1 Samuel 2:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 2:18 mean?

1 Samuel 2:18 describes Samuel serving the LORD while he was still a boy. The narrator presents Samuel as taking part in worship at Shiloh, where he lived under the care of Eli the priest.

Samuel wore a linen ephod, a garment associated with service at the place of worship. After the account of the wrongdoing of Eli’s sons in verse 17, the word “But” draws attention to Samuel’s different place in the story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 2:18

• “ministered” — שָׁרַת (sharat): This word means to serve or attend someone. Here it describes Samuel’s service in the LORD’s presence, rather than telling us what particular tasks he performed.
• “child” — נַעַר (naʿar): This word can refer to a boy or a young man. The KJV’s “child” emphasizes Samuel’s youth at the time of his service.
• “ephod” — אֵפוֹד (ephod): This word names a garment associated with worship. The verse describes Samuel’s ephod as linen, giving the reader a visible detail about his clothing.

Why 1 Samuel 2:18 matters

• Samuel’s service began early in his life. The verse places “ministered before the LORD” alongside “being a child,” making his youth part of the account.
• The linen ephod connects Samuel with the work being done at Shiloh. The garment gives a concrete picture of how he was dressed for that setting.
• Samuel’s presence there also belongs to his family’s story. In the next verse, his mother brings him a small coat each year when she comes with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.