1 Samuel 3 10

1 Samuel 3:10 kjv

And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

1 Samuel 3:10 nkjv

Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears."

1 Samuel 3:10 niv

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

1 Samuel 3:10 esv

And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant hears."

1 Samuel 3:10 nlt

And the LORD came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Speak, your servant is listening."

1 Samuel 3 verses

1 Samuel 3 10 Meaning

This verse describes a pivotal moment when the LORD, manifesting His direct presence, reissued His call to the young Samuel. Unlike previous attempts that Samuel had misunderstood, this time he was prepared to hear. Samuel's response, "Speak, for Your servant hears," signifies a humble and obedient readiness to receive and act upon divine revelation, marking his true initiation into prophetic service. It emphasizes God's persistent initiative in revealing Himself and man's essential posture of active listening and obedience.

1 Samuel 3 10 Context

First Samuel chapter 3 portrays a significant turning point in Israel's spiritual history. Prior to this, the narrative describes a period of spiritual decline and moral corruption, particularly highlighted by the wicked behavior of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who defiled the Tabernacle and its service (1 Sam 2:12-17, 22). In contrast, the young Samuel, dedicated to the LORD from birth, ministered before the LORD under Eli (1 Sam 2:18-21). Verse 1 explicitly states that "the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision," signifying a period of divine silence and lack of clear prophetic guidance. The divine calls to Samuel preceding verse 10 were initially confused with Eli's voice due to Samuel's inexperience in discerning the LORD's direct communication. It is Eli, despite his own shortcomings and impending judgment, who finally recognizes God's pattern and instructs Samuel how to respond correctly (1 Sam 3:9), setting the stage for Samuel to properly receive divine revelation in verse 10. This event initiates Samuel's lifelong ministry as a prophet, judge, and anointing figure for Israel's kings, filling the spiritual void created by the unfaithfulness of Eli's household.

1 Samuel 3 10 Word analysis

• And the LORD: יהוה (YHWH, transliterated as Adonai). This is the personal, covenant name of God, indicating His direct, intimate, and powerful involvement. It's not a general deity, but the God who made covenant with Israel, actively engaging in their history. The specific use of YHWH underscores the profound significance of this direct divine interaction.
• came and stood: ויבא ויתיצב (vayyavo vayyityatzav). The Hebrew phrase implies an active, purposeful movement and a deliberate posture. "Came" suggests an approach, while "stood" signifies a steady, prepared, and attentive presence. It's not merely a dream or an impression but a distinct, possibly tangible, manifestation or intense sensory experience of the LORD’s proximity. This action suggests the LORD making Himself available for direct, clear communication. It is a powerful affirmation of divine initiative.
• and called as at other times: וכקרא פעם בפעם (u'qara ka'pa'am be'pa'am). This phrase emphasizes God's persistent nature and patience. It highlights that the previous calls were indeed from God, underscoring Samuel's previous lack of discernment, but also God's unwavering intention to communicate. God did not give up, but repeated His call precisely until it was correctly heard.
• 'Samuel! Samuel!': The repetition of the name adds intensity, urgency, and intimacy to the divine call. This double call is a characteristic biblical pattern used to draw immediate, focused attention, often at critical junctures for specific individuals chosen for important divine purposes (e.g., Abraham in Gen 22:11; Moses in Ex 3:4; Saul in Acts 9:4). It signals a profound personal encounter.
• Then Samuel answered, 'Speak,: דבר (dabber), an imperative. Samuel's shift from "Who is calling?" to "Speak" demonstrates his readiness to receive and listen intently. It’s an invitation for God to reveal Himself, indicating a receptive heart prepared for instruction rather than merely acknowledging a voice. This signals a complete change from misunderstanding to active anticipation.
• for Your servant hears.': כי שמע עבדך (ki shama avdekha).
  • for Your servant: This humble self-designation recognizes the vast gulf between human and divine, yet simultaneously acknowledges a relationship of service and dependence. Samuel commits himself to God's will and purpose.
  • hears: שמע (shama). In Hebrew thought, "hearing" is not just the act of perceiving sound, but includes the deeper implication of attentive listening and obedience. It implies not just understanding but also an intent to act on what is heard. Samuel is not just acknowledging the sound but is expressing a willingness to heed and obey. This is the posture necessary for receiving divine truth and commission.

1 Samuel 3 10 Bonus section

The concept of God "standing" is profound in biblical literature, often signifying a moment of readiness for judgment (e.g., Isa 3:13), instruction, or a direct, authoritative encounter (e.g., God appearing to Abram in Gen 17:1). Here, it portrays the LORD's purposeful manifestation, not as a fleeting dream, but as a direct and distinct presence poised for interaction. The phrase "Your servant" (עבדך, avdekha) is a common designation for those dedicated to the LORD in high office, whether a prophet (Isa 20:3), a king (2 Sam 7:5), or even the nation of Israel collectively (Isa 49:3). Samuel's immediate adoption of this title signifies his instant acceptance of the duties and submission implicit in such a relationship with the Divine. This encounter contrasts sharply with the spiritual blindness and lack of divine word experienced by Eli's family and much of Israel, as detailed in 1 Samuel 3:1, highlighting Samuel's distinct role as the beginning of a renewed era of prophetic clarity.

1 Samuel 3 10 Commentary

This verse encapsulates the essence of divine revelation and human response. The LORD's proactive "coming and standing" signifies His direct, intentional intervention to break the spiritual silence and restore prophetic communication in Israel. His persistent "calling as at other times" demonstrates His faithfulness and patient pursuit of those He chooses, even when initial human understanding is lacking. The repetitive, personal call, "Samuel! Samuel!", underscores the intimate and urgent nature of God's summoning for a specific purpose. Samuel's humble and discerning response, "Speak, for Your servant hears," marks his transition from innocent ignorance to a consecrated vessel for divine messages. This is more than a passive hearing; it is an active receptivity combined with a readiness to obey—the very foundation of true discipleship and prophetic ministry. It reveals that God seeks not merely an ear, but a heart prepared to listen, respond, and be used for His will. This pivotal interaction establishes Samuel as God's chosen spokesman for a new era in Israel, restoring a vital link between heaven and earth.