Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 3:10
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
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.
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.
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
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.
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
Context — The LORD Calls Samuel
8Once again, for the third time, the LORD called to Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” Then Eli realized that it was the LORD who was calling the boy.
9“Go and lie down,” he said to Samuel, “and if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
11Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle.
12On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have spoken about his house, from beginning to end.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
1 Samuel 3:8 |
Once again, for the third time, the LORD called to Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” Then Eli realized that it was the LORD who was calling the boy. |
| 2 |
1 Samuel 3:4–6 |
Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” |
1 Samuel 3:10 Summary
In this verse, the Lord calls out to Samuel, getting his attention and making sure he knows it's Him speaking. Samuel responds with humility and surrender, saying 'Speak, for Your servant is listening', showing that he is ready to obey the Lord. This is an example for us to follow, to be still and listen for the Lord's voice in our lives, and to respond with faith and obedience, just like Samuel did (as seen in Psalm 46:10 and Isaiah 30:21). By doing so, we can experience the Lord's presence and guidance in our lives, just like Samuel did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Lord call Samuel by name twice?
The Lord called Samuel by name twice, as before, to get his attention and to make sure Samuel knew it was Him speaking, similar to how the Lord got the attention of His disciples in John 20:16 and John 21:15-17.
What does it mean to say 'Speak, for Your servant is listening'?
When Samuel said 'Speak, for Your servant is listening', he was expressing humility, surrender, and a willingness to obey the Lord, similar to how the Lord expects us to come to Him with a humble heart in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Isaiah 66:2.
How did Samuel know what to say to the Lord?
Samuel knew what to say to the Lord because Eli had instructed him to say 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening' if the Lord called him again, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:9.
What is the significance of the Lord standing and calling Samuel?
The Lord standing and calling Samuel signifies the Lord's presence and authority, and it is a call to Samuel to pay attention and listen to what the Lord has to say, similar to how the Lord stood with the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel 2:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What would it take for you to be still and listen for the Lord's voice in your life?
- How can you cultivate a heart that is humble and willing to listen to the Lord, like Samuel?
- What are some distractions in your life that might be hindering your ability to hear the Lord's voice?
- How can you respond with faith and obedience when the Lord speaks to you, like Samuel did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 3:10
And the Lord came, and stood,.... At the place where Samuel lay; either there was, as Kimchi, a form before his eyes in the vision of prophecy, some visible corporeal shape assumed; or a bright
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 3:10
And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. The Lord came, and stood.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:10
The Lord came; before, he spake to him at a distance, even from the holy oracle between the cherubims; but now, to prevent all further mistakes, the voice came near to him, as if the person speaking had been present with him. And stood; before, the voice passed by him, now the speaker fixeth his abode with him for a time, till he had uttered his whole mind to him. As at other times; as he had done before. Samuel, Samuel; his name is here doubled, to engage him to the more speedy and diligent attention.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:10
1 Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.Ver. 10. And the Lord came, and stood.] In some visible shape, either by an angel, or at least as he did, late in Queen Mary’ s days, to Robert Samuel, martyr, who having been long kept in close prison by the Bishop of Norwich without food and drink, saving that he had every day allowed him two or three morsels of bread and three spoonfuls of water, to the end he might be reserved to further torment, he fell one time into a sleep, as it were one half in a slumber: at which time one clad all in white seemed to stand before him, which ministered comfort unto him by these words - Samuel, Samuel, be of good cheer, and take a good heart unto thee, for after this day thou shalt never be either hungry or thirsty. For speedily after he was burned, and from that time till he should suffer, he felt neither hunger nor thirst. And this declared he, as he said, that all men might behold the wonderful works of God. The like befell Cuthbert Simson, martyr. Act. and Mon., fol. 1547. Ibid., fol. 1844.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:10
(9, 10) And the Lord came, and stood.—Then before the boy, as he lay and waited for the voice, came something, and it stood before him. The question naturally occurs to us, What came and stood before the boy’s couch? As a rule, we find that generally, when the Lord was pleased to take some form, the form is specified. Now, as in Abraham’s case at Mamre, it was a traveller; now, as in Joshua’s, an armed warrior; very frequently, as to Manoah, the form was that of an angel; here nothing is specially described. Was it not that simply “the glory” on which Moses gazed when he met the Holy One on Sinai—“the glory” which seemed to rest at times in the lightless Holy of Holies on the golden mercy-seat of the Ark of the Covenant? Was it not this “visible glory”—Shekinah. as the Hebrews termed it—which filled the chamber of the child, and from out of this came the voice of the Eternal, and spoke to Samuel? “See how God loves holiness in children. The child Samuel was preferred by Him to Eli, the aged high priest and judge.”—Theodoret, quoted by Bishop Wordsworth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:10
Verse 10. The Lord cane, and stood] He heard the voice as if it was approaching nearer and nearer; till at last, from the sameness of the tone, he could imagine that it ceased to approach: and this is what appears to be represented under the notion of God standing and calling.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 3:10
10. And the Lord came, and stood] The Heb. is emphatic: presented himself. The Voice became a Vision (1 Samuel 3:15). Cp. Genesis 15:1; Numbers 12:6-8. The visible manifestations of Jehovah or the Angel of Jehovah in the O. T. were foreshadowings of the Incarnation.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 3:10
A personal presence, not a mere voice, or impression upon Samuel’s mind, is here distinctly indicated. (Compare Genesis 12:7 note; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:16.)
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:10
10. The Lord came, and stood — From 1 Samuel 3:15 we learn that Samuel beheld a vision as well as heard a voice, and, therefore, it is most natural to understand the words came and stood as designating a visible appearance.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 3:10
| Sermon | Description |
|
(Genesis) - Part 20
by Zac Poonen
|
In this sermon, the speaker discusses six instances in the Bible where God calls individuals by repeating their names. The first instance is in Genesis 22, where God calls Abraham |
|
Span-04 Apostolic & Prophetic Foundations 1 of 8
by Art Katz
|
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting for the word of God before speaking, acting, or confronting others. They challenge the conventional wisdom of succe |
|
(1 Samuel) Various Passages - Three Lives, Three Choices
by David Guzik
|
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of building a personal relationship with God when no one else is looking. He uses the example of David, who developed a deep c |
|
Jesus and the Little Children
by Micheal Smith
|
This sermon emphasizes the importance of coming to Jesus with childlike faith, focusing on the readiness, purity, boldness, faithfulness, and relationship seen in exemplary childre |
|
(1 Samuel) When God Announces Judgment
by David Guzik
|
In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Samuel and Eli from the Bible. He highlights how Eli and his sons were engaging in evil dealings and taking advantage of worshi |
|
Practical Devastation of Our Old Humanity
by T. Austin-Sparks
|
In this sermon, the speaker discusses the deep-rooted failure of humanity in relation to God. He emphasizes the betrayal of Judas and how it exposed the sinful nature within all of |
|
Hearing and Obeying God's Voice
by Shane Idleman
|
Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning and obeying God's voice, using the story of Abram's call in Genesis 12 as a foundation. He discusses the challenges of disting |