1 Samuel 3 5

1 Samuel 3:5 kjv

And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

1 Samuel 3:5 nkjv

So he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." And he said, "I did not call; lie down again." And he went and lay down.

1 Samuel 3:5 niv

And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.

1 Samuel 3:5 esv

and ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But he said, "I did not call; lie down again." So he went and lay down.

1 Samuel 3:5 nlt

He got up and ran to Eli. "Here I am. Did you call me?" "I didn't call you," Eli replied. "Go back to bed." So he did.

1 Samuel 3 verses

1 Samuel 3 5 Meaning

First Samuel 3:5 describes the young Samuel's prompt and earnest response to what he perceives as a call from his master, Eli. Samuel's immediate declaration, "Here I am, for you called me," signifies his readiness and availability to serve. Eli's denial of the call and instruction to return to sleep highlights his initial unawareness of God's direct intervention and also subtly points to the spiritual dullness of the age. Samuel's unhesitating obedience to Eli, even after multiple instances, underscores his disciplined and receptive character, which would ultimately prepare him to recognize the true divine call.

1 Samuel 3 5 Context

First Samuel chapter 3 marks a pivotal transition in Israel's history. It is set during a time of significant spiritual decline and moral corruption, particularly within the priesthood under Eli and his wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas (1 Sam 2:12-17, 22-25). Divine communication was scarce during this period, "The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread" (1 Sam 3:1). Samuel, dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, serves Eli in the tabernacle. The verses immediately preceding 1 Sam 3:5 describe Samuel sleeping in the presence of the Ark of the Covenant, indicating his devotion and unique proximity to the very heart of Israel's worship, even as a young boy. The "calling" incident recorded in this verse, and its repetitions, precedes God's direct revelation to Samuel concerning the judgment upon Eli's household, signifying the end of one era of spiritual leadership and the inauguration of another through Samuel.

1 Samuel 3 5 Word analysis

• Then he ran: (Hebrew: va-yârots - וַיָּרָץ) The verb rûts (to run) implies a swift, eager, and immediate physical response. This conveys Samuel's readiness and diligence. His actions are not slow or hesitant but full of childlike energy and obedience.
• to Eli: Eli is the established high priest and judge of Israel, representing the existing spiritual authority structure. Samuel’s immediate turning to Eli shows his training in submission and reverence for his master.
• and said: Straightforward communication from Samuel, expecting instruction.
• "Here I am,": (Hebrew: Hin'nî - הִנְנִי) This is a profound and common biblical phrase, often uttered in response to a divine or significant call (e.g., Abraham, Moses, Isaiah). It indicates more than just physical presence; it denotes availability, attentiveness, readiness to listen, and willingness to act immediately according to the caller's command. It suggests a posture of complete surrender and readiness for service. Samuel utters this before even fully understanding the call's origin, indicating his fundamental readiness to serve.
• "for you called me.": Samuel attributes the call to Eli based on his immediate human context and understanding. This highlights his initial naivety regarding the true source of the voice and his trust that Eli is the one who holds authority over him.
• But he said: Indicates a change in perspective or a denial of Samuel's assumption.
• "I did not call;": Eli's direct denial. This shows Eli's immediate, honest reaction. It also subtly hints at Eli's spiritual dullness; he doesn't consider a divine possibility, likely due to his own spiritual state and the rare nature of divine communication at the time.
• "lie down again.": A dismissive, yet firm command. It instructs Samuel to return to his place and resume sleeping, reinforcing the idea that it was a mistake or mishearing on Samuel's part.
• So he went: Implies simple, immediate compliance.
• and lay down: Samuel's immediate and unquestioning obedience to Eli, demonstrating his discipline, humility, and teachability. His ready obedience to his human master prepared his heart to be receptive to the voice of his divine Master.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Then he ran to Eli and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.'": This phrase captures Samuel's complete posture of availability and immediate obedience. His quick action, coupled with the profound Hin'nî, sets the scene for a life dedicated to service, even if his understanding is initially limited. It highlights a youthful zeal and responsiveness that contrasts with the spiritual sluggishness of Eli's household.
• "But he said, 'I did not call; lie down again.'": Eli's response reveals his spiritual condition and the prevailing lack of divine communication. His denial indicates he isn't spiritually attuned to recognize a voice that isn't his own, especially a divine one. His instruction is mundane, underscoring the spiritual barrenness where the supernatural is not even considered.
• "So he went and lay down.": This brief statement encapsulates Samuel's humble and unhesitating submission. It’s crucial because it shows his trained obedience to Eli, a necessary prerequisite before he can fully obey the Lord directly. His readiness to return to his task after being dismissed demonstrates patience and an absence of complaint or self-importance.

1 Samuel 3 5 Bonus section

• The detail of Samuel "sleeping near the Ark of God" (1 Sam 3:3) is highly significant. It emphasizes his dedication and unique position of service within the most sacred space in Israel, signifying a proximity to God's presence, even if his spiritual ears were not yet fully opened to direct divine speech. This contrasts with the corrupted spiritual leadership of the time, whose presence was a desecration.
• This verse is part of a recurring pattern where God calls Samuel multiple times (1 Sam 3:4, 6, 8). God's persistent calling, even when Samuel misunderstands or attributes the call to another, demonstrates God's determination and patience in establishing His word through a new prophet. It implies that spiritual discernment often develops over time and with patient instruction, as Eli eventually provides.
• The event signifies a major shift in divine revelation from prophetic visions being "rare" (1 Sam 3:1) to God initiating direct, personal communication to raise a new voice for Israel. This encounter marks the transition from the old, failing priesthood under Eli to the anointing of a powerful prophet and judge in Samuel, who would anoint both Saul and David, thereby establishing the monarchy.

1 Samuel 3 5 Commentary

1 Samuel 3:5 beautifully illustrates Samuel's exceptional readiness and humble obedience, laying the groundwork for his future prophetic ministry. His repeated "Here I am" to what he thought was Eli's voice encapsulates a posture of being perpetually available for service. This innate willingness and immediate physical response, despite being disturbed from sleep, reveals a character essential for a servant of God.

In contrast, Eli's denial of having called Samuel subtly underlines the spiritual dimness of the time, where even the high priest failed to immediately recognize a divine stir. Eli, though devout, had become spiritually dull, possibly due to his advanced age, failing eyesight, and lenient approach to his sons' egregious sins. His instructions to Samuel to "lie down again" reflect a human, logical understanding that does not readily consider the possibility of supernatural intervention.

Crucially, Samuel's subsequent obedience to Eli, in spite of the persistent inner sense of a call, prepared him to hear God. It shows that obedience to legitimate earthly authority, even when confused, cultivates a heart receptive to higher, divine authority. This verse is foundational in understanding Samuel's character development and God's patience in bringing His chosen vessel to full awareness of His will. It serves as a testament that God often calls the available and humble, progressively revealing His voice to those who are already disciplined in hearing and obeying.