1 Samuel 9:18
ESV
Then Saul approached Samuel in the gate and said, "Tell me where is the house of the seer?"
NIV
Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, "Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?"
NASB
Then Saul approached Samuel at the gateway and said, 'Please tell me where the seer’s house is.'
CSB
Saul approached Samuel in the city gate and asked, "Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?"
NLT
Just then Saul approached Samuel at the gateway and asked, 'Can you please tell me where the seer’s house is?'
KJV
Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer's house is.
NKJV
Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, and said, “Please tell me, where is the seer’s house?”
What does 1 Samuel 9:18 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on 1 Samuel chapter 9, verse-level content coming soon!First Samuel 9:15–27 explains how the Lord had prepared Samuel to meet Saul. God told Samuel to expect a visit, and that person was God's choice for Israel's first king. Samuel treats Saul to a feast of honor. Saul is confused, as his tribe and clan are much below others in the nation. Before Saul leaves, Samuel sends Saul's servant ahead so he can speak with Saul in private.
The story of Saul, first king of Israel, begins with him searching the Ephraim hill country for lost donkeys. He stops at Ramah to ask the prophet there for help. The seer, Samuel, has been told by God to expect a man to come at this time. Samuel will anoint this man as the prince of Israel. Samuel makes Saul the guest of honor at a sacrificial feast and then brings him home to sleep on his roof. As Saul is leaving town the next day, Samuel stops and says it is time to reveal the word of God to Saul.