ΣΑΥΛΟΣ (saylos) — Lexarithmos 901 · Etymology, Meanings

Definition

The name Saul (Hebrew: שָׁאוּל, Sha'ul) is a masculine proper noun found in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Saul is the first king of Israel, chosen by God but later rejected due to disobedience. His story sets the stage for the complexity of divine election and human responsibility.

In the New Testament, the name Saul is inextricably linked with Saul of Tarsus, a zealous Pharisee and persecutor of early Christians. His first appearance in the Acts of the Apostles finds him approving the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr. His actions are characterized by intense zeal for the Law, which he believed Jesus' followers were violating.

The dramatic conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the resurrected Christ, constitutes a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity. After this experience, Saul, now also called Paul, was transformed from persecutor to fervent Apostle to the Gentiles, dedicating his life to spreading the Gospel. The change of name from Saul to Paul (Acts 13:9) symbolizes this radical shift in identity and mission.

Etymology

Saul (from Hebrew שָׁאוּל, 'asked for, prayed for')

The name Saul is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Sha'ul (שָׁאוּל), meaning 'asked for' or 'prayed for.' In the Old Testament, it is the name of the first king of Israel, who was 'asked for' by the people. In the New Testament, Saul of Tarsus bears this name before his conversion, perhaps signifying his being 'asked for' by God for a specific purpose, even before he himself realized it.

As Saul is a proper noun of Hebrew origin, it does not possess 'cognate' words in the classical linguistic sense within the Greek language. However, its theological and historical significance has linked the name to a set of concepts and figures that form the 'thematic family' of Saul, such as Paul, Damascus, and conversion. These words, though etymologically independent, are integrally connected to the narrative and legacy of Saul/Paul.

Main Meanings

Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of Christians — The initial identity of the person in the New Testament, prior to his conversion. A zealous Pharisee who actively persecuted the nascent Christian community.
The original name of Paul the Apostle — The name borne by the Apostle Paul before his calling and the commencement of his apostolic ministry. Often used to emphasize his former life.
Symbol of radical conversion — The story of Saul has become an archetype for a sudden and complete change of direction and faith, from enemy to believer and zealous advocate.
Reference to King Saul of the Old Testament — The name also refers to the first king of Israel, who, though chosen by God, failed to fully obey His commands.
Theological concept of election and calling — The Hebrew meaning 'asked for' underscores the idea of divine election and calling, even for those initially opposed to God's will.
Contrast with the name Paul — Often used in juxtaposition with Paul to highlight the transition from the old life to the new, from Law to Grace.

Word Family

Saul (as a thematic root of narrative identity)

For a proper noun like Saul, the concept of a 'root' is not linguistic in the strict sense, but thematic and narrative. The 'Saul root' represents the initial identity of the person, the persecutor, and serves as a reference point for his subsequent transformation. The family of words associated with this 'root' includes terms and names central to the story of Saul/Paul, outlining his journey from fanaticism to apostolic ministry and the founding of the Church.

Παῦλος ὁ · noun · lex. 781

The Roman name adopted by Saul after his conversion, symbolizing his new identity as the Apostle to the Gentiles. It means 'small' or 'humble,' in contrast to Saul's 'asked for,' suggesting the humility of his new role. First mentioned in Acts 13:9.

Δαμασκός ἡ · noun · lex. 556

The city where Saul was going to persecute Christians and where he experienced his dramatic conversion. Damascus is the key geographical point of his change, as described in Acts 9:1-19.

ἀπόστολος ὁ · noun · lex. 1021

The title acquired by Saul/Paul after his calling, meaning 'one who is sent' with a specific mission. Paul identifies himself as 'ἀπόστολος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ' in his epistles, emphasizing his authority and mission.

Πράξεις αἱ · noun · lex. 456

The New Testament book, known as the 'Acts of the Apostles,' which narrates the history of the early Church and details the life and work of Saul/Paul, from persecution to his missionary journeys.

μεταστροφή ἡ · noun · lex. 1524

The radical change of direction and faith experienced by Saul on the road to Damascus. The term denotes a complete turning from his former life and beliefs towards Christ, constituting a central theme of Paul's theology.

Χριστός ὁ · noun · lex. 1480

The central figure of Paul's faith. The encounter with the resurrected Christ was the cause of Saul's conversion and the focus of his preaching. Paul considers Christ to be the Messiah and Savior of the world.

ἐκκλησία ἡ · noun · lex. 294

The community of believers, whom Saul initially persecuted, but later became their most fervent founder and pastor. Paul wrote many letters to various churches, shaping Christian theology and practice.

εὐαγγέλιον τό · noun · lex. 577

The 'good news' of Jesus Christ, which Saul/Paul was called to proclaim to the Gentiles. The preaching of the Gospel was Paul's primary mission, as seen in his epistles, where he develops the theology of salvation through faith.

Philosophical Journey

Saul's journey is one of the most dramatic and decisive in the history of Christianity, marking the transition from persecution to the global dissemination of the Gospel.

C. 5-10 AD

Birth in Tarsus

Saul is born in Tarsus of Cilicia, a Roman citizen of Jewish descent from the tribe of Benjamin, and a Pharisee, a student of Gamaliel.

C. 30-34 AD

Persecutor of Christians

As a young Pharisee, Saul becomes a fervent persecutor of the emerging Christian community in Jerusalem, approving the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58, 8:1).

C. 34 AD

Conversion on the Road to Damascus

En route to Damascus to arrest Christians, Saul encounters the resurrected Jesus, an experience that blinds him and radically transforms him (Acts 9:1-19).

C. 46-48 AD

First Missionary Journey

Saul, now known as Paul, embarks on his first missionary journey with Barnabas, preaching the Gospel in various regions of Asia Minor.

C. 49 AD

Council of Jerusalem

Paul plays a central role in the Council of Jerusalem, where it is decided that Gentile converts to Christianity do not need to observe the Mosaic Law.

C. 64-67 AD

Martyrdom in Rome

After years of missionary work, imprisonments, and persecutions, the Apostle Paul is martyred in Rome, likely by beheading, during Nero's persecutions.

In Ancient Texts

Three key passages from the Acts of the Apostles that delineate Saul's journey:

«Ὁ δὲ Σαῦλος ἔτι ἐμπνέων ἀπειλῆς καὶ φόνου εἰς τοὺς μαθητὰς τοῦ Κυρίου, προσέλθων τῷ ἀρχιερεῖ ᾐτήσατο παρ’ αὐτοῦ ἐπιστολὰς εἰς Δαμασκὸν πρὸς τὰς συναγωγάς, ὅπως ἐάν τινας εὕρῃ τῆς ὁδοῦ ὄντας, ἄνδρας τε καὶ γυναῖκας, δεδεμένους ἀγάγῃ εἰς Ἱερουσαλήμ.»

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Acts of the Apostles 9:1-2

«ἐν δὲ τῷ πορεύεσθαι ἐγένετο αὐτὸν ἐγγίζειν τῇ Δαμασκῷ, ἐξαίφνης τε αὐτὸν περιήστραψεν φῶς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, καὶ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἤκουσεν φωνὴν λέγουσαν αὐτῷ· Σαοὺλ Σαοὺλ, τί με διώκεις; εἶπεν δέ· τίς εἶ, Κύριε; ὁ δὲ Κύριος εἶπεν· ἐγώ εἰμι Ἰησοῦς ὃν σὺ διώκεις· σκληρόν σοι πρὸς κέντρα λακτίζειν.»

Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

Acts of the Apostles 9:3-5

«Σαῦλος δέ, ὁ καὶ Παῦλος, πλησθεὶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου ἀτενίσας εἰς αὐτὸν εἶπεν·»

But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said:

Acts of the Apostles 13:9

Lexarithmic Analysis

The lexarithmos of the word ΣΑΥΛΟΣ is 901, from the sum of its letter values:

Σ = 200

Sigma

Α = 1

Alpha

Υ = 400

Upsilon

Λ = 30

Lambda

Ο = 70

Omicron

Σ = 200

Sigma

= 901

Total

200 + 1 + 400 + 30 + 70 + 200 = 901

901 decomposes into 900 (hundreds) + 1 (units).

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΣΑΥΛΟΣ:

Method	Result	Meaning
Isopsephy	901	Base lexarithmos
Decade Numerology	1	901 → 9+0+1 = 10 → 1+0 = 1. The Monad, a symbol of beginning, unity, and pioneering. It reflects Saul as the initial persecutor and later as the pioneering Apostle to the Gentiles.
Letter Count	6	The name ΣΑΥΛΟΣ consists of 6 letters. The Hexad, a number of creation and harmony, but also of human labor and responsibility, symbolizes Paul's multifaceted activity and his world-changing impact.
Cumulative	1/0/900	Units 1 · Tens 0 · Hundreds 900
Odd/Even	Odd	Masculine force
Left/Right Hand	Right	Divine (≥100)
Quotient	—	Comparative method
Notarikon	S-A-U-L-O-S	Savior Angel for the People of the World's Salvation (an interpretive approach to the name, highlighting his later role).
Grammatical Groups	3V · 0S · 3C	The name Σαῦλος contains 3 vowels (Α, Υ, Ο), 0 semivowels, and 3 consonants (Σ, Λ, Σ). The balance of vowels and consonants suggests a strong, decisive personality.
Palindromes	No
Onomancy	—	Comparative
Sphere of Democritus	—	Divination with lunar day
Zodiacal Isopsephy	Jupiter ♃ / Taurus ♉	901 mod 7 = 5 · 901 mod 12 = 1

Isopsephic Words (901)

Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (901) but different roots, highlighting the numerical harmony of the Greek language:

βώνημα

The noun «βώνημα» means 'a cry, a shout.' Its connection to Saul can be symbolic, as his conversion began with a heavenly voice, and he himself later became a powerful voice for the Gospel.

γνώμη

«γνώμη» means 'thought, judgment, opinion.' Saul was a man of strong opinions and decisions, both in his initial actions as a persecutor and in his subsequent apostolic ministry.

ἑκάστοτε

The adverb «ἑκάστοτε» means 'each time, always.' It can refer to Paul's continuous and consistent path after his conversion, as he always preached Christ.

ἑρπηστής

The «ἑρπηστής» is one who creeps, a reptile. A possible symbolic connection could be Paul's humble beginning after his blindness and dependence on others, before rising to become a great Apostle.

εὐγραμματία

«εὐγραμματία» means 'the ability to write well, good penmanship.' Paul was an excellent writer, whose epistles form a foundation of Christian theology, demonstrating a spiritual 'eugrammatia.'

γαστροειδής

The adjective «γαστροειδής» means 'belly-shaped, protuberant.' Its connection to Saul is more remote, perhaps as a reminder of his earthly, carnal existence before his spiritual rebirth.

The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 100 words with lexarithmos 901. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.

Sources & Bibliography

Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, 9th ed. with revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
Metzger, B. M., Ehrman, B. D. — The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration, 4th ed. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Fitzmyer, J. A. — The Acts of the Apostles: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible, Vol. 31. Doubleday, 1998.
Wright, N. T. — Paul: A Biography. HarperOne, 2018.
Barrett, C. K. — A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles. International Critical Commentary. T&T Clark, 1994.