### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Saoúl**, represented by `{{G4549}}`, is the Jewish name of the apostle Paul and is of Hebrew origin. It appears **9 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The name primarily refers to the man who would become the apostle Paul, but it is also used to identify Israel's first king.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4549}}` is most prominent in the accounts of Saul's conversion. On the road to Damascus, he **fell** `{{G4098}}` to the earth and **heard** `{{G191}}` a divine **voice** `{{G5456}}` calling him by name twice: "**Saul**, **Saul**, why persecutest thou me?" ([[Acts 9:4]]; [[Acts 22:7]]; [[Acts 26:14]]). This event marks the turning point of his life. Later, the disciple Ananias addresses him as "**Brother** Saul" `{{G80}}`, signifying his acceptance into the Christian faith before he was told to **receive thy sight** `{{G308}}` ([[Acts 9:17]]; [[Acts 22:13]]). Separately, the name is used in a historical context to refer to King **Saul**, the son of Cis, from the tribe of Benjamin [[Acts 13:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are key to understanding the context in which **Saoúl** appears:
* `{{G1377}}` **diṓkō** (to pursue; by implication, to persecute): This word defines Saul's identity before his conversion, as the divine voice asks why he **persecutes** `{{G1377}}` Him [[Acts 9:4]]. This action of persecution is central to his initial opposition to the church.
* `{{G191}}` **akoúō** (to hear): Saul's transformation begins when he **heard** `{{G191}}` a voice from heaven [[Acts 9:4]]. The act of hearing is a prerequisite for his obedience and new mission.
* `{{G308}}` **anablépō** (to look up; by implication, to recover sight): This word signifies both physical and spiritual healing. Ananias is sent so that Saul might **receive thy sight** `{{G308}}`, linking the restoration of his vision to his infilling with the Holy Ghost [[Acts 9:17]].
* `{{G80}}` **adelphós** (a brother): Ananias addresses the former persecutor as "**Brother** Saul" ([[Acts 9:17]]; [[Acts 22:13]]), a term that confirms his new identity and inclusion within the community of believers.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G4549}}` carries significant theological weight, marking a moment of profound divine intervention and transformation.
* **The Divine Call:** The direct, repeated call of "**Saul**, **Saul**" illustrates a personal and irresistible summons from God, halting a persecutor in his tracks and commissioning him for a new purpose [[Acts 9:4]].
* **Conversion and New Identity:** The name is tied to the dramatic shift from a man who **persecutes** `{{G1377}}` believers to one who is called "**Brother**" `{{G80}}` by them. This highlights the power of grace to completely redefine a person's relationship with God and His people.
* **Hearing and Seeing:** The narrative connects the act of **hearing** `{{G191}}` God's voice with the miracle of **recovering sight** `{{G308}}`, suggesting that true spiritual understanding comes after one first heeds the call of God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4549}}` **Saoúl** is a name that anchors one of the most important conversion stories in Scripture. While it also refers to Israel's first king from the tribe of Benjamin [[Acts 13:21]], its primary use marks the identity of a fierce persecutor who is personally stopped and called by Jesus Christ. The events surrounding the name **Saul** demonstrate themes of divine calling, radical transformation, and reconciliation.
TRV