King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 3:18 Mean?

1 Samuel 3:18 in the King James Version says “And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good....” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. every: Heb. all the things, or, words”

1 Samuel 3:18 · KJV

Context

16

Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.

17

And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. more also: Hebr. so add any thing: or, word

18

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. every: Heb. all the things, or, words

19

And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

20

And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. established: or, faithful

Read 1 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Samuel tells 'every whit' (literally 'every word'), hiding nothing. Complete disclosure fulfills prophetic responsibility and responds to Eli's demand. Eli's response is remarkable: 'It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.' No protest, no pleading, no excuse - only acceptance of divine sovereignty. This submission to judgment demonstrates a kind of faith despite failure. Eli recognizes God's right to judge and accepts the verdict. His response does not reverse the judgment but reveals a heart that ultimately acknowledges divine authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Eli's response echoes Job's acceptance of divine sovereignty (Job 1:21). Such submission to God's will, even in judgment, characterizes biblical piety at its best. Eli's earlier failures make this acceptance all the more striking.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can someone simultaneously be under judgment and submit faithfully to God's sovereignty?
  2. What does Eli's response teach about accepting the consequences of past failures?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיַּגֶּד1 of 15

“told”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

ל֤וֹ2 of 15
H0
שְׁמוּאֵל֙3 of 15

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֶת4 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל5 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַדְּבָרִ֔ים6 of 15

“him every whit”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

וְלֹ֥א7 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

כִחֵ֖ד8 of 15

“and hid”

H3582

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ9 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וַיֹּאמַ֕ר10 of 15

“nothing from him And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה11 of 15

“It is the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

ה֔וּא12 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

הַטּ֥וֹב13 of 15

“him good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

בְּעֵינָ֖ו14 of 15

“what seemeth”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יַֽעֲשֶֽׂה׃15 of 15

“let him do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 3:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 3:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 39:8Job 2:10Judges 10:151 Peter 5:6Psalms 39:9Job 1:21

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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