1 Samuel 3:4
1 Samuel 3:4 in Multiple Translations
Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.”
That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
that Jehovah called Samuel: and he said, Here am I.
The voice of the Lord said Samuel's name; and he said, Here am I.
Then the Lord called, “Samuel!” He answered, “I'm here.”
Then the Lord called Samuel: and hee said, Here I am.
and Jehovah calleth unto Samuel, and he saith, 'Here [am] I.'
The LORD called Samuel. He said, “Here I am.”
That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
And the Lord called Samuel. And he answered: Here am I.
Yahweh called, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel replied, “I’m here!”
God called out to the boy, “Samuel.” The boy answered, “Yes? What is it?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 3:4
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 3:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרָ֧א
יְהוָ֛ה
אֶל
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
הִנֵּֽ/נִי
וַ/יִּקְרָ֧א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֛ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הִנֵּֽ/נִי
hên
H2005
look!
Part | Suff
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 3:4
וַ/יִּקְרָ֧א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
יְהוָ֛ה
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שְׁמוּאֵ֖ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
"Shemuel"
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.
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
הִנֵּֽ/נִי
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part | Suff
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 3:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 3:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 3:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 3:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 3:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:4
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 3:4
Context — The LORD Calls Samuel
2And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room.
3Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located.
4Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.”
5He 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. 6Once 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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 6:8 | Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!” |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 12:6–11 | There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines. |
| 3 | Exodus 3:4 | When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. |
| 4 | Psalms 99:6 | Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel was among those who called on His name. They called to the LORD and He answered. |
| 5 | Genesis 22:1 | Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. |
| 6 | Galatians 1:15–16 | But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood, |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 12:28 | And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. |
| 8 | Acts 9:4 | He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” |
1 Samuel 3:4 Summary
In 1 Samuel 3:4, the LORD calls out to Samuel, and Samuel responds with 'Here I am', showing that he is ready to listen and obey God. This verse teaches us that God wants to communicate with us and guide us, just like He did with Samuel (as seen in Jeremiah 33:3). We can learn from Samuel's example by being attentive to God's voice and responding with obedience, as Jesus taught in John 10:27. By doing so, we can deepen our relationship with God and be ready to serve Him in whatever way He calls us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD called to Samuel?
In 1 Samuel 3:4, the LORD calling to Samuel means that God was initiating communication with him, much like He did with other prophets and leaders in the Bible, such as Moses in Exodus 3:4 and Isaiah in Isaiah 6:8.
Why did Samuel answer 'Here I am'?
Samuel's response of 'Here I am' indicates his willingness to listen and obey God, similar to Abraham's response in Genesis 22:1 and Isaiah's response in Isaiah 6:8, demonstrating his readiness to serve the Lord.
How did Samuel know it was the LORD calling him?
The Bible doesn't explicitly state how Samuel knew it was the LORD calling, but it's likely that Samuel recognized God's voice due to his close relationship with God and his experience serving in the temple, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:18 and 1 Samuel 3:1.
What can we learn from Samuel's response to the LORD's call?
We can learn from Samuel's example that we should be attentive to God's voice and respond with obedience, as seen in Jesus' teachings in John 10:27 and the apostle Paul's writings in Romans 6:17.
Reflection Questions
- What would my response be if I heard the LORD calling my name, and how can I cultivate a deeper relationship with Him to recognize His voice?
- In what ways can I, like Samuel, position myself to hear God's voice and be ready to respond with obedience?
- How can I apply the principle of 'Here I am' in my daily life, being available and willing to serve the Lord in whatever circumstances I find myself?
- What are some distractions or obstacles in my life that might prevent me from hearing the LORD's call, and how can I remove them to be more attentive to His voice?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 3:4
That the Lord called Samuel,.... By a voice which came forth from the most holy place, from between the cherubim, the seat of the divine Majesty: and he answered, here am I; which was not intended to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 3:4
That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:4
1 Samuel 3:4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.Ver. 4. That the Lord called Samuel] Gratuita et inopinata est vocatio nostra God calleth his people of free grace, and when they least think of it. And he answered, Here am I.] A hearing ear is a sweet mercy: a heavy ear, a grievous judgment.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:4
(3, 4) Ere the lamp of God went out.—There is a Talmud comment here of singular interest and beauty: “On the day that Rabbi Akiva died, Rabbi (compiler of the Mishnah) was born; on the day when Rabbi died, Rav Yehudah was born; on the day when Rav Yehudah died, Rava was born; on the day when Rava died, Rav Ashi (one of the editors of Guemara) was born. It teaches thee, that no righteous man departs this life before another equally righteous is born; as it is said (Ecclesiastes 1:5): ‘The sun riser, and the sun goes down.’ The sun of Eli had not set before that of Samuel rose; as it is said (1 Samuel 3:3): ‘Ere the lamp of God was out . . . and Samuel laid down.’”—Tract Kiddushin, fol. 72, Colossians 2. “It was night in the sanctuary. The high priest slept in one of the adjacent chambers, and the attendant ministers in another. In the centre, on the left of the entrance, stood the seven-branched candlestick, now mentioned for the last time; superseded in the reign of Solomon by the ten separate candlesticks, but revived after the Captivity by the copy of the one candlestick with seven branches, as it is still seen on the Arch of Titus. It was the only light of the Tabernacle during the night, was solemnly lighted every evening, as in the devotions of the Eastern world, both Mussulman and Christian, and extinguished just before morning, when the doors were opened. “ In the deep silence of that early morning, before the sun had risen, when the sacred light was still burning, came through the mouth of the innocent child the doom of the house of Ithamar.”—Stanley, Lectures on the Jewish Church, Part I. The Lord called Samuel.—It seems probable that the voice came from out of the “visible glory,” the Shekinah, which on that solemn night of the calling of the child-prophet no doubt rested on its chosen earthly throne—the mercy-seat of God—which formed the top of the Ark, and which was overshadowed by the outspread wings of the golden Cherubim.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:4
Verse 4. The Lord called Samuel] The voice probably came from the holy place, near to which Eli and Samuel were both lying.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 3:4
4. Here am I] Heb. Behold me, the regular formula for expressing attention to a call and readiness to obey. Cp. Genesis 22:1; Isaiah 6:8.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:4
4. The Lord called Samuel — In an audible voice, by pronouncing his name. Compare Genesis 22:1; Exodus 3:4.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 3:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Personal Victory for the New Year by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on a verse written by Paul, emphasizing the importance of being watchful as Christians. He highlights that we cannot simply muddle through the |
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Ichabod: The Glory Departed by Bakht Singh | In this sermon transcript, the preacher emphasizes that many preachers today are not delivering God's message but their own opinions and worldly philosophies to entertain people. T |
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Fren-07 Samuel Le Prophète (Samuel the Prophet) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving and obeying the Word of the Lord. He highlights the story of Samuel, who heard and obeyed the Word of the Lord, l |
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Three Principles Seen in Epoch Making Men by Lance Lambert | This sermon focuses on the life of Samuel from the book of 1 Samuel, highlighting the importance of total and unconditional commitment to the Lord, total surrender of one's will to |
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Knowing the Voice of the Lord! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of recognizing the voice of the Lord amidst spiritual barrenness, as illustrated by the young Samuel who initially did not know God’s voic |
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Not for Me? Why Not? by William Edwin Boardman | William Edwin Boardman preaches about the importance of holy boldness in approaching God, highlighting the need to surrender self-complacency and embrace a deep sense of humility a |
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A Three-Fold Vision by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of vision and obedience to God's will. He emphasizes the need for a cleansing wave of revival in a nation plagued by immoralit |