1 Samuel 3 11

1 Samuel 3:11 kjv

And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

1 Samuel 3:11 nkjv

Then the LORD said to Samuel: "Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.

1 Samuel 3:11 niv

And the LORD said to Samuel: "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears about it tingle.

1 Samuel 3:11 esv

Then the LORD said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.

1 Samuel 3:11 nlt

Then the LORD said to Samuel, "I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel.

1 Samuel 3 verses

1 Samuel 3 11 Meaning

This verse signifies a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the commencement of Samuel's prophetic ministry through his first direct divine revelation. The LORD declares His intent to execute a devastating and nationally impactful judgment upon Israel. This "thing" will be so profound and shocking that its announcement will cause a physical sensation of dread and astonishment, a ringing or tingling in the ears of everyone who hears of it, underscoring its widespread, unsettling nature and divine authority.

1 Samuel 3 11 Context

1 Samuel chapter 3 opens by stating that "the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision." This highlights a period of spiritual dormancy and declining direct divine communication. Young Samuel is ministering in the temple under Eli, who, despite his office as High Priest, has failed to restrain his wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, leading to desecration of the temple service. Samuel experiences three nocturnal calls from the LORD, initially mistaking them for Eli. It is Eli who eventually discerns that God is calling Samuel and instructs the boy to respond, "Speak, for Your servant hears." Upon Samuel's obedience, the LORD finally delivers this message, establishing Samuel as a true prophet. The "thing" the LORD is about to do directly refers to the judgment previously prophesied against Eli's house (1 Sam 2:27-36), now revealed through Samuel as an unchangeable decree, marking the transition from a corrupt priestly order to a new prophetic leadership.

1 Samuel 3 11 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyō’mer): Marks the immediate progression after Samuel's obedient response, signifying the direct and consequential nature of God's communication to a prepared heart.
• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His sovereign authority, fidelity to His character, and His direct involvement in human history.
• said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyō’mer): Indicates a clear, audible, and authoritative spoken communication, establishing a direct channel with Samuel.
• to Samuel (אֶל-שְׁמוּאֵל - ’el Shmu’el): Pinpoints the recipient, highlighting God's choice to speak to the young boy, bypassing Eli, and thereby inaugurating Samuel's prophetic office.
• Behold (הִנֵּה - hinnēh): An imperative interjection demanding immediate, focused attention. It signals that what follows is profoundly significant, surprising, and deserving of full contemplation.
• I am about to do (אָנֹכִי עֹשֶׂה - ’ānōḵî ‘ōśeh): Expresses God's immediate and active intention. The use of the present participle emphasizes certainty, imminence, and God's personal agency in bringing about this event. It's not a mere threat but a declarative statement of what He is accomplishing.
• a thing (דָבָר - dāvār): Can mean "word," "matter," "event," or "thing." Its broadness here enhances the mystery and the solemn, weighty nature of the impending event, leaving the specific details initially unstated to Samuel. It is a decisive act.
• in Israel (בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל - bəYiśrā’ēl): Specifies the scope of the event. It is not a private family matter for Eli but a public, national incident affecting the entire covenant community and serving as a divine revelation to all.
• at which both ears (שְׁתֵּי אָזְנָיו - štê ’oznāw): Refers to a full, bodily reaction. "Both" implies the overwhelming impact, as if the sound reverberates throughout the entire being.
• of everyone who hears it (כָּל-שֹׁמְעוֹ - kol-šōm‘ô): Denotes the universal awareness and reaction to this coming event across the nation. It highlights the public and profound nature of the divine judgment, reaching all corners of society.
• will tingle (תְּצִלֶּינָה - təṣillenâ): From the root tzalal (צָלַל), meaning "to ring" or "to hum." This is a vivid idiomatic expression. It describes a sudden, jarring physical sensation in the ears caused by shocking or terrifying news, signifying profound astonishment, dread, and a sense of overwhelming, unpleasant truth. It's a reaction to the sheer enormity and severity of the impending divine act.

1 Samuel 3 11 Bonus section

• Breaking the Silence: This verse is deeply significant given the preceding statement in 1 Sam 3:1, "the word of the LORD was rare in those days." God's direct address to Samuel shatters this silence, ushering in a new era of prophetic activity and leadership for Israel through Samuel.
• Divine Preference for Humility: The LORD chooses to speak to a young, humble servant who is prepared to listen, rather than the high priest Eli, who had grown complacent and failed to uphold God's standards for his own household. This highlights God's sovereignty in choosing His messengers.
• A Public Demonstration of Justice: The judgment described by "ears will tingle" indicates that this will be a highly public and impactful event. It is not just a private reckoning for Eli's family, but a national lesson on the consequences of defying God and neglecting sacred responsibilities. The "thing" includes the deaths of Eli's sons, the capture of the Ark, and Eli's subsequent death—a series of national catastrophes that profoundly marked the Israelites.

1 Samuel 3 11 Commentary

This verse marks a monumental moment in biblical narrative: the direct call of Samuel as a prophet and the dramatic revelation of God's justice. After a period of divine silence, God breaks through to a new generation's leadership. The "thing" God is about to do is a severe judgment, specifically on Eli's corrupt house. The striking idiom "ears will tingle" powerfully conveys the shocking, nationwide impact of this divine intervention. It signifies not merely bad news but news so profoundly unsettling that it elicits a visceral, physical reaction. This emphasizes God's zero tolerance for sin and corruption within His sacred institutions and His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even when it means tearing down established leadership. This revelation to Samuel solidifies his authority as God's chosen messenger, preparing Israel for a new era under God's appointed leadership.