Σαούλ (Saoul)
Saoul
Saul
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Saoul, derived from the Hebrew for "desired," appears in the New Testament primarily to identify two distinct figures from Israel’s history. In Acts 13:21, it refers to Saul, the first king of Israel, marking his place in the lineage of leaders before the monarchy was established.
More frequently, the term serves as the Jewish name for the Apostle Paul. The sources note that this indeclinable form is used almost exclusively when characters address him directly, such as in Acts 9:4 and 22:13. This usage highlights his identity as a devout Jew before the full recognition of his role as the apostle to the Gentiles.
The distinction between these two Sauls underscores the thematic continuity in Luke’s narrative. The name connects the old kingdom’s history with the new movement of the church, showing how the same designation applies to both a rejected king and a chosen messenger.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Saoul carries a quiet weight of history and identity. In the New Testament, it appears as the Jewish name of the Apostle Paul, used primarily when others address him directly or when recalling his past. This specific form reminds us that before he was known to the Gentile world as Paul, he was Saul—a devout Jew from the tribe of Benjamin. The repetition of the name in moments of crisis highlights how God calls us by our deepest identities, even those rooted in a former way of life.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in the continuity of God’s story. It shows that the same God who worked through Israel’s early kings also chose a zealous persecutor to become a central messenger of grace. Your own background and past do not disqualify you; they are part of the narrative God is writing. When you feel disconnected from your history, remember that God can redeem even the most resistant moments into purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Saul6×
- Saul,3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σαοὺλ6×
- Σαούλ,3×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:4
He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
The direct address 'Saul, Saul' marks the pivotal moment of conversion where the persecutor encounters the risen Christ.
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Acts 9:17
Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Ananias uses this name to affirm Saul’s Jewish identity while introducing him to his new mission in the Spirit.
-
Acts 26:14
When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’
The voice speaks in Hebrew, emphasizing the personal and historical context of the call to the zealous Pharisee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Saoul mean in the New Testament?
Why is the name Saoul used instead of Paul?
How is Saoul different from other names for Saul?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Acts 6 verses
He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Acts 9:17Ananias departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to…
Acts 13:21Afterward they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty…
Acts 22:7I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
Acts 22:13came to me, and standing by me said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ In that very hour I looked up at him.
Acts 26:14When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you…