Meaning of Saul in the Bible
Language: HebrewTransliteration: Sha'ulGender: MaleTestament: Old Testament
Meaning
“Asked for”
Saul, son of Kish, becomes Israel's first king. He begins with signs of promise and military success, but 1 Samuel increasingly portrays disobedience, fear, jealousy of David, and fractured judgment.
Scripture References for Saul
5 key passages featuring this name
1 Samuel 9:2
“And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.”
1 Samuel 10:1
“Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?”
1 Samuel 13:13
“And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.”
1 Samuel 15:22
“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
1 Samuel 31:4
“Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.”
The Name Saul in God's Word
Names in Scripture carry deep significance. Saul — meaning “Asked for” — reflects a truth about identity, purpose, and God's design. Meditate on these passages to understand what this name reveals about God's character and His people.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated: