King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 3:8 Mean?

1 Samuel 3:8 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Samuel 3:8 · King James Version

Context

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.

10

And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

Read 1 Samuel 3 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
By the third call, Eli finally perceives what is happening. The phrase 'Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child' indicates belated spiritual insight. Despite his general blindness, Eli retains enough discernment to recognize divine activity. His perception comes after three occurrences - perhaps he needed the pattern to become clear. Even failing leaders sometimes retain moments of spiritual clarity. Eli's recognition enables him to guide Samuel into proper response, contributing positively despite his compromised position.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The number three in this context suggests completeness - the pattern has fully manifested. Eli's eventual perception shows that he is not completely devoid of spiritual sensitivity, just deeply compromised. His guidance becomes crucial for Samuel's proper response.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it take for you to perceive God's activity in unexpected places?
  2. How can even compromised leaders sometimes provide crucial guidance?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיֹּ֨סֶף1 of 20

“again”

H3254

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

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 20

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

קֹרֵ֥א3 of 20

“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)

שְׁמוּאֵל֮4 of 20

“Samuel”

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

בַּשְּׁלִישִׁת֒5 of 20

“the third time”

H7992

third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)

וַיָּ֙קָם֙6 of 20

“And he arose”

H6965

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

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ7 of 20
H1980

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

אֶל8 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֵלִ֔י9 of 20

“me And Eli”

H5941

eli, an israelite highpriest

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר10 of 20

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הִנְנִ֔י11 of 20
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

כִּ֥י12 of 20
H3588

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

קֹרֵ֥א13 of 20

“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)

לִ֑י14 of 20
H0
וַיָּ֣בֶן15 of 20

“perceived”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

עֵלִ֔י16 of 20

“me And Eli”

H5941

eli, an israelite highpriest

כִּ֥י17 of 20
H3588

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

יְהוָ֖ה18 of 20

“And the LORD”

H3068

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

קֹרֵ֥א19 of 20

“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)

לַנָּֽעַר׃20 of 20

“the child”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 33:14-151 Corinthians 13:11-12

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