King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 3:9 Mean?

1 Samuel 3:9 in the King James Version says “Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for th... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Samuel 3:9 · KJV


Context

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.

11

And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eli's instruction provides the proper response formula: 'Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.' This response positions Samuel correctly - as servant awaiting the Master's word. The structure reverses Samuel's earlier mistake of speaking before listening. Eli offers Samuel what he himself has apparently lost - knowledge of how to receive divine revelation. The instruction to 'lie down' indicates patient waiting; the response formula indicates humble receptivity. Eli's mentoring in this moment accomplishes something his years of compromised priesthood could not.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The response formula Eli provides became paradigmatic for prophetic receptivity. Similar language appears in prophetic call narratives throughout Scripture. Isaiah's 'Here am I; send me' (6:8) follows this pattern of available servanthood.

Reflection Questions

  1. What posture of heart and mind does 'Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth' represent?
  2. Who has taught you how to listen for God's voice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙1 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

עֵלִ֣י2 of 19

Therefore Eli

H5941

eli, an israelite highpriest

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל3 of 19

So Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

לֵ֣ךְ4 of 19
H1980

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

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֖ב5 of 19

and lay down

H7901

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

וְהָיָה֙6 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אִם7 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִקְרָ֣א8 of 19

and it shall be if he call

H7121

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

אֵלֶ֔יךָ9 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙10 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

דַּבֵּ֣ר11 of 19

Speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֔ה12 of 19

LORD

H3068

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

כִּ֥י13 of 19
H3588

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

שֹׁמֵ֖עַ14 of 19

heareth

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ15 of 19

for thy servant

H5650

a servant

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ16 of 19
H1980

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

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל17 of 19

So Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

וַיִּשְׁכַּ֖ב18 of 19

and lay down

H7901

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

בִּמְקוֹמֽוֹ׃19 of 19

in his place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)


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 3:9 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 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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