1 Samuel 9:27
New International Version
As they were going down to the edge of the town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us"—and the servant did so—"but you stay here for a while, so that I may give you a message from God.”

New Living Translation
When they reached the edge of town, Samuel told Saul to send his servant on ahead. After the servant was gone, Samuel said, “Stay here, for I have received a special message for you from God.”

English Standard Version
As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to pass on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.”

Berean Standard Bible
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God.” So the servant went on.

King James Bible
And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God.

New King James Version
As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” And he went on. “But you stand here awhile, that I may announce to you the word of God.”

New American Standard Bible
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Speak to the servant and have him go on ahead of us and pass by; but you stand here now, so that I may proclaim the word of God to you.”

NASB 1995
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Say to the servant that he might go ahead of us and pass on, but you remain standing now, that I may proclaim the word of God to you.”

NASB 1977
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Say to the servant that he might go ahead of us and pass on, but you remain standing now, that I may proclaim the word of God to you.”

Legacy Standard Bible
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Say to the young man that he might pass before us and pass onwards, but you remain standing now, that I may cause you to hear the word of God.”

Amplified Bible
As they were going down to the outskirts of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us so that he may pass by but you stand still now so that I may proclaim the word of God to you.”

Christian Standard Bible
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I’ll reveal the word of God to you.” So the servant went on.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the attendant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I’ll reveal the word of God to you.” So the attendant went on.

American Standard Version
As they were going down at the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us (and he passed on), but stand thou still first, that I may cause thee to hear the word of God.

Contemporary English Version
and had almost reached the edge of town when Samuel stopped and said, "Tell your servant go on. Stay here with me for a few minutes, and I'll tell you what God has told me." After the servant had gone,

English Revised Version
As they were going down at the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still at this time, that I may cause thee to hear the word of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As they were going toward the city limits, Samuel told Saul, "Have the servant go ahead of you." (He went ahead.) "But you stay here, and I will tell you God's word."

Good News Translation
When they arrived at the edge of town, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us." The servant left, and Samuel continued, "Stay here a minute, and I will tell you what God has said."

International Standard Version
As they were going down to the edge of the town, Samuel told Saul, "Tell your young man to go ahead of us and when he has gone ahead, stop for a while so I may declare God's word to you."

Majority Standard Bible
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, ?Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God.? So the servant went on.

NET Bible
While they were going down to the edge of town, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us." So he did. Samuel then said, "You remain here awhile, so I can inform you of God's message."

New Heart English Bible
As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, "Tell the servant to go on ahead of us. But you remain here awhile, so that I may make known to you the word of God."

Webster's Bible Translation
And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand thou still a while, that I may show thee the word of God.

World English Bible
As they were going down at the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” He went ahead, then Samuel said, “But stand still first, that I may cause you to hear God’s message.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
They are going down in the extremity of the city, and Samuel has said to Saul, “Say to the young man that he should pass on before us (and he passes on), and you, stand at this time, and I cause you to hear the word of God.”

Young's Literal Translation
They are going down in the extremity of the city, and Samuel hath said unto Saul, 'Say to the young man that he pass on before us (and he passeth on), and thou, stand at this time, and I cause thee to hear the word of God.'

Smith's Literal Translation
They coming down to the extremity of the city, and Samuel said to Saul, Say to the boy, Pass over before us: and he will pass over: and thou stand according to the day, and I will cause thee to hear the word of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And as they were going down in the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul: Speak to the servant to go before us, and pass on: but stand thou still a while, that I may tell thee the word of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And as they were descending to the very limit of the city, Samuel said to Saul: “Tell the servant to go ahead of us, and to continue on. But as for you, stay here a little while, so that I may reveal the word of the Lord to you.”

New American Bible
As they were approaching the edge of the town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay here for a moment, that I may give you a word from God.”

New Revised Standard Version
As they were going down to the outskirts of the town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the boy to go on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Tell the servant to pass on before us, but you stop where you are, that I may tell you the word of God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
They went down to the end of the city, and Shemueil said to Shaul: “Tell the boy to pass by before us, and you stay as long as today and I shall inquire the word of God for you”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
As they were going down at the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul: 'Bid the servant pass on before us--and he passed on--but stand thou still at this time, that I may cause thee to hear the word of God.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
As they went down to a part of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Speak to the young man, and let him pass on before us; and do thou stand as to-day, and hearken to the word of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Chosen as King
26They got up early in the morning, and just before dawn Samuel called to Saul on the roof, “Get ready, and I will send you on your way!” So Saul arose, and both he and Samuel went outside together. 27As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay for a while, and I will reveal to you the word of God.” So the servant went on.

Cross References
1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, “Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?

1 Samuel 15:16
“Stop!” exclaimed Samuel. “Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.” “Tell me,” Saul replied.

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1 Kings 19:16
You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.

2 Kings 9:3
Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!”

2 Kings 9:6
So Jehu got up and went into the house, where the young prophet poured the oil on his head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel.

2 Kings 9:12
“That is a lie!” they said. “Tell us now!” So Jehu answered, “He talked to me about this and that, saying, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’”

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,

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Jeremiah 1:9
Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

Matthew 10:27
What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.

Matthew 16:20
Then He admonished the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.

Mark 8:30
And Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about Him.

Luke 9:21
Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone.


Treasury of Scripture

And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on), but stand you still a while, that I may show you the word of God.

Bid the servant

1 Samuel 20:38,39
And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master…

John 15:14,15
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you…

a while [heb] to-day

1 Samuel 15:16
Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.

2 Kings 9:5,6
And when he came, behold, the captains of the host were sitting; and he said, I have an errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto which of all us? And he said, To thee, O captain…

Jump to Previous
Ahead Awhile Bid Cause City Edge End Extremity Hear Message Orders Outskirts Passed Proclaim Samuel Saul Servant Show Stand Standing Stop Time Way Word
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Ahead Awhile Bid Cause City Edge End Extremity Hear Message Orders Outskirts Passed Proclaim Samuel Saul Servant Show Stand Standing Stop Time Way Word
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














As they were going down to the edge of the city
This phrase sets the scene for a pivotal moment in Saul's life. The "edge of the city" signifies a transitional space, both physically and spiritually. In ancient Israel, cities were often fortified, and the edge represented a boundary between the known and the unknown. Saul is about to cross a threshold into his divine calling. The Hebrew root for "going down" (יָרַד, yarad) often implies a descent that precedes an ascent, symbolizing humility before exaltation.

Samuel said to Saul
Samuel, the last judge and a prophet, plays a crucial role as God's mouthpiece. His authority is divinely appointed, and his words carry the weight of God's will. The relationship between Samuel and Saul is foundational for understanding Israel's transition from a theocracy to a monarchy. Samuel's guidance is pivotal, as he represents the voice of God directing the future king.

Tell the servant to go on ahead of us
This instruction is significant in its simplicity. By asking the servant to go ahead, Samuel creates a private space for a sacred conversation. In biblical times, servants were often privy to their master's affairs, but this moment required solitude. The act of sending the servant ahead underscores the importance of the message Saul is about to receive, highlighting the personal nature of God's call.

and he did so
The servant's obedience reflects the cultural norms of loyalty and respect. It also emphasizes the readiness and willingness required to receive God's word. This brief statement of compliance sets the stage for the divine revelation that follows, illustrating the importance of obedience in the unfolding of God's plan.

But you stand here awhile
Samuel's command for Saul to "stand here awhile" is an invitation to pause and prepare for a divine encounter. The Hebrew word for "stand" (עָמַד, amad) implies a firm, attentive posture, suggesting readiness to receive instruction. This moment of stillness is crucial for spiritual receptivity, reminding believers of the importance of waiting on God.

that I may proclaim to you the word of God
The phrase "proclaim to you the word of God" is the climax of this verse. Samuel is about to reveal God's will for Saul, marking the beginning of his journey as Israel's first king. The Hebrew root for "proclaim" (נָגַד, nagad) means to make known or declare, emphasizing the authority and clarity of God's message. This proclamation is not just informative but transformative, as it sets Saul on a path that will shape the destiny of Israel. The "word of God" is living and active, a testament to God's ongoing involvement in the lives of His people.

(27) That I may shew thee the word of God.--The wonderment of Saul at the strange honour and distinction shown to him, a comparatively unknown Benjamite, by the famous prophet-judge, was, no doubt, increased by this proposal of Samuel to accompany him a little way on his journey homeward. The meaning of all that had happened to him on the day before was, however, now to be revealed: the gracious welcome as a distinguished guest evidently looked for, the courteous hospitality in the judge's house; and, more than all, the long private instructions Samuel had given him in the evening on the state of Israel. The prophet now directs that the servant should be sent on alone, that he might in all solemn confidence impart to Saul "the word of God," that is, all that the God of Israel had revealed to him, the seer, concerning Saul's appointment.

It would have been interesting to have learned something of Saul's state of mind when this startling revelation of the choice of God was first made to him.

The writer here is silent, but in the next chapter (1Samuel 9:6) we read that the Spirit of the Lord was specially promised to this chosen one. When new duties are imposed by God, He never forgets to bestow the gift of new powers.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As they
הֵ֗מָּה (hêm·māh)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

were going down
יֽוֹרְדִים֙ (yō·wr·ḏîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3381: To come or go down, descend

to the edge
בִּקְצֵ֣ה (biq·ṣêh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7097: End, extremity

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

Samuel
וּשְׁמוּאֵ֞ל (ū·šə·mū·’êl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050: Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel

said
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Saul,
שָׁא֗וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

“Tell
אֱמֹ֥ר (’ĕ·mōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the servant
לַנַּ֛עַר (lan·na·‘ar)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

to go on
וְיַעֲבֹ֥ר (wə·ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

ahead of us,
לְפָנֵ֖ינוּ (lə·p̄ā·nê·nū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 6440: The face

but you
וְאַתָּה֙ (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

stay
עֲמֹ֣ד (‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

for a while,
כַּיּ֔וֹם (kay·yō·wm)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

and I will reveal to you
וְאַשְׁמִיעֲךָ֖ (wə·’aš·mî·‘ă·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

the word
דְּבַ֥ר (də·ḇar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of God.”
אֱלֹהִֽים׃ (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

So the servant went on.
וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֑ר (way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on


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OT History: 1 Samuel 9:27 As they were going down at (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 9:26
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