1 Samuel 9:6
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.”

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].”

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."

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.”

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.

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 Version
And 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.”

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
But 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 1917
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.'

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
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.

2 Kings 5:3
She said to her mistress, “If only my master would go to the prophet who is in Samaria, he would cure him of his leprosy.”

2 Kings 8:8
So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’”

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.”

2 Chronicles 18:4-7
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Please inquire first for the word of the LORD.” / So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, four hundred men, and asked them, “Should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and God will deliver it into the hand of the king.” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not still a prophet of the LORD here of whom we can inquire?” ...

Jeremiah 21:2
“Please inquire of the LORD on our behalf, since Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon is waging war against us. Perhaps the LORD will perform for us something like all His past wonders, so that Nebuchadnezzar will withdraw from us.”

Jeremiah 37:17
Later, King Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah and received him in his palace, where he asked him privately, “Is there a word from the LORD?” “There is,” Jeremiah replied. “You will be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.”

Ezekiel 14:1-4
Then some of the elders of Israel came and sat down before me. / And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way? ...

Amos 7:12-13
And Amaziah said to Amos, “Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah; earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. / But never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the sanctuary of the king and the temple of the kingdom.”

Matthew 2:1-2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, / asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 10:41
Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.

Matthew 21:11
The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”


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? …

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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














But the servant replied
The Hebrew word for "servant" here is "na'ar," which can mean a young man or attendant. This indicates the servant's role as a helper and advisor to Saul, showing that God can use anyone, regardless of status, to guide His purposes. The servant's initiative and faith in seeking divine guidance highlight the importance of spiritual discernment and the value of seeking wisdom from those who are spiritually mature.

Look, there is a man of God
The term "man of God" is often used in the Old Testament to describe prophets or individuals who have a close relationship with God and are His spokespersons. This phrase underscores the recognition of Samuel's prophetic authority and his role as a mediator between God and the people. It reflects the belief that God communicates His will through chosen individuals, emphasizing the importance of respecting and heeding God's messengers.

in this city
The city referred to is likely Ramah, Samuel's hometown. This geographical detail situates the narrative in a real, historical context, reminding readers of the tangible reality of biblical events. It also highlights the accessibility of divine guidance, as God places His servants within reach of those who seek Him.

and he is a man who is highly respected
The Hebrew word for "respected" is "kabed," which conveys a sense of honor and weightiness. Samuel's reputation as a respected prophet underscores the integrity and faithfulness required of those who serve God. It serves as a reminder that a life dedicated to God and His truth earns respect and credibility, which is essential for effective ministry and leadership.

everything he says surely comes to pass
This phrase emphasizes the reliability and truthfulness of Samuel's prophetic words, reflecting the biblical principle that true prophecy is always fulfilled (Deuteronomy 18:22). It reassures believers of the certainty of God's promises and the trustworthiness of His word. This reliability is foundational to faith, as it assures us that God is sovereign and His plans are unchangeable.

Let us go there now
The servant's suggestion to seek out Samuel demonstrates a proactive faith and a willingness to pursue divine guidance. It encourages believers to actively seek God's direction in their lives, trusting that He will provide wisdom and clarity through His appointed means, whether through Scripture, prayer, or godly counsel.

Perhaps he will tell us which way to go
This reflects a humble acknowledgment of human limitation and the need for divine guidance. The servant's hope that Samuel might provide direction illustrates the biblical truth that God is interested in the details of our lives and is willing to guide us when we seek Him. It encourages believers to approach God with humility and expectancy, trusting that He will lead us in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

(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


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OT History: 1 Samuel 9:6 He said to him See now there (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 9:5
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