Σαούλ

Saul

Definition

Σαούλ (Saul) refers to two distinct but connected biblical figures in the New Testament. Primarily, it denotes Saul of Tarsus, the zealous Pharisee who persecuted the early church before his dramatic conversion to become the Apostle Paul, the great missionary to the Gentiles (Acts 9:4, 22:7). The name also refers to Saul, the first king of Israel, who is mentioned in Stephen's speech and Paul's sermon as a historical figure and a lesson in kingship (Acts 13:21). The use of the Hebrew name 'Saul' for the apostle, especially in accounts of his conversion, highlights his Jewish identity and dramatic transformation.

Biblical Usage

The name Σαούλ is used exclusively in the book of Acts, appearing in narratives of Paul's conversion and in historical summaries. In Acts 9, 22, and 26, it is used by the risen Jesus when addressing Paul directly ('Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' Acts 9:4), powerfully personalizing the call. In Acts 13:21, it references King Saul in a historical context. The pattern shows 'Saul' used for his pre-conversion identity and during the conversion event itself, after which 'Paul' becomes his primary name in the narrative.

Etymology

Σαούλ is a direct Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name שָׁאוּל (Sha'ul, H7586), meaning 'asked for' or 'lent.' It was a common Hebrew name, famously borne by the first Israelite king from the tribe of Benjamin. The New Testament preserves this Hebrew form when referring to the apostle's Jewish background, while using the Roman name Παῦλος (Paulos, G3972) for his ministry in the Greco-Roman world.

Semantic Range

The dual reference of Σαούλ connects the Old and New Covenants. King Saul represents the failure of human monarchy and a warning against disobedience (Acts 13:21-22). Saul the Pharisee represents the pinnacle of Jewish zeal under the Law, which was transformed by grace into apostolic mission. The use of his Hebrew name at his conversion underscores that God's call is specific, personal, and often comes to us in our core identity, redirecting it for His purposes. Understanding that 'Saul' and 'Paul' are the same person illuminates the theme of radical transformation by Christ.

In a first-century context, bearing both a Hebrew name (Saul) and a Roman name (Paul) was common in the Diaspora, reflecting a dual cultural identity. For Luke's original audience, using 'Saul' in the conversion accounts immediately identified the apostle with his Jewish heritage and his infamous role as a persecutor, making his transformation all the more startling and demonstrative of the gospel's power.

Παῦλος (Paulos, G3972) — The Greco-Roman name used for the apostle after his conversion, emphasizing his mission to the Gentiles.

Word Details

Scripture References