King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 3:6 Mean?

1 Samuel 3:6 in the King James Version says “And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. An...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.”

1 Samuel 3:6 · KJV

Context

4

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

5

And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

6

And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

7

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. Now: or, Thus did Samuel before he knew the LORD, and before the word of the LORD was revealed unto him

8

And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.

Read 1 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The pattern repeats: God calls, Samuel runs to Eli, Eli denies calling. The phrase 'I called not, my son' adds paternal affection to the denial. Eli's tender address as 'my son' shows relational warmth even amid his failures. Samuel obeys again, returning to his place. The threefold pattern (this is the second of three calls) follows a common narrative structure that builds toward decisive moment. God's patience in calling repeatedly shows His commitment to communicate with those who genuinely seek to hear.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Threefold repetition is a standard literary pattern in Hebrew narrative (Joseph's dreams, Peter's denial and restoration). The pattern emphasizes importance and moves toward climax. God's persistence in calling despite initial failures shows grace in the communication process.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God's repeated calling despite misunderstanding teach about His patience?
  2. How does the narrative build tension through repetition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיֹּ֣סֶף1 of 21

“yet again”

H3254

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

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 21

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

קָרָ֥אתִי3 of 21

“Here am I for thou didst call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

עוֹד֮4 of 21
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

שְׁמוּאֵל֙5 of 21

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

וַיָּ֤קָם6 of 21

“arose”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

שְׁמוּאֵל֙7 of 21

“And Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ8 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל9 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֵלִ֔י10 of 21

“to Eli”

H5941

eli, an israelite highpriest

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר11 of 21

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנְנִ֔י12 of 21
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

כִּ֥י13 of 21
H3588

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

קָרָ֥אתִי14 of 21

“Here am I for thou didst call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לִ֑י15 of 21
H0
וַיֹּ֛אמֶר16 of 21

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא17 of 21
H3808

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

קָרָ֥אתִי18 of 21

“Here am I for thou didst call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בְנִ֖י19 of 21

“not my son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שׁ֥וּב20 of 21

“again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

שְׁכָֽב׃21 of 21

“lie down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 43:29Matthew 9:22 Samuel 18:221 Samuel 4:16

Test Your Knowledge

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

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