Saul

[sawl]

noun

1. the first king of Israel. 1 Samuel 9.

2. Also called Saul of Tarsus. the original name of the apostle Paul. Acts 9:1–30; 22:3.

3. a male given name.

Saul

/ sɔːl /

noun

1. Old Testament the first king of Israel (?1020–1000 _bc ). He led Israel successfully against the Philistines, but was in continual conflict with the high priest Samuel. He became afflicted with madness and died by his own hand; succeeded by David

2. New Testament the name borne by Paul prior to his conversion (Acts 9: 1–30)

Saul

1. The first king of Israel, who battled repeatedly with the Philistines. He often felt great despair, which was soothed by David playing his harp. Saul later became jealous of David and tried to have him killed in battle. After a prophesied defeat by the Philistines, Saul killed himself.

Saul was also the Apostle Paul's original name.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Saul¹

From Late Latin Saul, from Greek Saoúl, from Hebrew Shāʾūl “asked for (from God)”