King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 3:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 3:7 in the King James Version says “Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. Now: or, Thus did Samuel b...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Samuel 3:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Read 1 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This parenthetical explanation is crucial: 'Samuel did not yet know the LORD.' The Hebrew yada' (know) implies experiential, relational knowledge. Samuel served at the sanctuary but had not yet encountered God personally. The parallel phrase 'the word of the LORD yet revealed' indicates Samuel had not received direct prophetic communication. Religious service and direct divine encounter are not identical. Many serve faithfully in religious contexts without experiencing personal revelation. Samuel's subsequent call would transform service into encounter.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The distinction between formal religious service and personal divine encounter appears throughout Scripture. Priests could serve for years without receiving prophetic revelation. The prophet's direct experience of God's word distinguished prophetic from priestly ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between serving in religious contexts and knowing God personally?
  2. How did personal encounter with God transform your religious practice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וּשְׁמוּאֵ֕ל1 of 10

“Now Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

וְטֶ֛רֶם2 of 10

“did not yet”

H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

יָדַ֣ע3 of 10

“know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת4 of 10
H853

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

יְהוָֽה׃5 of 10

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

וְטֶ֛רֶם6 of 10

“did not yet”

H2962

properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before

יִגָּלֶ֥ה7 of 10

“yet revealed”

H1540

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

אֵלָ֖יו8 of 10
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דְּבַר9 of 10

“neither was the word”

H1697

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

יְהוָֽה׃10 of 10

“of 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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 19:2Jeremiah 9:24

Test Your Knowledge

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

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