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1 Samuel 2:11

1 Samuel 2:11 in Multiple Translations

Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest.

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto Jehovah before Eli the priest.

Then Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child became the servant of the Lord under the direction of Eli the priest.

Then Elkanah went home to Ramah while the boy stayed with Eli the priest serving the Lord.

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house, and the childe did minister vnto the Lord before Eli the Priest.

And Elkanah goeth to Ramath, unto his house, and the youth hath been serving Jehovah, [in] the presence of Eli the priest;

Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. The child served the LORD before Eli the priest.

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child ministered to the LORD before Eli the priest.

And Elcana went to Ramatha, to his house: but the child ministered in the sight of the Lord before the face of Heli the priest.

Then Elkanah and his family returned to Ramah, but Samuel, the little boy, stayed to help Eli the priest serve Yahweh.

After that, Elkanah and his family went home to Ramah. Samuel stayed at Shiloh, and there Eli taught him the way to work for God.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 2:11

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 2:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ אֶלְקָנָ֛ה הָ/רָמָ֖תָ/ה עַל בֵּית֑/וֹ וְ/הַ/נַּ֗עַר הָיָ֤ה מְשָׁרֵת֙ אֶת יְהוָ֔ה אֶת פְּנֵ֖י עֵלִ֥י הַ/כֹּהֵֽן
וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶלְקָנָ֛ה ʼElqânâh H511 Elkanah N-proper
הָ/רָמָ֖תָ/ה Râmâh H7414 Ramah Art | N-proper | Suff
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
בֵּית֑/וֹ bayith H1004 place N-ms | Suff
וְ/הַ/נַּ֗עַר naʻar H5288 youth Conj | Art | N-ms
הָיָ֤ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מְשָׁרֵת֙ shârath H8334 to minister V-Piel
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H854 with Prep
פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face N-cp
עֵלִ֥י ʻÊlîy H5941 Eli N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 2:11

וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֶלְקָנָ֛ה ʼElqânâh H511 "Elkanah" N-proper
Elkanah means God has possessed and is the name of several Israelites, including Samuel's father and a ruler in Jerusalem during King Ahaz's time.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.28.7 § Elkanah = "God has possessed" or "God has created" 1) Samuel's father 2) a ruler in Jerusalem in the time of king Ahaz 3) one of David's mighty warriors 4) son of Korah 5) several Levites
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Elkanah. See also: Exodus 6:24; 1 Chronicles 6:10; 2 Chronicles 28:7.
הָ/רָמָ֖תָ/ה Râmâh H7414 "Ramah" Art | N-proper | Suff
Ramah, a city in Palestine, was a place of battle between Israel and Syria.
Definition: Ramah = "hill" a place of battle between Israel and Syria Another name of ra.mot gi.l.ad (רָמֹת "Ramoth" H7433)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: Ramah. See also: Joshua 18:25; 1 Samuel 25:1; Isaiah 10:29.
עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בֵּית֑/וֹ bayith H1004 "place" N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וְ/הַ/נַּ֗עַר naʻar H5288 "youth" Conj | Art | N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
הָיָ֤ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מְשָׁרֵת֙ shârath H8334 "to minister" V-Piel
This verb means to serve or minister to someone, often in a worship or temple setting. It is used to describe the work of priests and Levites in the Old Testament.
Definition: (Piel) to minister, serve, minister to
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: minister (unto), (do) serve(-ant, -ice, -itor), wait on. See also: Genesis 39:4; 1 Chronicles 26:12; Psalms 101:6.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֶת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
עֵלִ֥י ʻÊlîy H5941 "Eli" N-proper
Eli was a high priest in the Bible, mentioned in 1 Samuel. He was the father of Hophni and Phinehas, and played a significant role in the story of Samuel. The name Eli means 'ascension'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.3; father of: Hophni (H2652), Phinehas (H6372H) § Eli = "ascension" descendant of Aaron through Ithamar and high priest and judge of Israel when Samuel entered service as a child
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Eli. See also: 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 3:6; 1 Kings 2:27.
הַ/כֹּהֵֽן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 2:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 3:1 And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare and visions were scarce.
2 1 Samuel 2:18 Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.
3 1 Samuel 1:28 I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.
4 1 Samuel 3:15 Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision,
5 1 Samuel 1:19 The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her.

1 Samuel 2:11 Summary

This verse, 1 Samuel 2:11, tells us that the boy Samuel started serving and worshiping God in the temple, learning from Eli the priest. This shows that serving God is something that can be done at any age, and it requires dedication and a willingness to learn, as encouraged in Psalm 119:9-16. Just like Samuel, we can start serving God today by reading His Word, praying, and obeying His commands, as Jesus taught in John 14:15. By doing so, we can become faithful servants of God, just like Samuel, and trust in His plan and timing for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for the boy to begin ministering to the LORD?

This means that the boy, Samuel, started serving and worshiping God in the temple, learning from Eli the priest, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:11, and this is similar to how Jesus began His ministry, as described in Luke 2:46-47.

Why did Elkanah go home to Ramah while the boy stayed behind?

Elkanah went home because his yearly sacrifice and worship in Shiloh were completed, as hinted in 1 Samuel 1:21, and he left the boy Samuel to serve God, as promised in 1 Samuel 1:28.

What can we learn from the boy's decision to minister to the LORD?

We can learn that serving and worshiping God is a decision that can be made at any age, as seen in the examples of Samuel and Jesus, and that it requires dedication and a willingness to learn, as encouraged in Psalm 119:9-16 and 2 Timothy 3:15-17.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse connects to the rest of the chapter by showing the contrast between the faithfulness of Samuel and the wickedness of Eli's sons, as described in 1 Samuel 2:12-17, and highlights God's desire for faithful servants, as expressed in 1 Samuel 2:9-10 and 1 Samuel 2:35.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can begin ministering to the LORD in my own life, just like the boy Samuel did?
  2. How can I balance my desire to serve God with my daily responsibilities and obligations, like Elkanah did when he went home to Ramah?
  3. What can I learn from the boy's example about the importance of humility and a willingness to learn in my relationship with God?
  4. In what ways can I, like the boy Samuel, be a faithful servant of God in my own community and among my peers?
  5. How does this verse encourage me to trust in God's plan and timing for my life, just as Elkanah and Hannah trusted God's plan for Samuel?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:11

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house,.... Of which see 1 Samuel 1:19.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:11

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest. The child did minister unto the Lord before Eli the priest.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:11

In some way agreeable to his tender years, as in singing, or playing upon instruments of music, as they used then to do in God’ s service; or lighting the lamps, or some other way. For I suppose Samuel was not brought to the tabernacle in such tender years as some think; of which See Poole "". Before Eli the priest, i.e. under the inspection and by the direction and instruction of Eli.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:11

1 Samuel 2:11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.Ver. 11. And the child did minister unto the Lord.] He did such offices as he was able about the tabernacle; which was the more commendable in young Samuel to be so sedulous, because Eli’ s sons were at the same time so corrupt and dissolute. The word here rendered child, is by the Dutch translated Der knaben, the knave; which with them signifieth child or servant; and so it did in old English, not as now, a wicked varlet. And therefore manifest wrong is done to John Wycliffe by Bellarmine and others, because that, disallowing the invocation of saints, he called them servants, knaves, which was then a good word, - not gods, as the Papists made them.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:11

(11-36) The Service of the boy Samuel in the Sanctuary—The Dissolute Life of the Sons of Eli—The Doom of the House of Ithamar.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:11

Verse 11. And Elkanah went to Ramah] Immediately after the 10th verse, the Septuagint add, ΚαικατελιπεναυτονεκειενωπιονΚυριου·καιαπηλθενειςΑραματαια, And she left him there before the Lord, and went unto Arimathea. Thus the Septuagint suppose that the song of Hannah was composed when she brought Samuel to present him to the Lord; and as soon as she had completed this fine ode, she delivered him into the hands of Eli the high priest, and the child entered immediately on his ministration, under the direction and instructions of Eli.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:11

Ch. 1 Samuel 2:1-11. The Song of Hannah Hannah’s song is a true prophecy. She is inspired “to discern in her own individual experience the universal laws of the divine economy, and to recognise its significance for the whole course of the Kingdom of God.” The deliverance from her proud adversary which had just been vouchsafed to her was but one instance of the great principles of Jehovah’s moral government of the world, principles which receive their fullest illustration in the exaltation of the Lord’s Christ through humiliation to victory, and which will only he fully realised when “the kingdoms of this world shall have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.” Hence it is that her own peculiar circumstances are so soon lost sight of in the wider view of the dealings of God’s Providence. The failure to recognise this has led critics to deny the authenticity of the song, and to conjecture that some ancient triumphal war-pæan has been erroneously placed in Hannah’s month by the compiler of the book. A brief analysis will help to explain the connexion of thought. “Jehovah is the sole author of my deliverance. He shall be the theme of my song. There is none to be compared with Him for holiness, power, faithfulness: be silent before him, all ye proud boasters! He knows your thoughts and weighs your actions. Observe the vicissitudes of human fortune: the haughty are humbled, the humble exalted: this is Jehovah’s doing: for He is the Almighty Governor of the universe. He guides and guards His saints, and destroys the wicked. May He finally discomfit his adversaries, judge the world, and establish the kingdom of His Anointed One!” The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) should be carefully compared with Hannah’s song, of which it is an echo rather than an imitation. The resemblance lies in thought and tone more than in actual language, and supplies a most delicate and valuable testimony to the appropriateness of this hymn to Hannah’s circumstances. The 113th Psalm forms a connecting link between the two.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 2:11

The word “minister” is used in three senses in Scripture: (1) of the service or ministration of both priests and Levites rendered unto the Lord Exodus 28:35, Exodus 28:43 : (2) of the ministrations

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:11

11. The child did minister — In such a way as was proper for a child, and in such services as he could perform, such as lighting the lamps, (1 Samuel 3:3,) and opening the doors of the tabernacle.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:11

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala The Great Future of Pentecost by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of church meetings and being led by the Holy Spirit. He shares a story about an evangelist who felt a strong conviction not t
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 1-10 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the spirit of God coming upon a person's life and anointing them. He highlights the significance of having a heart turned
George Warnock Cranbrook 1993 10-4-93 Am by George Warnock In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the direction and orders of the captain of the hosts of the Lord. He uses the example of Joshua receiving the blu
Zac Poonen (Prophecy) Prophecy in the Old Testament by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker warns against false prophets who take advantage of people by claiming to have private prophecies for them. He emphasizes the need to be cautious and dis
Art Katz Fren-07 Samuel the Prophet by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hearing and obeying the word of the Lord. He uses the example of Samuel, who faithfully listened and spoke the words that G
William MacDonald Personal Holiness - Part 1 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking resolute action and exercising strict control over certain aspects of our lives. He specifically mentions the need t
Denny Kenaston (Early Anabaptism) the Anabaptist Vision by Denny Kenaston In this sermon, Peter references the words of the Prophet Joel to explain why it appears that the men are drunk at 9am. He emphasizes the importance of receiving the vision from Go

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