New International VersionHe stripped off his garments, and he too prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay naked all that day and all that night. This is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
New Living TranslationHe tore off his clothes and lay naked on the ground all day and all night, prophesying in the presence of Samuel. The people who were watching exclaimed, “What? Is even Saul a prophet?”
English Standard VersionAnd he too stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Berean Standard BibleThen Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
King James BibleAnd he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?
New King James VersionAnd he also stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “ Is Saul also among the prophets?”
New American Standard BibleHe also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
NASB 1995He also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
NASB 1977And he also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Legacy Standard BibleHe also stripped off his clothes, and he too prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Amplified BibleHe also took off his [royal] robes [and armor] and prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and night. So they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Christian Standard BibleSaul then removed his clothes and also prophesied before Samuel; he collapsed and lay naked all that day and all that night. That is why they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleSaul then removed his clothes and also prophesied before Samuel; he collapsed and lay naked all that day and all that night. That is why they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
American Standard VersionAnd he also stripped off his clothes, and he also prophesied before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?
Contemporary English Versionhe stripped off his clothes and prophesied in front of Samuel. He dropped to the ground and lay there naked all that day and night. That's how the saying started, "Is Saul now a prophet?"
English Revised VersionAnd he also stripped off his clothes, and he also prophesied before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe even took off his clothes as he prophesied in front of Samuel and lay there naked all day and all night. This is where the saying, "Is Saul one of the prophets?" came from.
Good News TranslationHe took off his clothes and danced and shouted in Samuel's presence, and lay naked all that day and all that night. (This is how the saying originated, "Has even Saul become a prophet?")
International Standard VersionHe also removed his clothes and was caught up in prophetic ecstasy right in front of Samuel! He fell down naked and remained there all that day and all night. That is why people say, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
NET BibleHe even stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel. He lay there naked all that day and night. (For that reason it is asked, "Is Saul also among the prophets?")
New Heart English BibleAnd he stripped off his clothes and prophesied before them, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Thus it is said, "Is Saul also among the prophets?"
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
World English BibleHe also stripped off his clothes. He also prophesied before Samuel and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he strips off—he also—his garments, and prophesies—he also—before Samuel, and falls down naked all that day and all the night; therefore they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
Young's Literal Translation and he strippeth off -- he also -- his garments, and prophesieth -- he also -- before Samuel, and falleth down naked all that day and all the night; therefore they say, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will also strip off his garments and prophesy, he also, before Samuel; and he will fall naked all that day and all the night. For this they will say, Is Saul also among the prophets. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he stripped himself also of his garments, and prophesied with the rest before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and night. This gave occasion to a proverb: What! is Saul too among the prophets?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd he also took off his garments, and he prophesied with the others before Samuel. And he fell down naked, throughout that day and night. From this, too, is derived the proverb, “Could Saul also be among the prophets?”
New American BibleThen he, too, stripped himself of his garments and remained in a prophetic state in the presence of Samuel; all that day and night he lay naked. That is why they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
New Revised Standard VersionHe too stripped off his clothes, and he too fell into a frenzy before Samuel. He lay naked all that day and all that night. Therefore it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Behold, is Saul also among the prophets?
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd he even stripped himself of his clothes and he prophesied before Shemueil, and he fell naked all day and all evening. Because of this, they said: “Behold, Shaul is also among the Prophets!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he also stripped off his clothes, and he also prophesied before Samuel, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say: 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd he took off his clothes, and prophesied before them; and lay down naked all that day and all that night: therefore they said, Is Saul also among the prophets?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Michal Saves David… 23So Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24Then Saulstripped offhis robesand alsoprophesiedbeforeSamuel.And he collapsedand lay nakedallthatdayandnight.That is whyit is said,“Is Saulalsoamong the prophets?”
Cross References Numbers 11:25Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and He took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and placed that Spirit on the seventy elders. As the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they never did so again.
1 Samuel 10:10-12When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a group of prophets met him. Then the Spirit of God rushed upon him, and he prophesied along with them. / When all those who had formerly known Saul saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked one another, “What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” / Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
1 Kings 22:20-23And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab to march up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one suggested this, and another that. / Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD. / And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ ...
2 Kings 3:15-20But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha / and he said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Dig this valley full of ditches.’ / For the LORD says, ‘You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you will drink—you and your cattle and your animals.’ ...
Joel 2:28-29And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. / Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
Acts 2:17-18‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. / Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Acts 10:44-46While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message. / All the circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. / For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God. Then Peter said,
Acts 19:6And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
John 11:49-52But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! / You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” / Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, ...
Matthew 7:22-23Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’
1 Corinthians 14:24-25But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, / and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!”
1 Corinthians 14:32The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.
1 Corinthians 14:37If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command.
2 Peter 1:21For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Genesis 20:6-7Then God said to Abimelech in the dream, “Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against Me. That is why I did not let you touch her. / Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.”
Treasury of Scripture And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Why they say, Is Saul also among the prophets? stripped 2 Samuel 6:14,20 And David danced before the LORD with allhis might; and Davidwas girded with a linen ephod… Isaiah 20:2 At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. Micah 1:8 Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls. lay [heb] fell Numbers 24:4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, fallinginto a trance, but having his eyes open: Is Saul 1 Samuel 10:1-12 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and pouredit upon his head, and kissed him, and said,Is it not because the LORD hath anointed theeto be captain over his inheritance? … Acts 9:21 But all that heardhim were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? Jump to Previous ClothesLayMannerNakedNightProphesiedProphetsSamuelSaulStrippedWhereforeJump to Next ClothesLayMannerNakedNightProphesiedProphetsSamuelSaulStrippedWherefore1 Samuel 19 1.Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh4.He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah9.Hannah in grief prays for a child12.Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her19.Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned24.She presents him, according to her vow, to the LordThen Saul stripped off his robesIn ancient Israel, robes were a symbol of authority and status. Saul removing his robes signifies a loss of royal dignity and control. This act can be seen as a symbolic stripping away of his kingly authority, which aligns with God's earlier rejection of Saul as king ( 1 Samuel 15:26-28). The removal of robes also indicates vulnerability and humility, whether voluntary or involuntary. and also prophesied before Samuel.
Prophesying in this context refers to being overtaken by the Spirit of God, leading to ecstatic utterances or actions. Saul's prophesying is significant because it occurs in the presence of Samuel, the prophet who anointed him as king. This event mirrors an earlier episode in1 Samuel 10:10-12, where Saul also prophesied, marking the beginning of his kingship. The presence of Samuel underscores the divine influence and the prophetic authority that Saul is temporarily under. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night.
The term "naked" here may not imply complete nudity but rather being stripped of his outer garments, leaving him in a state of undress. This act of lying prostrate and exposed for an extended period signifies a profound spiritual experience or judgment. It reflects Saul's helplessness and the overpowering nature of God's Spirit, which can be seen as a form of divine intervention or correction. This incident highlights Saul's vulnerability and the temporary suspension of his kingly duties. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
This phrase became a proverbial expression in Israel, indicating surprise at someone acting out of character or being unexpectedly overtaken by the Spirit of God. It first appeared in1 Samuel 10:11-12 when Saul was initially anointed as king. The repetition of this phrase here emphasizes the irony of Saul's spiritual state, contrasting his initial divine appointment with his current rejection by God. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the unpredictable nature of His Spirit's work. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, who is experiencing a spiritual crisis and is overtaken by the Spirit of God, leading to unexpected behavior. 2. SamuelThe prophet and last judge of Israel, who anointed Saul as king and serves as a spiritual leader and mentor. 3. RamahThe place where Samuel resides and where Saul goes to seek David, but instead encounters the Spirit of God. 4. ProphesyingAn act often associated with speaking under divine inspiration, which Saul unexpectedly engages in, leading to the proverbial question about his prophetic status. 5. DavidAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the central figure Saul is pursuing, and his presence in Ramah is the reason for Saul's visit. Teaching Points The Sovereignty of GodGod's Spirit can move in unexpected ways, even using those who are not fully aligned with His will to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us of God's ultimate control over all situations. Unexpected InstrumentsJust as Saul was used by God despite his flawed character, we should remain open to how God might use us or others in surprising ways for His glory. Humility in LeadershipSaul's experience serves as a reminder that no position or title exempts one from the need for humility and submission to God's Spirit. The Power of God's PresenceThe overwhelming presence of God can lead to profound changes in behavior and perspective, encouraging us to seek His presence earnestly. Community and AccountabilitySaul's actions were witnessed by others, leading to a communal reflection on his spiritual state. This underscores the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 19
Why does David's mercy toward Saul in 1 Samuel 24 contradict other violent actions David takes elsewhere in Scripture?
How does Isaiah’s prolonged nakedness (Isaiah 20:2–3) align with other biblical commands on decency, and why would God command a prophet to violate modesty for an extended period?
How does 1 Chronicles 27's census reconcile with other conflicting census figures in the Bible (e.g., 2 Samuel 24)?
Is Saul counted among the prophets?(24) And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner.--This was certainly not the first time that Saul had experienced a similar influence of the Spirit of God. We are told ( 1Samuel 10:10) that directly after his anointing by Samuel, he met a company of prophets, who were prophesying at Gibeah, and that "the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them." On thatoccasion he had been changed into another man. What was the meaning of the outpouring upon the faithless king now? The Chaldee, according to Raschi's explanation, says he was mad.Is it not, however, better to explain the incident by understanding that once more the pitiful Spirit pleaded with the man whom the Lord had chosen to be His anointed? But, alas! when the moment of strange excitement was over, the blessed pleading was forgotten. Is not this a matter of every-day experience? And lay down naked.--Not necessarily without any clothes, for under the tunic there was worn by men of the upper ranks certainly a fine-woven shirt of linen or cotton. Lyranus explains the words "stripped off his clothes" as simply denoting that he threw off his upper garment, "his royal robe." Is Saul also among the prophets?--The same thing having taken place before (see1Samuel 10:12), this saying gained currency among the people. There seemed something strange to men in one so self-willed and disobedient as was Saul receiving, as it seemed to the by-standers, the Divine and much coveted gift. "Many," says St. Augustine, "are the gifts of God which are possessed by evil men. Evil men have often great talents, great skill, great wealth. . . . The gift of prophesy is a great gift, but it was possessed by Saul. Saul, an evil king, prophesied at the very time he was persecuting holy David. Let not, therefore, men boast if they have God's gifts; those gifts will profit them nothing without charity (1Corinthians 13:1-2). But let them think of the fearful account they must one day give to God, if they use not holy things holily."--St. Augustine,in Psalms 103, quoted by Wordsworth.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Saulה֜וּא(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arestripped offוַיִּפְשַׁ֨ט(way·yip̄·šaṭ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6584:To strip off, make a dash, raidhis robesבְּגָדָ֗יו(bə·ḡā·ḏāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 899:A covering, clothing, treachery, pillageand alsoגַּם־(gam-)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andprophesiedוַיִּתְנַבֵּ֤א(way·yiṯ·nab·bê)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5012:To prophesy, speak, by inspirationbeforeלִפְנֵ֣י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceSamuel.שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל(šə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050:Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of IsraelAnd he collapsedוַיִּפֹּ֣ל(way·yip·pōl)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307:To fall, lieand lay nakedעָרֹ֔ם(‘ā·rōm)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6174:Nude, either partially, totallyallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythatהַה֖וּא(ha·hū)Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, aredayהַיּ֥וֹם(hay·yō·wm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayandוְכָל־(wə·ḵāl)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everynight.הַלָּ֑יְלָה(hal·lā·yə·lāh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915:A twist, night, adversityThat is whyעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstit is said,יֹֽאמְר֔וּ(yō·mə·rū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Is Saulשָׁא֖וּל(šā·’ūl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586:Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelitesalsoהֲגַ֥ם(hă·ḡam)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andamong the prophets?”בַּנְּבִיאִֽם׃(ban·nə·ḇî·’im)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5030:A spokesman, speaker, prophet
Links 1 Samuel 19:24 NIV1 Samuel 19:24 NLT1 Samuel 19:24 ESV1 Samuel 19:24 NASB1 Samuel 19:24 KJV
1 Samuel 19:24 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 19:24 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 19:24 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 19:24 French Bible1 Samuel 19:24 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 19:24 He also stripped off his clothes (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
