1 Samuel 10:6

KJV

And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the Spirit {H7307} of the LORD {H3068} will come {H6743} upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy {H5012} with them, and shalt be turned {H2015} into another {H312} man {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the Spirit of ADONAI will fall on you; you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man!

Berean Standard Bible

Then the Spirit of the LORD will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be transformed into a different person.

American Standard Version

and the Spirit of Jehovah will come mightily upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 10:6 records a pivotal moment in the life of Saul, Israel's first king-elect, as Samuel delivers a prophetic sign confirming God's choice and preparing him for his momentous new role. This verse foretells a profound divine encounter where the Spirit of the LORD would come upon Saul, enabling him to prophesy alongside a company of prophets and, most remarkably, transforming him into "another man," signifying a divinely wrought change in his capacity and disposition for leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a series of three signs given by Samuel to Saul immediately following his private anointing as king in [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Samuel Anoints Saul"). The preceding verses detail the first two signs: finding the lost donkeys and encountering men at the oak of Tabor who would offer him bread ([1 Samuel 10:2-5](/1_samuel/10-2 "1 Samuel 10:2-5 - Samuel's Signs to Saul")). The encounter with the company of prophets and the subsequent spiritual transformation described in [1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Saul") serves as the third and most significant sign, publicly validating Samuel's prophetic word and God's anointing. This sequence of events is crucial for understanding Saul's initial divine enablement and his preparation for leading Israel, a nation transitioning from a tribal confederacy under judges to a centralized monarchy. The fulfillment of these signs, particularly the prophetic manifestation, would serve as undeniable proof to Saul that God was indeed with him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the "Spirit of the LORD" (Hebrew: *Ruach Yahweh*) was understood as the active, empowering presence of God, often coming upon individuals for specific tasks, particularly leadership, craftsmanship, or prophetic utterance. This was not a permanent indwelling as understood in the New Covenant, but a temporary enablement for divine service. Prophets in this era often functioned in groups or "companies," and their prophetic activity could involve ecstatic praise, inspired speech, or fervent declarations of God's truth, sometimes accompanied by music. The transition to monarchy was a significant shift for Israel, requiring a divinely appointed and equipped leader. The anointing with oil, as performed by Samuel, was a symbolic act conferring divine authority, and the accompanying signs, like the Spirit's coming, provided tangible evidence of this divine sanction to both the leader and the people.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Saul") is **Divine Empowerment**, highlighting that God actively equips those He calls. Saul's transformation and prophetic ability are not inherent but are direct results of the Spirit of the LORD "coming upon" him, signifying a special impartation of divine power necessary for the immense tasks of leadership and prophecy. This empowerment underscores God's initiative in establishing leadership. Another key theme is **Prophetic Manifestation**, as Saul is told he "shalt prophesy with them." This refers to a visible, often communal, spiritual activity where individuals speak under divine inspiration. This public display would serve as a powerful sign to Saul and others that he was indeed chosen and empowered by God. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **Transformative Change**, encapsulated in the promise that Saul "shalt be turned into another man." This indicates a profound, God-wrought alteration, not merely in status but in capacity, character, and disposition, making him suitable for the weighty responsibilities of kingship. This transformation is essential for understanding God's preparation of His chosen instruments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach'_):** This multifaceted Hebrew term refers to breath, wind, or spirit. In a theological context, *ruach* signifies the active, dynamic, and powerful presence of God, often manifesting as divine energy or power. When the *Ruach Yahweh* "comes upon" an individual, it denotes a special, temporary endowment of supernatural ability or insight for a specific purpose, such as leadership, prophecy, or extraordinary strength, as seen with figures like Samson ([Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Samson")) or Othniel ([Judges 3:10](/judges/3-10 "Judges 3:10 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Othniel")).
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _naba'_):** This verb means "to speak by divine inspiration," "to utter," or "to behave as a prophet." In the Old Testament, "prophesying" often involved speaking under the direct influence of the Spirit, which could include ecstatic praise, inspired utterances, fervent declarations, or even foretelling the future, though the latter was not its sole or primary meaning. It often occurred in a communal setting, as seen with the "company of prophets" mentioned here.
* **Turned (Hebrew, _haphakh'_):** The verb *haphakh* means "to turn," "to overturn," "to change," or "to transform." In this context, it signifies a profound, God-wrought alteration of Saul's being. It implies a fundamental shift in his disposition, capabilities, and perhaps even his inner character, making him suitable and equipped for the immense responsibilities of kingship, which he initially seemed to lack.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee":** This clause signifies a divine visitation and empowerment. It indicates that God's active, enabling presence would specifically descend upon Saul. This was a direct, supernatural act of God, providing Saul with the necessary spiritual and mental capacities for the tasks ahead. It was a sign of divine favor and validation of his anointing, demonstrating that his kingship was not merely a human appointment but a divine ordination.
* **"and thou shalt prophesy with them":** This describes the immediate, visible manifestation of the Spirit's coming. Saul would join a company of prophets and participate in their ecstatic, inspired utterances. This public act of prophesying would serve as undeniable evidence to Saul and any witnesses that he had indeed been touched and empowered by God. It marked him as someone divinely chosen and set apart, capable of receiving and expressing divine communication, a crucial attribute for a king in Israel.
* **"and shalt be turned into another man":** This is the most profound promise in the verse. It speaks of a radical, God-initiated transformation of Saul's person. This change was not merely external or superficial but implied a fundamental alteration of his inner being—his character, courage, wisdom, and overall disposition—to make him suitable for the weighty responsibilities of leading a nation. It suggests that God would equip him with the qualities necessary for kingship, qualities he may not have possessed naturally, thus making him a "new man" for a new purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Foreshadowing**, signaling Saul's imminent public manifestation as God's chosen leader and hinting at the profound internal changes necessary for his role. The phrase "the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee" uses **Symbolism**, where the Spirit represents divine power, presence, and enablement, directly connecting Saul's future actions to God's active involvement. The most striking device is **Transformation**, explicitly stated in "shalt be turned into another man." This motif emphasizes the radical, God-wrought change in Saul's identity and capacity, setting the stage for his initial period of effective leadership. These devices collectively underscore the divine origin of Saul's kingship and the supernatural nature of his preparation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First Samuel 10:6 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign initiative in choosing and equipping leaders for His purposes. It highlights the Old Testament understanding of the Spirit's work as a temporary endowment for specific tasks, contrasting with the New Covenant's promise of permanent indwelling. The verse underscores the principle that divine calling is always accompanied by divine equipping; God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called. Saul's transformation into "another man" speaks to the necessity of a divinely wrought change for effective service, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, pointing to the ultimate spiritual transformation available through Christ. This account also emphasizes the public and verifiable nature of God's signs, designed to build faith and confirm His word.

* [1 Samuel 10:10](/1_samuel/10-10 "1 Samuel 10:10 - Fulfillment of Saul's Prophecy")
* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - The Spirit of the Lord Comes Upon David")
* [Numbers 11:25](/numbers/11-25 "Numbers 11:25 - The Spirit on the Seventy Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Samuel 10:6 offers profound insights into God's method of preparing and empowering those He calls to serve. It reminds us that our natural abilities are often insufficient for God's purposes, and He graciously provides the necessary spiritual resources and transformative grace. Just as Saul was supernaturally equipped for kingship, believers today are empowered by the Holy Spirit for service in the Kingdom of God. This verse encourages us to rely not on our own strength or qualifications, but on the divine enablement that God supplies. It also speaks to the ongoing process of spiritual transformation, where God continually shapes our character and capabilities to align with His will, making us more effective instruments in His hands. We are called to be open to God's transformative work, allowing Him to mold us into the people He intends us to be, for His glory and the good of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's experience of divine empowerment challenge my understanding of what it means to be equipped for God's service today?**
* **In what specific areas of my life or ministry might God be seeking to "turn me into another man" for His purposes?**
* **What steps can I take to more fully rely on and yield to the Holy Spirit's transforming power in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**Was Saul truly a prophet in the same sense as Samuel or Elijah?**

Answer: While Saul did "prophesy" as described in [1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Saul") and later in [1 Samuel 19:23-24](/1_samuel/19-23 "1 Samuel 19:23-24 - Saul Prophesies at Naioth"), his prophetic activity was primarily a temporary manifestation of divine empowerment, serving as a sign of God's anointing for kingship. It was often ecstatic and communal, not necessarily indicative of a lifelong office or the consistent reception and delivery of God's word like the major prophets. His later actions, particularly his disobedience, demonstrate that this prophetic gift did not equate to a permanent state of moral or spiritual righteousness, nor did it establish him as a prophet in the traditional sense of one who consistently speaks for God to the nation.

**What does "turned into another man" mean for Saul? Was it a permanent change?**

Answer: "Turned into another man" signifies a profound, God-wrought transformation in Saul's capacity, disposition, and suitability for kingship. It implies a shift from his previous, perhaps timid or ordinary, self to one endowed with the courage, wisdom, and spiritual authority necessary to lead Israel. This change was real and immediate, enabling him for his new role. However, it was not necessarily a permanent spiritual regeneration in the New Covenant sense, nor did it guarantee his lifelong faithfulness. While his capabilities were transformed, his heart remained susceptible to pride and disobedience, as evidenced by his later rejection by God ([1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Saul's Rejection by God")). The transformation was for a specific purpose and period, contingent on his obedience.

**How does the Spirit "coming upon" someone in the Old Testament differ from the Holy Spirit's work in the New Testament?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, the Spirit "coming upon" individuals like Saul ([1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Saul")), Samson ([Judges 14:6](/judges/14-6 "Judges 14:6 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Samson")), or the judges was primarily a temporary, task-specific empowerment for divine service, leadership, or prophetic utterance. The Spirit would come and go, enabling specific acts. In the New Testament, following Christ's ascension and Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")), the Holy Spirit is poured out on all believers, indwelling them permanently ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"), [Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ Indwells Believers")). This indwelling brings about regeneration, sanctification, and empowers believers for a life of holiness and witness, a more profound and enduring work than the temporary empowerments of the Old Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The experience of Saul in [1 Samuel 10:6](/1_samuel/10-6 "1 Samuel 10:6 - The Spirit of the LORD Comes Upon Saul") serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate divine empowerment and transformation found in Jesus Christ and extended to believers through Him. While Saul received a temporary anointing and a specific enablement for his earthly kingship, Jesus is the one upon whom the Spirit descended permanently and without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Jesus Receives the Spirit Without Measure")). He is the true Prophet, Priest, and King, perfectly empowered by the Spirit for His ministry of teaching, healing, and ultimately, His atoning sacrifice. The "new man" that Saul became was a provisional change for a specific task, but in Christ, believers are truly made "new creations" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), experiencing a radical, permanent spiritual transformation that impacts their very nature and empowers them for a life of righteousness and service. The promise of the Spirit's coming upon Saul points forward to the New Covenant reality where God's Spirit is poured out upon all flesh ([Joel 2:28](/joel/2-28 "Joel 2:28 - God's Spirit Poured Out")), enabling all who believe to live a transformed life in Christ and to participate in His ongoing mission, fulfilling what Saul's temporary enablement could only hint at.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 10:10

And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.

1 Samuel 19:23

And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.

1 Samuel 19:24

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. Wherefore they say, [Is] Saul also among the prophets?

Numbers 11:25

And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that [was] upon him, and gave [it] unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, [that], when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.

Judges 14:6

And the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and [he had] nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.

1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Judges 3:10

And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war: and the LORD delivered Chushanrishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand; and his hand prevailed against Chushanrishathaim.