Saul's conversation; The Perfect ensample and example of the Imprecations of Psalms
Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
King James Version (KJV)
The Holy Ghost - the Spirit of Christ speaking through the mouth of Paul declares in Romans 12:19
exactly what he as Saul experienced in
Acts 9 KJB on the road to Damascus.
And that being
God's Vengeance
or
Divine Justice
Acts 9:4
“And he fel to the earth, and heard a voice saying vnto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”
1611 King James Version (KJV)
persecute (v.)
mid-15c., persecuten, "to oppress for the holding of an opinion or adherence to a particular creed or mode of worship," from Old French persécuter "pursue, torment, open legal action" (14c.) "to follow, pursue, hunt down; proceed against,
Greek Strongs G1377 To pursue in a hostile manner given to (suffer).
5 And he said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
This phrase is a metaphor derived from farming. "Pricks" refer to goads, sharp sticks used to urge stubborn oxen in the right direction. To "kick against the pricks" means to resist authority or guidance, causing more harm to oneself. Jesus is essentially telling Saul that his resistance to God's will is futile and only causing him distress.
a pattern or model for imitation.
Something that is representative of all such things in a group.
The first mention of the word "example" in the KJV is found in John 13:15: "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
Acts Chapter 9 KJB Verse 1
Essential study links
Acts 9:25 KJV, it says, "Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket."
Joshua 2:15 KJV: "Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall."
19Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.
"let" verb, and it has various meanings which fit the context of 8 1:,9KJB.
Allowing God to act.
Cause or Make: "Let the cake cool" means allowing or causing something to happen.
27Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness.
Specifically, "ensample" often carries a connotation of a personal, imitable model—particularly highlighting behavioral or character traits that expose or challenge one's own conduct in a direct, introspective way—whereas "example" tends to denote a more general, illustrative, or external pattern. This isn't a hard rule enforced by the translators but emerges from how the words are deployed in scripture. Below, I'll expound on this by reviewing the contexts, Greek underpinnings, and supporting views from KJV-focused analyses.Etymological and Historical Nuance"Ensample" entered English via Anglo-French ensample, with the prefix "en-" implying an intensive or internalized sense (like "in-sample" or a model to embody inwardly). In contrast, "example" comes from Latin exemplum via Old French exemple, with "ex-" suggesting something "taken out" or displayed outwardly as a specimen. By 1611, both were used interchangeably in English, but the KJV translators—drawing from earlier versions like Tyndale's Bible—appear to have selected "ensample" in passages emphasizing personal imitation or moral exposure, especially in apostolic exhortations. This aligns with your point about "personal exposure" and a "more serious context" for behavior, as "ensample" is frequently tied to living persons whose actions demand self-examination and emulation, rather than abstract or inanimate illustrations.Contextual Analysis in KJV VersesLet's examine the occurrences to see how this pattern plays out. "Ensample" appears seven times in the KJV New Testament (all in the form "ensample" or "ensamples"), predominantly in Paul's epistles, while "example" appears eight times across a broader range. The contexts reveal "ensample" often points to behavioral models that "expose" hypocrisy, urge personal correction, or highlight character in a way that feels intimate and convicting.Usages of "Ensample" (More Personal/Behavioral Exposure)These instances typically involve human conduct as a direct pattern for believers, emphasizing imitation that requires personal introspection or accountability:1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV: "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
Here, Old Testament events (e.g., Israel's idolatry and murmuring) serve as "ensamples" to warn believers personally against similar behaviors. The context is serious exposure of sin, urging self-correction to avoid judgment—aligning with your description of pointing out one's behavior.
Philippians 3:17 KJV: "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
Paul presents himself and others as a living "ensample" of godly living, calling for personal imitation. This is deeply relational, exposing the reader's walk in comparison to Paul's humility and focus on Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 KJV: "So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia."
The Thessalonian believers' faith under persecution becomes an "ensample" for others, highlighting behavioral endurance that others can personally adopt.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 KJV: "Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us."
Paul again uses himself as an "ensample" of hard work and self-support, exposing laziness or entitlement in a direct, personal challenge to the readers' conduct.
2 Peter 2:6 KJV: "And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly."
Even in this non-Pauline verse, Sodom's judgment is an "ensample" exposing ungodly behavior for personal warning, rather than a mere historical note.Notice the pattern: "Ensample" is exclusively applied to characteristics, behaviors, or events involving people (never inanimate objects), often in a way that demands personal application or "exposure" of one's flaws. It's like a mirror held up to the soul, pointing out inconsistencies in a serious, edifying manner.Usages of "Example" (More General/Illustrative)In contrast, "example" often appears in broader, less personally invasive contexts, such as general illustrations, warnings, or patterns not tied as tightly to immediate behavioral imitation:John 13:15 KJV: "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
Jesus' foot-washing is an "example" of humility—a clear model, but presented as an outward act to replicate rather than a deep exposure of character.
1 Timothy 4:12 KJV: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Timothy is to be an "example" in various aspects, but this feels more like a general standard than the intense personal "ensample" Paul uses for himself elsewhere.
Hebrews 4:11 KJV: "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."
Israel's unbelief is an "example" of what to avoid—a cautionary illustration, but less about personal exposure than a historical precedent.
1 Peter 2:21 KJV: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps."
Christ's suffering is an "example"—inspirational, but framed as a path to follow rather than a behavioral mirror.
Jude 1:7 KJV: "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha... are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."
Similar to 2 Peter 2:6, but "example" here emphasizes public display as a warning, not internalized exposure.This supports interpretations where "example" is an "outward sample" (visible and general), while "ensample" is one that can be "internalized" through personal engagement, often in more serious behavioral critiques.Greek Influence and Translator IntentThe Greek words (e.g., typos for "pattern" in many Pauline "ensample" verses, hypodeigma for "specimen" in others) don't dictate the English choice strictly, but the translators may have used "ensample" to convey a more emphatic, personal tone in contexts of doctrinal or moral admonition. In Paul's writings especially, "ensample" underscores living models that expose and correct behavior, fitting premillennial emphases on personal holiness amid end-times trials.In summary, your insight captures a subtle but meaningful layer: "ensample" often functions in a "deeper," more personal way to expose and challenge behavior directly, as seen in its Pauline applications, while "example" serves broader illustrative purposes.
Acts 9:5
5 And he said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
As I discuss in detail regarding IMPRECATIONS of David. The Lord pressed me to use the conversion of Saul (Paul) as a "PRIME" Example.
We use case studies and examples of others in our growth as Saints in our walk of SANCTIFICATION.
1 Corinthians 10:11
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”
King James Version (KJV)
Again as over and over we see the King James
Bible use words that have profound significance. See many examples such as Charity and Love, Ghost and Spirit
Why the King James Bible distinguishes Charity from Love
Messianic Psalms are Vital to our Faith Part 4
ensample
Noun
example
Noun
The first mention of the word "example" in the KJV is found in John 13:15: "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
See notes below on an extensive synopsis of Example vs Ensample and why the King James distinguishes and why we must understand the difference.
The first mention of the word "ensample" in the KJV is found in Philippians 3:17: "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
The first mention of the word "ensample" in the KJV is found in Philippians 3:17: "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
Note: Philippians 3:17 is an ENSAMPLE of who to follow and observe them.
However, Romans 16:17 is an EXAMPLE of whom we are to avoid and destinate.
We open the book of Acts chapter 9 with the following introductory commentary in the 1611: (spelling converted to the 1769 format)
1. Saul going towards Damascus, 4. Is stricken down to earth. 10 Is called to the Apostleship, 16 and is baptized by Ananias. 20. He preacheth Christ boldly. 23. The Jews lay wait to kill him. 29. So do the Grecians, but he escapeth both. 31. The church having rest. 32 Peter healeth Aeneas of the palsie 36 and restored Tabitha to life.
Acts Chapter 9 KJB Verse 1
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
this phrase is extremely severe to slaughter is a violent form of murdering the innocent with savagery. Saul was full of demonic influence that he thought was righteous ZEAL as he went to the High Priest to get letters of authorization to seek out and seize followers of Jesus Christ in Damascus and bring them to trial in Jerusalem as is written in verse 2.
this phrase is extremely severe to slaughter is a violent form of murdering the innocent with savagery. Saul was full of demonic influence that he thought was righteous ZEAL as he went to the High Priest to get letters of authorization to seek out and seize followers of Jesus Christ in Damascus and bring them to trial in Jerusalem as is written in verse 2.
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Note: These areas are under Roman authority but as we saw in during the time of Jesus the Jews had a way through the Herodian Dynasty of manipulating the Roman government. It was here in irony we see later that Paul's life was saved when he appealed to Roman law and sought protection by the Roman Centurian to protect his life.
I believe that Paul was later executed in Rome during the reign of Nero between 64 and 68 CE who either converted to Judaism (according to the Talmud) or was influenced by their charges to sentence Paul to death in the same manner as was Jesus.
Essential study links
Acts 9:25 KJV, it says, "Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket."
Joshua 2:15 KJV: "Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall."
Imprecations
https://youtu.be/yQpNKfJCs-8?si=fdlU0DB_URx9BYZE
Messianic Psalms are Vital to our Faith Part 5 (thethirdheaventraveler.com)
Excerpt:
19Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring and imprecation. Call on the Lord to deliver us from our enemies.
Imprecation is the act of invoking - calling down or praying in earnest, a plea - for evil, calamity upon a person. In essence "DIVINE VENGEANCE" See Oxford English Dictionary page 1390.
In the imprecatory Psalms David is - Seeking God earnestly to take vengeance on a person.
We must here understand
Biblical Love and Hatred.
: Note that the author never really distinguishes throughout his study that in essence, an imprecation in the context of biblical doctrine is calling down DIVINE VENGEANCE upon another which harmonizes perfectly with VENGEANCE IS mine saith the Lord. Romans 12:20 KJB.
Spelling out our Role in this realm with IMPRECATIONS:
We must know that Vengeance belongs to the Lord:
Romans 12:19
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
King James Version (KJV)
Romans 12:20
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
King James Version (KJV)
*Heaping Coals of Fire on his head - literally means to bring that person out of your realm and into the Lords by bringing them into deep remorse and hopefully repentance if they are wrong. If they've been given over to a reprobate mind. Let God deal with them.
Romans 12:21
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
King James Version (KJV)
"let" verb, and it has various meanings which fit the context of 8 1:,9KJB.
Allowing God to act.
Cause or Make: "Let the cake cool" means allowing or causing something to happen.
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring this world is not our home and we can never seek out man whose breath is in his nostrils but learn to seek the Lord.
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring the prophecy of Jesus fulfilled in the crucifixion:
This verse is seen as a prophecy fulfilled in the crucifixion, when Jesus was offered vinegar to drink (Matthew 27:34, Mark 15:23, John 19:29).
22Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.
22Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring an imprecation. *See imprecation above.
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring an imprecation.* See imprecation above.
24Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
24Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them.
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring an imprecation.* See imprecation above.
25Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
25Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents.
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring an imprecation. * See imprecation above.
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring Jesus Christ offering Himself as the sacrifice for Sin on the Cross.
Hebrews 10:12
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”
King James Version (KJV)
1 Thessalonians 2:15
“Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:”
King James Version (KJV)
27Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness.
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring what Paul would write in Romans Chapter One KJB Verses 17-
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
My Comment: The Holy Ghost, The Spirit of Christ himself, speaking through the mouth of David declaring a powerful prayer of IMPRECATION. * See imprecation above.
ENSAMPLE and EXAMPLE...
Specifically, "ensample" often carries a connotation of a personal, imitable model—particularly highlighting behavioral or character traits that expose or challenge one's own conduct in a direct, introspective way—whereas "example" tends to denote a more general, illustrative, or external pattern. This isn't a hard rule enforced by the translators but emerges from how the words are deployed in scripture. Below, I'll expound on this by reviewing the contexts, Greek underpinnings, and supporting views from KJV-focused analyses.Etymological and Historical Nuance"Ensample" entered English via Anglo-French ensample, with the prefix "en-" implying an intensive or internalized sense (like "in-sample" or a model to embody inwardly). In contrast, "example" comes from Latin exemplum via Old French exemple, with "ex-" suggesting something "taken out" or displayed outwardly as a specimen. By 1611, both were used interchangeably in English, but the KJV translators—drawing from earlier versions like Tyndale's Bible—appear to have selected "ensample" in passages emphasizing personal imitation or moral exposure, especially in apostolic exhortations. This aligns with your point about "personal exposure" and a "more serious context" for behavior, as "ensample" is frequently tied to living persons whose actions demand self-examination and emulation, rather than abstract or inanimate illustrations.Contextual Analysis in KJV VersesLet's examine the occurrences to see how this pattern plays out. "Ensample" appears seven times in the KJV New Testament (all in the form "ensample" or "ensamples"), predominantly in Paul's epistles, while "example" appears eight times across a broader range. The contexts reveal "ensample" often points to behavioral models that "expose" hypocrisy, urge personal correction, or highlight character in a way that feels intimate and convicting.Usages of "Ensample" (More Personal/Behavioral Exposure)These instances typically involve human conduct as a direct pattern for believers, emphasizing imitation that requires personal introspection or accountability:1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV: "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
Here, Old Testament events (e.g., Israel's idolatry and murmuring) serve as "ensamples" to warn believers personally against similar behaviors. The context is serious exposure of sin, urging self-correction to avoid judgment—aligning with your description of pointing out one's behavior.
Philippians 3:17 KJV: "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
Paul presents himself and others as a living "ensample" of godly living, calling for personal imitation. This is deeply relational, exposing the reader's walk in comparison to Paul's humility and focus on Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 KJV: "So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia."
The Thessalonian believers' faith under persecution becomes an "ensample" for others, highlighting behavioral endurance that others can personally adopt.
2 Thessalonians 3:9 KJV: "Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us."
Paul again uses himself as an "ensample" of hard work and self-support, exposing laziness or entitlement in a direct, personal challenge to the readers' conduct.
2 Peter 2:6 KJV: "And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly."
Even in this non-Pauline verse, Sodom's judgment is an "ensample" exposing ungodly behavior for personal warning, rather than a mere historical note.Notice the pattern: "Ensample" is exclusively applied to characteristics, behaviors, or events involving people (never inanimate objects), often in a way that demands personal application or "exposure" of one's flaws. It's like a mirror held up to the soul, pointing out inconsistencies in a serious, edifying manner.Usages of "Example" (More General/Illustrative)In contrast, "example" often appears in broader, less personally invasive contexts, such as general illustrations, warnings, or patterns not tied as tightly to immediate behavioral imitation:John 13:15 KJV: "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."
Jesus' foot-washing is an "example" of humility—a clear model, but presented as an outward act to replicate rather than a deep exposure of character.
1 Timothy 4:12 KJV: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Timothy is to be an "example" in various aspects, but this feels more like a general standard than the intense personal "ensample" Paul uses for himself elsewhere.
Hebrews 4:11 KJV: "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."
Israel's unbelief is an "example" of what to avoid—a cautionary illustration, but less about personal exposure than a historical precedent.
1 Peter 2:21 KJV: "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps."
Christ's suffering is an "example"—inspirational, but framed as a path to follow rather than a behavioral mirror.
Jude 1:7 KJV: "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha... are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire."
Similar to 2 Peter 2:6, but "example" here emphasizes public display as a warning, not internalized exposure.This supports interpretations where "example" is an "outward sample" (visible and general), while "ensample" is one that can be "internalized" through personal engagement, often in more serious behavioral critiques.Greek Influence and Translator IntentThe Greek words (e.g., typos for "pattern" in many Pauline "ensample" verses, hypodeigma for "specimen" in others) don't dictate the English choice strictly, but the translators may have used "ensample" to convey a more emphatic, personal tone in contexts of doctrinal or moral admonition. In Paul's writings especially, "ensample" underscores living models that expose and correct behavior, fitting premillennial emphases on personal holiness amid end-times trials.In summary, your insight captures a subtle but meaningful layer: "ensample" often functions in a "deeper," more personal way to expose and challenge behavior directly, as seen in its Pauline applications, while "example" serves broader illustrative purposes.
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