1 Samuel 2:18
1 Samuel 2:18 in Multiple Translations
Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.
¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
But Samuel ministered before Jehovah, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
But Samuel did the work of the Lord's house, while he was a child, dressed in a linen ephod.
But Samuel served before the Lord—a boy dressed as a priest, wearing a linen ephod.
Now Samuel being a yong childe ministred before the Lord, girded with a linen Ephod.
And Samuel is ministering [in] the presence of Jehovah, a youth girt [with] an ephod of linen;
But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, clothed with a linen ephod.
But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
But Samuel ministered before the face of the Lord: being a child girded with a linen ephod.
As for Samuel, who was still a very young boy, he continued to do work for Yahweh, wearing a little sacred linen vest like the Supreme Priest wore.
The boy Samuel worked for God. He wore special clothes like those of a man that looked after God’s ceremonies.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 2:18
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 2:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/שְׁמוּאֵ֕ל
מְשָׁרֵ֖ת
אֶת
פְּנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
נַ֕עַר
חָג֖וּר
אֵפ֥וֹד
בָּֽד
וּ/שְׁמוּאֵ֕ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
Conj | N-proper
מְשָׁרֵ֖ת
shârath
H8334
to minister
V-Piel
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
נַ֕עַר
naʻar
H5288
youth
N-ms
חָג֖וּר
châgar
H2296
to gird
V-Qal-Inf-c
אֵפ֥וֹד
ʼêphôwd
H646
ephod
N-ms
בָּֽד
bad
H906
linen
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 2:18
וּ/שְׁמוּאֵ֕ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
"Shemuel"
Conj | N-proper
Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.
מְשָׁרֵ֖ת
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
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.
פְּנֵ֣י
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.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
נַ֕עַר
naʻar
H5288
"youth"
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.
חָג֖וּר
châgar
H2296
"to gird"
V-Qal-Inf-c
The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.
אֵפ֥וֹד
ʼêphôwd
H646
"ephod"
N-ms
The ephod was a special vest worn by priests in the Bible, including the high priest, made with gold, blue, and purple threads. It was a symbol of their role and had shoulder pieces and a breastpiece with gems. In Exodus 28:6, God instructs Moses on how to make the ephod.
Definition: 1) ephod 1a) priestly garment, shoulder-cape or mantle, outer garment 1a1) worn by an ordinary priest and made of white stuff 1a2) worn by the high priest-more costly, woven of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen threads provided with shoulder-pieces and a breast piece of like material, ornamented with gems and gold
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: ephod. See also: Exodus 25:7; Exodus 39:21; Hosea 3:4.
בָּֽד
bad
H906
"linen"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can also refer to linen, a type of fabric made from flax, or a garment made from it, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of priestly clothing.
Definition: linen, white linen
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: linen. See also: Exodus 28:42; 1 Chronicles 15:27; Daniel 12:7.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 2:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 2:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:18
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 2:18
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:18
Context — Eli’s Wicked Sons
16And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!”
17Thus the sin of these young men was severe in the sight of the LORD, for they were treating the LORD’s offering with contempt.
18Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.
19Each year his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. 20And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman in place of the one she dedicated to the LORD. ” Then they would go home.Cross References
| Reference | Text (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 | Exodus 28:4 | These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 2:11 | Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 6:14 | And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD, |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 22:18 | So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. |
| 6 | Leviticus 8:7 | He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 2:28 | And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the offerings of the Israelites made by fire. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 15:27 | Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod. |
1 Samuel 2:18 Summary
This verse shows us that Samuel, just a boy, was already serving God in a special way, wearing a linen ephod to symbolize his purity and dedication. He was learning to minister before the Lord, just like the priests and Levites in the Bible (as seen in Numbers 3:6-10 and Deuteronomy 10:8). As we read about Samuel's early ministry, we can remember that God calls people of all ages to serve Him, and that faithfulness and purity are essential for a strong relationship with God (as taught in Matthew 5:8 and 2 Timothy 2:22). By following Samuel's example, we can learn to serve God with our whole hearts and trust in His goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the linen ephod worn by Samuel in 1 Samuel 2:18?
The linen ephod was a sacred garment worn by priests and those who ministered before the Lord, symbolizing purity and dedication to God's service, as seen in Exodus 28:5-6 and Leviticus 8:7-9.
How old was Samuel when he began ministering before the Lord?
The Bible does not specify Samuel's exact age, but it describes him as a boy, indicating that he was still young when he started serving in the temple, similar to the young Jesus in Luke 2:46-47.
What does it mean for Samuel to be ministering before the Lord?
Ministering before the Lord means serving and worshiping God in a formal capacity, often involving tasks such as assisting priests, singing, or praying, as described in Deuteronomy 10:8 and 1 Chronicles 6:32.
How does Samuel's ministry relate to his mother's dedication of him to the Lord?
Samuel's ministry is a direct result of his mother Hannah's prayer and dedication of him to the Lord, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:11 and 1:28, demonstrating the importance of faithful parenting and surrendering one's children to God's service.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to minister before the Lord in my own life, and how can I serve God with purity and dedication?
- How can I, like Samuel, wear the 'linen ephod' of righteousness and purity in my daily walk with God?
- What role does faithfulness and devotion play in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate these qualities in my own life?
- In what ways can I, like Hannah, dedicate my life and the lives of my loved ones to the Lord's service, and trust in His faithfulness?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:18
But Samuel ministered before the Lord,.... The ministration of Samuel, though a child, is observed both before and after the account of the ill behaviour and wickedness of Eli's sons; partly to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:18
But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
Ministered, i.e. performed his ministration carefully and faithfully, not corrupting nor abusing it, as Eli’ s sons did. Before the Lord; in God’ s tabernacle; or as in God’ s presence, sincerely and regardarly, with God’ s approbation. Compare . A linen ephod; a garment used in God’ s service, and allowed not only to the inferior priests and Levites, but also to eminent persons of the people, as , and therefore to Samuel, who, though no Levite, was a Nazarite, and that from his birth.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
1 Samuel 2:18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, [being] a child, girded with a linen ephod.Ver. 18. But Samuel ministered before the Lord.] He did some small charges, as setting up lights, laying up vestments, learning music, or the like. See 1 Samuel 2:11. Girded with a linen ephod.] Theoderet saith, that for the excellent grace appearing in him, and the hopes conceived of him, Eli imparted unto him this honour. Quest. 8.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
(18) Ministered . . . being a child.—A striking contrast is intended to be drawn here between the covetous, self-seeking ministrations of the worldly priests and the quiet service of the boy devoted by his pious mother and father to the sanctuary service. Girded with a linen ephod.—The ephod was a priestly dress, which Samuel received in very early youth, because he had, with the high priest’s formal sanction, been set apart for a life-long service before the Lord. This ephod was an official garment, and consisted of two pieces, which rested on the shoulders in front and behind, and were joined at the top, and fastened about the body with a girdle.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
Verse 18. Girded with a linen ephod] This the Targum translates אסיר כרדוט דבוץ asir cardut debuts, "Girded with a cardit of byssus, or fine linen." The word cardut they seem to have borrowed from the Greek χειριδωτος, a tunic, having χειριδας, i.e., sleeves that came down to, or covered, the hands. This was esteemed an effeminate garment among the Romans. See Buxtorf's Talmudic Lexicon.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:18
18–21. Samuel’s ministry in the tabernacle 18. Samuel ministered] The writer dwells upon the contrast between Samuel and the sons of Eli. We see the child attending upon Eli in the sanctuary, growing before the Lord, in favour both with the Lord and with men, chosen to be God’s messenger to Eli, and finally re-establishing the broken intercourse between Jehovah and His people. On the other hand we see Hophni and Phinehas abusing their sacred office, sinking from rapacity and profanity to open profligacy, unchecked by rebuke or warning, and at last perishing miserably by the hands of the Philistines. a linen ephod] The ephod was a garment covering the shoulders, (Lat. superhumerale), and secured round the waist by a girdle. It was the distinctive dress of priests (1 Samuel 2:28, ch. 1 Samuel 22:18), but was occasionally worn by others engaged in religions ceremonies, e.g. David (2 Samuel 6:14). The High Priest wore a special ephod (Exodus 28:6 ff.).
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 2:18
Girded with a linen ephod - This was the usual dress of the priests. It does not appear whether Levites wore an ephod properly. Possibly it was a mark of Samuel’s special dedication to the Lord’s service that he wore one.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18
18. Girded with a linen ephod — The ephod of the high priest was a shoulder-dress of fine linen, cunningly wrought, having two parts, and girded around the body below the arms. See Exodus 28:6-8.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Living "Before the Lord" and "Unto the Lord" by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the growth and spiritual increase of Samuel, emphasizing the importance of living our lives primarily before the Lord, with transparency, truth, and pu |
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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 |
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(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 |
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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 |
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(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 |
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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 |
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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 |