King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 3:21 Mean?

1 Samuel 3:21 in the King James Version says “And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

1 Samuel 3:21 · KJV


Context

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

21

And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The chapter concludes with emphasis on renewed revelation: 'the LORD appeared again in Shiloh.' The prophetic silence of verse 1 has ended. God 'revealed himself to Samuel...by the word of the LORD' - divine communication has resumed through a faithful channel. The location at Shiloh is significant: despite its coming destruction, God continues to reveal Himself there through Samuel. The corrupted sanctuary becomes the site of prophetic renewal. God works through broken institutions to raise up reforming voices.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Shiloh's continued function as revelation site despite its corruption shows God's patience with flawed institutions. Yet the emphasis on Samuel rather than the priesthood signals the coming shift in Israel's spiritual leadership from priests to prophets.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God bring renewal to corrupted institutions through faithful individuals?
  2. What does the return of divine revelation at Shiloh teach about God's commitment to His people?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיֹּ֥סֶף1 of 12

again

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

יְהוָֽה׃2 of 12

And the LORD

H3068

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

לְהֵֽרָאֹ֣ה3 of 12

appeared

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּשִׁל֖וֹ4 of 12

in Shiloh

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

כִּֽי5 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נִגְלָ֨ה6 of 12

revealed

H1540

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

יְהוָֽה׃7 of 12

And the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל8 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁמוּאֵ֛ל9 of 12

himself to Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

בְּשִׁל֖וֹ10 of 12

in Shiloh

H7887

shiloh, a place in palestine

בִּדְבַ֥ר11 of 12

by the word

H1697

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

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 12

And the LORD

H3068

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


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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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