Saul
[ sawl ]
/ sɔl /
noun
the first king of Israel. I Sam. 9.
Also called Saul of Tarsus.
the original name of the apostle Paul. Acts 9:1–30; 22:3.
a male given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “asked for.”
Example sentences from the Web for saul
British Dictionary definitions for saul
Saul
/ (sɔːl) /
noun
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
New Testament
the name borne by Paul prior to his conversion (Acts 9: 1–30)
Cultural definitions for saul
Saul
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.