Σαῦλος (Saulos)
Saulos
Saul
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 17 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Saulos is the Greek form of the Hebrew Shaul, meaning "desired." In the New Testament, it serves exclusively as the Jewish identifier for the Apostle Paul before his conversion experience on the road to Damascus. This distinction highlights his background as a devout Pharisee and Roman citizen from Tarsus, rooted in the traditions of Israel.
Lexical sources note that this name appears seventeen times, primarily within the Acts of the Apostles. It is used for the young man who guarded the clothes during Stephen’s stoning (Acts 7:58) and for the zealous persecutor who sought to imprison Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). The transition from Saulos to Paulus marks a shift from his Jewish heritage to his mission among the Gentiles, though the text retains the name Saulos until Acts 13:9.
Understanding this name clarifies the narrative arc of early Christianity. It reminds readers that the apostle who wrote most of the New Testament letters began as a defender of traditional Jewish law. The consistent use of Saulos in the early chapters of Acts underscores the continuity between the persecuted church and its former opponent, showing how divine grace can transform even the most intense opposition into faithful service.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Saulos appears in the New Testament as a reminder that God often works through unexpected paths. Before he became the Apostle Paul, this figure was known as Saul, a zealous defender of traditional Jewish law who initially opposed the early Christian movement. His story shows that past mistakes or strong convictions do not disqualify someone from future service. Even those who seem furthest from faith can be drawn into God’s plan through grace.
This transition from Saul to Paul marks a significant shift in his mission, moving from persecution to preaching the Gospel to Gentiles. The narrative highlights how divine purpose can transform opposition into partnership. For believers today, this offers hope that no one is beyond the reach of redemption. It encourages us to trust that God can use our own backgrounds and pasts for meaningful purposes, even when we do not yet see the full picture.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 17 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Saul13×
- Saul.2×
- to Saul1×
- Saul,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σαῦλος9×
- Σαῦλον3×
- Σαῦλος.1×
- Σαῦλον,1×
- Σαύλῳ1×
- Σαύλου.¶1×
- Σαύλου1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 7:58
They threw him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
This verse introduces Saulos at a pivotal moment, standing guard over the clothes of Stephen’s executioners, which establishes his initial role as an observer and participant in early Christian persecution.
-
Acts 9:1
But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
Here, Saulos is described as breathing threats and slaughter, illustrating the intensity of his opposition before his conversion experience on the road to Damascus.
-
Acts 9:8
Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
After his encounter with the risen Christ, Saulos rises from the ground blind, symbolizing a complete break from his previous life and readiness for a new spiritual direction.
-
Acts 13:9
But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him
This is the final occurrence of Saulos in the text, where he is explicitly identified as Paul, marking the definitive shift in his identity and mission to the Gentiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Saulos mean?
Why does the name change from Saulos to Paul?
Where does Saulos appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (17 verses across 1 books)
Acts 17 verses
They threw him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named…
Acts 8:1Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day.…
Acts 8:3But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house and dragged both men and women off to prison.
Acts 9:1But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
Acts 9:8Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand and brought him into…
Acts 9:11The Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah for one…
Acts 9:19He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus.
Acts 9:22But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
Acts 9:24but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him,
Acts 9:26When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not…
Acts 11:25Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.
Acts 11:30which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 12:25Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them John who was…
Acts 13:1Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger,…
Acts 13:2As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I…
Acts 13:7who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to…
Acts 13:9But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him