1 Samuel 10:12 Meaning: Who Is Their Father?
One from the same place answered, “Who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
And one of the same place answered and said, And who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
And a man thence answereth and saith, `And who is their father?' therefore it hath been for a simile, `Is Saul also among the prophets?'
And a man of that place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
Meaning in one sentence
The question 'Who is their father?' reveals that God is the source of prophetic inspiration, explaining the proverb 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'
Context
This verse takes us into a moment that left an entire town stunned. Saul, a young man from a farming family, had just been anointed as Israel's first king. Samuel the prophet had given him signs to confirm his calling, and one of those signs was meeting a band of prophets. When Saul met them, the Spirit of God came on him in a powerful way, and he began to prophesy alongside them. The people of Gibeah, his hometown, watched in disbelief. They knew Saul as the son of Kish, a man of ordinary means. How could he suddenly be among prophets? One man in the crowd asked a question that cut through the confusion: “Who is their father?” That question became a lasting proverb, still repeated long after that day.
Key Words
The word behind “father” in this verse is the Hebrew av. It can mean an actual parent, but also a source, originator, or chief. The man asking the question likely meant: the true Father of these prophets is God. They did not inherit their gift from human teachers; God Himself gave it. That is why Saul could suddenly be among them, the same God who inspired the prophets could inspire him too.
The word for “prophet” is navi, meaning a spokesman, one who speaks for God. A prophet did not need a prophetic pedigree. Amos, centuries later, would say he was not a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but God called him (Amos 7:14). The same point is alive here.
And the “proverb” is mashal, a byword or a saying that sticks. This one became a fixture in Israel’s vocabulary. Whenever something surprising happened, people would say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” It reminded them that God does His best work in unexpected ways, through unexpected people.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have seen two main shades of meaning in the man’s question. Some, like Baptist commentator John Gill, read it as a theological statement: the prophets’ Father is God, so of course He can make Saul one of them. Methodist Adam Clarke points to the Septuagint’s reading, “Who is his father?”, referring to Saul’s father Kish. In that view, the question highlights Saul’s humble background: if a farmer’s son can be among prophets, then God truly chooses whom He wills.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that the man’s words rebuke the crowd’s surprise. The prophetic gift comes from God, not from a family line. Both readings affirm the same truth: God’s calling does not depend on human status or training. The proverb that followed became a lasting reminder of that freedom.
A common misunderstanding
Some readers assume the proverb “Is Saul also among the prophets?” was a snide remark, meant to mock Saul or dismiss the prophets. In fact, the man’s question “Who is their father?” defends Saul’s place. He is saying: the prophets have no human father to claim; their gift is from God. If God chooses to include Saul, who are we to question it? The proverb began as a way of acknowledging God’s sovereign freedom to surprise His people.
Living This Out
This week, you will probably see someone being used by God in a way that feels unexpected. Maybe it is a new believer who speaks with surprising wisdom, or a quiet person who suddenly steps into a role you thought was out of reach. When that happens, remember the question from Gibeah: “Who is their father?” The answer is God. He gives His Spirit freely, not based on résumés or family names.
And if you feel too ordinary for God to use you, too uneducated, too new, too unnoticed, let this verse settle that. The same God who put His Spirit on Saul can put His hand on you. The only qualification He needs is a heart He has changed.
Main takeaway: God gives His Spirit to anyone He chooses, so expect Him to work through people you least expect.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God can use anyone, even someone like Saul. You don’t have to be special for God to use you. He gives His Spirit to people He chooses.
For ages 9, 12
When Saul started prophesying, people were amazed because he wasn't a trained prophet. But one man asked, “Who is their father?” He meant that God is the Father of the prophets, not any human teacher. This became a saying when something surprising happens: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” It teaches us that God’s power is not limited by our background.
Questions People Ask
What does “who is their father” mean in 1 Samuel 10:12?
The man asks this to remind the crowd that the prophets’ gift comes from God, not from a human teacher. The word “father” here can mean source or originator. So he is saying: God is the Father of these prophets, so He can also include Saul among them.
Why did people say “Is Saul also among the prophets”?
They said it because they were shocked to see Saul, a man from an ordinary family with no prophetic training, suddenly prophesying. It became a proverb in Israel, used whenever something unexpected happened. The saying carried both surprise and the recognition that God’s Spirit can work through anyone.
What is the origin of the proverb “Is Saul also among the prophets”?
It started right after the event described in 1 Samuel 10. Saul met a band of prophets, the Spirit of God came powerfully on him, and he prophesied. A man from Gibeah asked “Who is their father?” to point out that God is the source of prophecy. That explanation gave rise to the saying, which later became a common proverb.
How did Saul become a prophet if he wasn't trained?
Saul did not become a prophet in the sense of having a lifelong ministry. The Spirit of God came on him momentarily, enabling him to prophesy as a sign confirming his calling as king. The man’s question “Who is their father?” shows that prophetic ability is a gift from God, not something earned by training or lineage.
What does 1 Samuel 10:12 teach about the Holy Spirit?
It shows that the Holy Spirit (here described as the Spirit of God) can come on anyone, regardless of their background or status. The man’s question reminds us that God alone gives spiritual gifts. This truth is echoed throughout Scripture, as in James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.”
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study