming, for he blesses the sacrifice; afterward, they who are called eat, and now, go up, for you should find him at this time.”

Young's Literal Translation
At your going in to the city so ye do find him, before he doth go up in to the high place to eat; for the people do not eat till his coming, for he doth bless the sacrifice; afterwards they eat, who are called, and now, go up, for at this time ye find him.'

Smith's Literal Translation
As you come to the city thus ye shall find him, before he will go up to Bamah to eat: for the people will not eat till his coming, for he will bless the sacrifice; after this they being called will eat. And now go up, for this day ye shall find him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
As soon as you come into the city, you shall immediately find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat till he come: because he blesseth the victim, and afterwards they eat that are invited. Now therefore go up, for to day you shall find him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Upon entering the city, you should find him immediately, before he ascends to the high place for the meal. And the people will not eat until he has arrived. For he blesses the victim, and thereafter those who were called will eat. Now therefore, go up. For you will find him today.”

New American Bible
When you enter the city, you may reach him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he arrives; only after he blesses the sacrifice will the invited guests eat. Go up immediately, for you should find him right now.”

New Revised Standard Version
As soon as you enter the town, you will find him, before he goes up to the shrine to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes, since he must bless the sacrifice; afterward those eat who are invited. Now go up, for you will meet him immediately.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
As soon as you enter the city, you shall straightway find him, before he goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he comes, because he blesses the sacrifices; and afterwards those who are invited, eat. Now therefore go up; for today you shall find him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And whenever you have entered the city, thus you will find him before he has gone up to the high place to eat, because the people do not eat until he comes, because he blesses the sacrifice, and after that, those who are called eat. And now, come up, because today you will find him”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
As soon as ye are come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that are bidden. Now therefore get you up; for at this time ye shall find him.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
As soon as ye shall enter into the city, so shall ye find him in the city, before he goes up to Bama to eat; for the people will not eat until he comes in, for he blesses the sacrifice, and afterwards the guests eat; now then go up, for ye shall find him because of the holiday.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Saul Chosen as King
…12“Yes, he is ahead of you,” they answered. “Hurry now, for today he has come to the city because the people have a sacrifice on the high place. 13As soon as you enter the city, you will find him before he goes up to the high place to eat. The people will not eat until he comes, because he must bless the sacrifice; after that, the guests will eat. Go up at once; you will find him.” 14So Saul and his servant went up toward the city, and as they were entering it, there was Samuel coming toward them on his way up to the high place.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 24:33
Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”

Genesis 43:25
Since the brothers had been told that they were going to eat a meal there, they prepared their gift for Joseph’s arrival at noon.

Exodus 18:12
Then Moses’ father-in-law Jethro brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.

Leviticus 19:24
In the fourth year all its fruit must be consecrated as a praise offering to the LORD.

Numbers 22:41
The next morning, Balak took Balaam and brought him up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see the outskirts of the camp of the people.

Deuteronomy 12:7
There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you.

Judges 16:25
And while their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars.

1 Kings 1:25
For today he has gone down and sacrificed an abundance of oxen, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the sons of the king, the commanders of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him, saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’

1 Kings 3:15
Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants.

1 Kings 8:63
And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD.

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.

2 Chronicles 7:5
And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

Psalm 22:26
The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him. May your hearts live forever!

Psalm 116:17
I will offer to You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.

Isaiah 25:6
On this mountain the LORD of Hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all the peoples, a feast of aged wine, of choice meat, of finely aged wine.

Treasury of Scripture

As soon as you be come into the city, you shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he does bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time you shall find him.

he doth bless

Matthew 26:26
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

Mark 6:41
And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

Luke 24:30
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.

this time [heb] to-day

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1 Samuel 9

1. Saul despairing to find his father's donkeys
6. 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

Berean Study Bible

As soon as you enter the city
This phrase indicates immediacy and divine timing. In the Hebrew context, the city was a central place of gathering and governance. The urgency here suggests God's orchestration in the meeting between Saul and Samuel, emphasizing that God's plans are precise and timely.

you will find him
The assurance of finding Samuel highlights God's providence and guidance. In Hebrew, the concept of "finding" often implies divine revelation or encounter. This reflects the idea that God directs our paths and ensures that we meet the right people at the right time for His purposes.

before he goes up to the high place to eat
The "high place" was a site of worship and sacrifice, often on elevated ground. Historically, these were locations where people would offer sacrifices to God. The act of going up signifies an approach to God, a theme prevalent in the Old Testament, where physical ascent often parallels spiritual elevation.

The people will not eat until he comes
This phrase underscores the role of Samuel as a spiritual leader. In ancient Israel, the prophet or priest was integral to religious ceremonies, and their presence was necessary for the blessing. This reflects the respect and authority given to God's appointed leaders.

because he must bless the sacrifice
The blessing of the sacrifice was a crucial part of the ritual, signifying God's acceptance and favor. The Hebrew root for "bless" (ברך, barak) conveys the idea of invoking divine favor. This highlights the importance of seeking God's blessing in all endeavors, acknowledging His sovereignty.

afterward, those who are invited will eat
This indicates a communal meal, a common practice in ancient Israelite culture following a sacrifice. It symbolizes fellowship and unity among the people, reflecting the communal aspect of worship and the shared blessings of God's provision.

Now go up
The directive to "go up" is both literal and symbolic. It calls for action and obedience, a theme prevalent in Scripture where God's instructions require faith and movement. The ascent also symbolizes drawing closer to God, both physically and spiritually.

for about this time you will find him
The precision of "about this time" again emphasizes divine timing. It reassures that God's plans are not random but meticulously orchestrated. This encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing in their own lives.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(13) He doth bless the sacrifice.--It has been well remarked that we have here, in this note of the people's conduct at the sacrificial banquet of "Raman of the Watchers," a very early instance of the devout practice among the Hebrews of asking a blessing on meals.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 13. - As soon as... straightway. This is too forcible a rendering of the Hebrew particles, and makes the talk of these water-carriers even more garrulous than it is in the original. The latter word should be omitted, as they simply say that on entering the city Saul and his servant would easily find Samuel; for he would not go up to the feast till all was ready, nor would the people begin till he had arrived, because it was his office to bless the sacrificial banquet. The pious custom of asking a blessing on meals, our Lord's "giving of thanks," is inherited by us from the Jews.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

As soon as you enter
כְּבֹאֲכֶ֣ם (kə·ḇō·’ă·ḵem)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | second person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the city
הָעִ֣יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

you can find
תִּמְצְא֣וּן (tim·ṣə·’ūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

him
אֹת֡וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

before
בְּטֶרֶם֩ (bə·ṭe·rem)
Preposition-b | Adverb
Strong's 2962: Non-occurrence, not yet, before

he goes up
יַעֲלֶ֨ה (ya·‘ă·leh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

to the high place
הַבָּמָ֜תָה (hab·bā·mā·ṯāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1116: An elevation

to eat.
לֶאֱכֹ֗ל (le·’ĕ·ḵōl)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 398: To eat

The people
הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

will not
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

eat
יֹאכַ֤ל (yō·ḵal)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat

until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

he comes,
בֹּא֔וֹ (bō·’ōw)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

because
כִּ֠י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he
הוּא֙ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

must bless
יְבָרֵ֣ךְ (yə·ḇā·rêḵ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

the sacrifice;
הַזֶּ֔בַח (haz·ze·ḇaḥ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2077: A slaughter, the flesh of an animal, a sacrifice

after
אַחֲרֵי־ (’a·ḥă·rê-)
Preposition
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

that,
כֵּ֣ן (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

the guests
הַקְּרֻאִ֑ים (haq·qə·ru·’îm)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

will eat.
יֹאכְל֣וּ (yō·ḵə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 398: To eat

Go up
עֲל֔וּ (‘ă·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

at once;
כְהַיּ֖וֹם (ḵə·hay·yō·wm)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

you will find
תִּמְצְא֥וּן (tim·ṣə·’ūn)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

him.”
אֹתֽוֹ׃ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

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OT History: 1 Samuel 9:13 As soon as you are come into (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)