1 Samuel 3 8

1 Samuel 3:8 kjv

And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.

1 Samuel 3:8 nkjv

And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you did call me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy.

1 Samuel 3:8 niv

A third time the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.

1 Samuel 3:8 esv

And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy.

1 Samuel 3:8 nlt

So the LORD called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. "Here I am. Did you call me?" Then Eli realized it was the LORD who was calling the boy.

1 Samuel 3 verses

1 Samuel 3 8 Meaning

This verse details the crucial third instance of the Lord calling young Samuel. Samuel, still unaware of the divine origin of the voice, diligently reports to Eli, presuming Eli is calling him. At this point, Eli's spiritual discernment awakens, and he finally recognizes that the true source of the call is the Lord Himself. This moment marks a pivotal turning point, initiating Samuel's unique relationship with God as a future prophet and establishing the transition of spiritual authority in Israel.

1 Samuel 3 8 Context

This verse occurs within the narrative of 1 Samuel chapter 3, which describes God's direct interaction with the young boy Samuel. Prior to this verse, the text establishes a period of spiritual scarcity, where "the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision" (1 Sam 3:1). Eli, the high priest, is elderly and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are portrayed as wicked and disrespectful of God and the temple service (1 Sam 2:12-17). Samuel, on the other hand, is a child devoted to the Lord by his mother Hannah, serving in the tabernacle under Eli. God had already called Samuel twice, but Samuel, having no prior experience of a direct divine voice, mistook it for Eli's call and diligently reported to him each time. Eli, spiritually dull and partially blind, did not perceive the divine call in the previous instances. Thus, 1 Samuel 3:8 is the culmination of God's patient persistence and Eli's eventual spiritual awakening to the supernatural event unfolding. Historically, this period in Israel was a transition from the decentralized rule of judges to the eventual establishment of monarchy. A faithful prophet was crucial to guide the nation, contrasting with the moral decay of the established religious leadership.

1 Samuel 3 8 Word analysis

• And the Lord called Samuel again the third time:
  • Lord (יהוה, YHWH): Refers to the personal, covenantal God of Israel. The use of this specific name underscores that this is a direct, deliberate communication from the ultimate sovereign authority, not a generic deity.
  • called (קרא, qara'): Signifies a vocalized, audible summons. This is an active, divine initiative to establish communication, not an accidental or internal prompting. The repetition highlights divine purpose and intentionality.
  • Samuel: The specific naming indicates a personal and intentional address. God knew Samuel by name and distinguished him from others.
  • again the third time: Emphasizes God's persistence, patience, and unwavering resolve. It signifies that God does not give up when His call is not immediately recognized. From a literary perspective, "three" often indicates completeness or finality in Hebrew narratives. It sets the stage for Eli's realization and the breaking of spiritual dormancy.
• And he arose and went to Eli:
  • arose and went: Indicates immediate, humble obedience and diligence on Samuel's part. There's no hesitation or questioning, only prompt response based on his current understanding. This demonstrates his spiritual readiness and teachability, even when misdirected.
  • to Eli: Eli is Samuel's known human authority figure. Samuel's assumption reveals his innocent dependence and lack of prior experience with God's direct voice. This detail underscores Eli's vital role, albeit delayed, in recognizing God's interaction with Samuel.
• and said, 'Here I am, for you called me.':
  • Here I am (הנני, hineni): A Hebrew idiom expressing readiness, availability, and humble presence, often used in response to a divine or authoritative call (e.g., Abraham, Moses, Isaiah). Samuel's sincere use of hineni despite his mistaken understanding signifies his heart's posture of willingness to serve.
  • for you called me: Samuel's genuine belief about the source of the voice. This line underscores his spiritual inexperience and Eli's earlier spiritual dullness, setting up the dramatic shift in perception.
• Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy:
  • Then Eli perceived (בּין, biyn): This verb means to understand, discern, or comprehend, implying a sudden insight or realization after previous confusion. It suggests a moment of spiritual awakening for Eli, possibly aided by the supernatural nature of the persistent calls. Eli, despite his age and failures, finally acts in his priestly capacity to discern God's active involvement.
  • the Lord had called: This is Eli's moment of spiritual breakthrough and recognition. He shifts from thinking it was merely Samuel's confusion to realizing the divine hand at work.
  • the boy: Emphasizes Samuel's youth and inexperience, highlighting that God chooses whomever He wills, regardless of age or status, to fulfill His purposes. It also contrasts with Eli's own aging and compromised state, subtly signaling a transfer of spiritual authority.

1 Samuel 3 8 Bonus section

This verse highlights the shift in divine communication. During a time when "the word of the Lord was rare" (1 Sam 3:1), God re-establishes a direct prophetic line, bypassing the corrupt existing religious structure (Eli's sons). The fact that God calls a mere child signifies that His power and voice are not contingent on human experience, status, or spiritual pedigree. It underscores God's sovereign choice and His ability to work through humble vessels. Furthermore, Eli's perception is crucial, indicating that while God speaks, there can still be a vital role for spiritual guides in helping others correctly identify and respond to the divine voice. This verse sets the stage for Samuel to become Israel's greatest prophet since Moses, ushering in the era of kings.

1 Samuel 3 8 Commentary

This verse powerfully illustrates God's persistent grace in communication and His chosen method for raising up a new prophet during a spiritually bleak period. Despite human misunderstanding (Samuel's misdirection) and spiritual dullness (Eli's initial blindness), the Lord's call perseveres. Samuel's unhesitating response of "Here I am" signifies a heart ripe for divine interaction, even if his intellect was still catching up. Eli's delayed but crucial perception highlights the importance of spiritual discernment in guiding others to recognize God's voice. This moment is not just about Samuel hearing God; it's about Eli facilitating Samuel's understanding of that call, underscoring the necessity of wise spiritual mentorship. Ultimately, the scene depicts God's unwavering resolve to communicate and work through available hearts, ushering in a new era of prophetic leadership in Israel.

Examples for practical usage:

• A new believer consistently asking a mentor questions, genuinely seeking understanding.
• Someone persistently feeling a prompting towards ministry, even if initially unsure of its source, and seeking wise counsel.
• A church elder recognizing God's hand on a young, inexperienced leader and helping to guide them into their calling.