Saul (Hebrew: שָׁאוּל, Modern: Sha'ul, Tiberian: Šāʼûl; Arabic: شاول, Shāʼūl; Greek: Σαῦλος, Saulos) is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "asked for," "prayed for," or "lent to." In the Bible, Saul is the name of the first king of the United Kingdom of Israel, as described in the Books of Samuel. He is also the original name of the Apostle Paul, who is significant in the New Testament and early Christianity. Saul's reign is marked by his anointing by the prophet Samuel, his initial successes in battle, and his eventual downfall due to his disobedience to God's commands. The name Saul has been used in various cultures and languages, reflecting its historical and religious significance.
Biblical figure and Israelite monarch
Saul was a monarch of ancient Israel and Judah and, according to the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament, the first king of the United Monarchy, a polity of uncertain historicity. His reign, traditionally placed in the late eleventh century BC, according to the Bible, marked the transition of the Israelites from a scattered tribal society ruled by various judges to organized statehood.