saul

noun

1. the first king of Israel. I Sam. 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: from a Hebrew word meaning “asked for.”

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)

masc. proper name, Biblical first king of Israel, from Latin Saul, from Hebrew Shaul, literally “asked for,” passive participle of sha’al “he asked for.” 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.