New International VersionThe LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
New Living TranslationAnd the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”
English Standard VersionAnd the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
Berean Standard BibleThen the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
King James BibleAnd the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
New King James VersionNow the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”
New American Standard BibleThen the LORD came and stood, and called as at the other times: “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
NASB 1995Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
NASB 1977Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Thy servant is listening.”
Legacy Standard BibleThen Yahweh came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your slave is listening.”
Amplified BibleThen the LORD came and stood and called as at the previous times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
Christian Standard BibleThe LORD came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel! ” Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe LORD came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel responded, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
American Standard VersionAnd Jehovah came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
Contemporary English VersionThe LORD then stood beside Samuel and called out as he had done before, "Samuel! Samuel!" "I'm listening," Samuel answered. "What do you want me to do?"
English Revised VersionAnd the LORD came, and stood and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe LORD came and stood there. He called as he had called the other times: "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Speak. I'm listening."
Good News TranslationThe LORD came and stood there, and called as he had before, "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak; your servant is listening."
International Standard VersionLater, the LORD came and stood there, calling out, "Samuel! Samuel!" as he had before. Samuel said, "Speak, because your servant is listening."
NET BibleThen the LORD came and stood nearby, calling as he had previously done, "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel replied, "Speak, for your servant is listening!"
New Heart English BibleAnd the LORD came and stood, and called as at other times. Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the LORD came, and stood and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
World English BibleYahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH comes, and stations Himself, and calls as time by time, “Samuel, Samuel”; and Samuel says, “Speak, for Your servant is hearing.”
Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah cometh, and stationeth Himself, and calleth as time by time, 'Samuel, Samuel;' and Samuel saith, 'Speak, for Thy servant is hearing.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Jehovah will come and stand and call as once to once, Samuel, Samuel. And Samuel will say, Speak, for thy servant heard. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord came and stood: and he called, as he had called the other times: Samuel, Samuel. And Samuel said: Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the Lord came, and stood, and he called, just as he had called the other times, “Samuel, Samuel.” And Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
New American Biblethe LORD came and stood there, calling out as before: Samuel, Samuel! Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
New Revised Standard VersionNow the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD came and stood and called twice, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak, LORD; for thy servant hears.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd LORD JEHOVAH came and stood, and he called two times: “Shemueil! Shemueil!” And Shemueil said: “Speak LORD JEHOVAH, for your Servant listens!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times: 'Samuel, Samuel.' Then Samuel said: 'Speak; for Thy servant heareth.'
Brenton Septuagint TranslationAnd the Lord came, and stood, and called him as before: and Samuel said, Speak, for thy servant hears.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The LORD Calls Samuel… 9“Go and lie down,” he said to Samuel, “and if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10Then the LORDcameand stood there,callingas before,“Samuel!Samuel!”And Samuelanswered,“Speak,forYour servantis listening.”11Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle.…
Cross References Exodus 3:4When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.
Genesis 46:2And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob.
Acts 9:4-6He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. / “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Isaiah 6:8Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”
Acts 22:7-10I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. / My companions saw the light, but they could not understand the voice of the One speaking to me. ...
John 10:27My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.
Numbers 12:6He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.
Acts 26:14-16We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. / ‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you.
Deuteronomy 18:15The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him.
Matthew 17:5While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
Jeremiah 1:4-10The word of the LORD came to me, saying: / “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” / “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” ...
John 12:28-30Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” / The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. / In response, Jesus said, “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours.
1 Kings 19:12-13After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. / When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Hebrews 1:1-2On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.
Job 33:14-16For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices. / In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, / He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings
Treasury of Scripture And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for your servant hears. the Lord came. as at other 1 Samuel 3:4-6,8 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Heream I… Jump to Previous EarsHearethHearingHearsListeningOpenSamuelServantSpeakStationethStoodTimeTimesJump to Next EarsHearethHearingHearsListeningOpenSamuelServantSpeakStationethStoodTimeTimes1 Samuel 3 1.How the word of the Lord was first revealed to Samuel11.God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house15.Samuel, though loath, tells Eli the vision19.Samuel grows in creditThen the LORD came and stood thereThis phrase indicates a theophany, where God manifests His presence in a tangible way. In the Old Testament, God often appeared in various forms, such as a burning bush to Moses ( Exodus 3:2) or a pillar of cloud and fire to the Israelites ( Exodus 13:21-22). The presence of the LORD here signifies the importance of the message being delivered. It also highlights the transition from the period of the judges to the prophetic era, with Samuel being a pivotal figure in this shift. calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”
The repetition of Samuel's name is significant, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the call. This pattern of calling is seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as when God calls Moses (Exodus 3:4) and when Jesus calls Martha (Luke 10:41). It indicates a personal and direct communication from God, underscoring Samuel's role as a chosen servant. The calling of Samuel marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry, which would lead to significant events in Israel's history, including the anointing of the first kings. And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
Samuel's response demonstrates humility and readiness to serve, qualities essential for a prophet. His willingness to listen contrasts with the spiritual deafness of Eli's sons, who failed to heed God's commands (1 Samuel 2:12-17). This moment foreshadows the obedience and faithfulness required of God's messengers. Samuel's posture of listening is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to be attentive to God's word (James 1:19). Samuel's response also prefigures Christ's obedience to the Father, as seen in Jesus' submission to God's will (John 5:30). Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORDThe God of Israel, who is actively communicating with Samuel, indicating His desire to guide and lead His people. 2. SamuelA young boy serving in the temple under Eli, chosen by God to be a prophet and leader in Israel. 3. EliThe high priest of Israel at the time, who mentors Samuel and helps him recognize the voice of God. 4. The TabernacleThe place where Samuel is serving, representing the presence of God among His people. 5. The CallingA significant event where God directly calls Samuel, marking the beginning of his prophetic ministry. Teaching Points Listening to GodJust as Samuel was attentive to God's voice, we must cultivate a heart that listens for God's guidance in our lives. Recognizing God's CallSamuel initially did not recognize God's voice. We, too, may need guidance and discernment to understand when God is speaking to us. Responding with ObedienceSamuel's response, "Speak, for Your servant is listening," demonstrates a posture of humility and readiness to obey God's instructions. Mentorship and GuidanceEli's role in helping Samuel recognize God's voice highlights the importance of spiritual mentors in our journey of faith. God's InitiativeGod takes the initiative to call Samuel, reminding us that God actively seeks a relationship with us and desires to use us for His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3:10?
2.How can we recognize God's voice like Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:10?
3.What steps can we take to respond, "Speak, for Your servant is listening"?
4.How does 1 Samuel 3:10 relate to John 10:27 about hearing God?
5.What role does obedience play in hearing God's call, as seen in 1 Samuel 3?
6.How can we cultivate a listening heart in our daily spiritual practice?
7.How does 1 Samuel 3:10 illustrate God's communication with humanity?
8.Why did God choose to speak to Samuel instead of Eli in 1 Samuel 3:10?
9.What does 1 Samuel 3:10 reveal about the nature of divine calling?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 3?
11.What is listening prayer?
12.How does God call individuals to ministry?
13.Can you truly listen and understand?
14.Is Saul counted among the prophets?What Does 1 Samuel 3:10 Mean Then the LORD came• The text presents a real, personal visitation—God Himself initiates the encounter, just as He did with Abraham at Mamre (Genesis 18:1) and with Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4). • God breaks the nighttime silence of Shiloh, showing that He is never distant from His covenant people even when their leadership is failing (compare1 Samuel 2:12–17). • The scene underscores that revelation is God’s gracious choice, not human achievement (John 1:14;James 1:17).
and stood there• “Stood” conveys settled presence, not a fleeting voice—echoing moments when the Angel of the LORD “stood” before Balaam (Numbers 22:35) or when the glory cloud “stood” at the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:9). • God positions Himself near the boy, affirming intimacy and accessibility despite divine holiness (Psalm 34:18;Hebrews 4:16). • The posture highlights accountability: when the LORD stands, He is both witness and judge (Amos 9:1).
calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”• Repetition signals urgency and affection, just as with “Abraham, Abraham” (Genesis 22:11) and “Moses, Moses” (Exodus 3:4). • The phrase “as before” ties this call to the three prior calls (1 Samuel 3:4-8), driving home God’s patience with youthful misunderstanding. • God knows Samuel’s name; divine calling is always personal (Isaiah 43:1;John 10:3).
And Samuel answered• Response is the turning point of revelation; hearing must become answering (Isaiah 6:8;Acts 9:6). • Though young, Samuel models the posture every believer should take: readiness over reluctance (Psalm 27:8). • His answer contrasts with Eli’s earlier dullness (1 Samuel 2:29)—God’s work often advances through the humble rather than the prominent (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
“Speak, for Your servant is listening.”• Samuel declares willingness to receive whatever God says, mirroring the servant-heart extolled inPsalm 40:6-8 and fulfilled perfectly by Christ (Philippians 2:7-8). • Listening implies obedience; true hearing of God’s word leads to doing it (James 1:22;Luke 11:28). • The statement becomes a pattern for devotional life: prioritize God’s voice over noise, anticipate direction, and submit to it (Luke 10:39;John 14:23).
summary1 Samuel 3:10 records a literal, personal encounter in which the LORD physically presents Himself, patiently repeats Samuel’s name, and receives a humble, obedient response. The verse teaches that God still pursues intimate communication with His people, that He values responsive hearts over religious position, and that genuine listening always prepares the ground for faithful action. Verse 10. - And Jehovah came, and stood, and called as at other times. It is something more than a voice; there was an objective presence; and so in ver. 15 it is called, not hazon, a sight seen when in a state of ecstasy, but march, something seen when wide awake, and in the full, calm possession of every faculty. As at other times simply means as before, as on the two previous occasions. But now, instead of hurrying to Eli, Samuel obediently waits for the revelation of the Divine will, saying, "Speak; for thy servant heareth." THE MESSAGE TO ELI (vers. 11-18).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then the LORDיְהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelcameוַיָּבֹ֤א(way·yā·ḇō)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goand stood there,וַיִּתְיַצַּ֔ב(way·yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣaḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3320:To set or station oneself, take one's standcallingוַיִּקְרָ֥א(way·yiq·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readas before,כְפַֽעַם־(ḵə·p̄a·‘am-)Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6471:A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence“Samuel!שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל ׀(šə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050:Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of IsraelSamuel!”שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל(šə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050:Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of IsraelAnd Samuelשְׁמוּאֵל֙(šə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050:Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israelanswered,וַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Speak,דַּבֵּ֔ר(dab·bêr)Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdueforכִּ֥י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionYour servantעַבְדֶּֽךָ׃(‘aḇ·de·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantis listening.”שֹׁמֵ֖עַ(šō·mê·a‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently
Links 1 Samuel 3:10 NIV1 Samuel 3:10 NLT1 Samuel 3:10 ESV1 Samuel 3:10 NASB1 Samuel 3:10 KJV
1 Samuel 3:10 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 3:10 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 3:10 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 3:10 French Bible1 Samuel 3:10 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 3:10 Yahweh came and stood and called as (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
