OlivePress
Pressing the Word of God for Deeper Understanding.

Kish קִישׁ

Male Tribe of Benjamin H7027G 4 books

Father of Saul, the first king of Israel

Biography

Kish, a Benjamite from the family of Matri, was the father of Saul, the first king of Israel. He is introduced in 1Sa.9.1 as a wealthy and influential man. Kish's donkeys went missing, and he sent his son Saul and a servant to search for them (1Sa.9.3). This journey led to Saul's meeting with the prophet Samuel, who anointed him as king over Israel (1Sa.10.1).

Kish is mentioned several times in the context of Saul's kingship. He was present when Saul was chosen by lot as king at Mizpah (1Sa.10.21). Later, when Saul faced a Philistine threat, some people questioned his ability to lead, referring to him as "the son of Kish" (1Sa.10.11).

Kish's family background is further elaborated in the genealogies of the tribe of Benjamin (1Ch.8.30, 33; 9.36, 39). These passages confirm Kish as the father of Saul and provide details about his ancestors and descendants.

After Saul's death, David honored the remains of Saul and his son Jonathan by burying them in the tomb of Kish at Zela (2Sa.21.14). This act demonstrates David's respect for Saul's family and his desire to bring closure to the tragic events surrounding Saul's reign.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, in his speech at Antioch, mentions Kish as the father of Saul when recounting the history of Israel (Act.13.21).

Throughout the biblical narrative, Kish is primarily known as the father of Saul, the first king of Israel. His life and influence are closely tied to the rise and reign of his son, and his legacy is remembered in the context of Israel's early monarchy.

Family

Parents

Siblings

Offspring

In Scripture

4 biblical books ; 1 with study content
1 Samuel 5 verses
  • 1 Samuel 9:1

    "Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, the son of a Benjamite, a mighty man of valor."

  • 1 Samuel 9:3

    "The donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. Kish said to Saul his son, “Now take one of the servants with you, and arise, go look for the donkeys.”"

  • 1 Samuel 10:11

    "When all who knew him before saw that, behold, he prophesied with the prophets, then the people said to one another, “What is this that has come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”"

  • 1 Samuel 10:21

    "He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the family of the Matrites was chosen. Then Saul the son of Kish was chosen; but when they looked for him, he could not be found."

  • 1 Samuel 14:51

    "Kish was the father of Saul; and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel."

2 Samuel 1 verse
  • 2 Samuel 21:14

    "They buried the bones of Saul and Jonathan his son in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father: and they performed all that the king commanded. After that, God answered prayer for the land."

1 Chronicles 5 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 8:30

    "with his firstborn son Abdon, Zur, Kish, Baal, Nadab,"

  • 1 Chronicles 8:33

    "Ner became the father of Kish. Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal."

  • 1 Chronicles 9:36

    "his firstborn son Abdon, Zur, Kish, Baal, Ner, Nadab,"

  • 1 Chronicles 9:39

    "Ner became the father of Kish. Kish became the father of Saul. Saul became the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Eshbaal."

  • 1 Chronicles 12:1

    "Now these are those who came to David to Ziklag, while he was a fugitive from Saul the son of Kish. They were among the mighty men, his helpers in war."

Acts 1 verse Study available
  • Acts 13:21

    "Afterward they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years."

    Study Acts →
Open full Acts study →

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Strong's
Named Hebrew קִישׁ H7027G
Greek Greek Κίς G2797