1 Samuel 3:7
1 Samuel 3:7 in Multiple Translations
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, because the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
Now Samuel did not yet know Jehovah, neither was the word of Jehovah yet revealed unto him.
Now at that time Samuel had no knowledge of the Lord, and the revelation of the word of the Lord had not come to him.
(Samuel hadn't yet come to know the Lord and had not received any message from him.)
Thus did Samuel, before hee knewe the Lord, and before the word of the Lord was reueiled vnto him.
And Samuel hath not yet known Jehovah, and the word of Jehovah is not yet revealed unto him.
Now Samuel didn’t yet know the LORD, neither was the LORD’s word yet revealed to him.
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him.
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither had the word of the Lord been revealed to him.
At that time Samuel did not yet know that Yahweh could speak to him, because Yahweh had not previously revealed anything to him.
You see, Samuel didn’t know God yet. It was the first time God talked to him like that, and he didn’t know his voice.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 3:7
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 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/שְׁמוּאֵ֕ל
טֶ֖רֶם
יָדַ֣ע
אֶת
יְהוָ֑ה
וְ/טֶ֛רֶם
יִגָּלֶ֥ה
אֵלָ֖י/ו
דְּבַר
יְהוָֽה
וּ/שְׁמוּאֵ֕ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
Conj | N-proper
טֶ֖רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
before
Adv
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וְ/טֶ֛רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
before
Conj | Adv
יִגָּלֶ֥ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 3:7
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.
טֶ֖רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
"before"
Adv
This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.
Definition: before, not yet, before that
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.
יָדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
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.
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.
וְ/טֶ֛רֶם
ṭerem
H2962
"before"
Conj | Adv
This word indicates something has not happened yet, or it happened before something else. It is used to show timing or sequence of events, translated as before, ere, or not yet in the KJV.
Definition: before, not yet, before that
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: before, ere, not yet. See also: Genesis 2:5; 2 Kings 6:32; Psalms 5:6.
יִגָּלֶ֥ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 3:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 3:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 3:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 3:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:7
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 3:7
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 3:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:7
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 3:7
Context — The LORD Calls Samuel
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.”
7Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, because the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 19:2 | and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” “No,” they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 9:24 | But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth— for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. |
1 Samuel 3:7 Summary
[This verse tells us that Samuel didn't yet have a personal relationship with God, and he hadn't received any messages from Him. It's like when we first start learning about God, but we haven't yet experienced His presence in our lives (see Jeremiah 31:34). As we read on in the story of Samuel, we see that he does come to know the LORD and responds in obedience. We can learn from Samuel's example by being open to hearing and responding to God's voice in our lives, like what is described in Psalm 119:105 and 1 Samuel 3:9-10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Samuel did not yet know the LORD?
It means that Samuel had not yet had a personal experience or revelation of God, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 31:34, where it says that people will know the LORD when the new covenant is established.
How could Samuel serve in the temple and not know the LORD?
Samuel was likely serving in a more external or formal capacity, like a priest or Levite, but had not yet had a personal encounter with God, as seen in the contrast between the Pharisees in Matthew 23:25-28 and the true worshippers in John 4:24.
What is the significance of the word of the LORD not being revealed to Samuel?
The word of the LORD being revealed to someone is a key aspect of their spiritual growth and development, as seen in Psalm 119:105, where the word of God is described as a lamp to guide our feet, and in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where Scripture is said to be inspired by God and useful for teaching and training in righteousness.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Samuel's calling?
This verse sets the stage for Samuel's calling, as it highlights his initial lack of understanding and experience, which is then followed by his encounter with God and his response of obedience, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:8-9, where Eli instructs Samuel to say 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be serving or going through the motions without truly knowing the LORD?
- How can I, like Samuel, position myself to hear and respond to the word of the LORD?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a deeper understanding and experience of God's presence and voice in my life, like what is described in Psalm 42:1-2?
- How can I, like Eli, help others to recognize and respond to the calling of the LORD in their lives?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 3:7
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord,.... He knew that Jehovah, the God of Israel, was the true God; he had spiritual knowledge of him, and knew somewhat of his word and worship, ways and ordinances,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 3:7
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord - i:e., by the extraordinary prophetic revelations of His Spirit.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:7
Either, first, He was not acquainted with God in that extraordinary or prophetical way. Or rather, secondly, He did not yet understand, any more than before, that it was not Eli, but God, who spake to him. And this ignorance of Samuel’ s served God’ s design, that his simplicity might give Eli the better assurance of the truth of God’ s call and message to Samuel.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:7
1 Samuel 3:7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.Ver. 7. Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord,] i.e., He knew him not in that way peculiar to prophets: for otherwise he knew the Lord a far deal better than Eli’ s two sons did, and yet he and they had all one tutor. But he hath his chair in heaven who teacheth the heart, saith a father.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:7
Verse 7. Samuel did not yet know the Lord] He had not been accustomed to receive any revelation from him. He knew and worshipped the God of Israel; but he did not know him as communicating especial revelation of His will.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 3:7
7. Now Samuel, &c.] This verse explains why Samuel failed to recognise the Voice. ‘Knowing the Lord’ here denotes not the general religious knowledge of a pious Israelite, but the special knowledge communicated by a personal revelation. The phrase is used in a different sense in 1 Samuel 2:12.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 3:7
Did not yet know the Lord - i. e. in His supernatural communication, as follows at the end of the verse. The text rendering of this verse is better than that of the margin.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:7
7. Samuel did not yet know the Lord — The first part of this verse is explained by the second.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 3:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Manifest Presence of God - Part 13 by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the importance of hearing and responding to the Lord's knocking at the door of our hearts, emphasizing that this opportunity is available to all who lov |
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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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There's Something Missing by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how the word of the Lord spread and impacted people's lives in the absence of modern communication tools. He emphasizes the importance of havi |
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The Spirit Filled Life Annointing Baptism & Fullness by Kenneth Wuest | Kenneth Wuest emphasizes the significance of living a spirit-filled life, clarifying that it is rooted in sound doctrine rather than emotion. He distinguishes between the anointing |
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Revival Stories: D. L. Moody by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about D.O. Moody, a preacher who believed in the power of the unaltered gospel message. While a pastor's conference on evangelism was tak |
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The Real Christian by John G. Lake | John G. Lake preaches about the uniqueness of a true Christian, emphasizing the unparalleled character and standing of a believer who seeks to embody Christ's spirit and character. |
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You Need the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of being baptized with the Holy Ghost for all believers, regardless of how long they have been saved. He points out that salvation is just |