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

1 SAMUEL 3:10KJV
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1 Samuel 3:10 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 3:10 mean?

1 Samuel 3:10 describes a moment when the LORD personally appears and calls out to the boy Samuel by name, just as He had done before. Samuel responds by inviting God to speak, showing that he is ready and willing to listen as God’s servant.

In this scene, the LORD (God) comes to Samuel during the night in the tabernacle, making Himself present in a way Samuel can sense. Samuel, who had been confused by God’s earlier calls, now understands that it is truly God speaking to him. This verse marks the beginning of Samuel’s role as a prophet, as he openly listens to God for the first time.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 3:10

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God used throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing that it is God Himself, not just a messenger or a vision, who is present and speaking to Samuel.
  • stood (נָצַב, natsav): This word means to take a stand or position oneself. It suggests that God’s presence was not just a voice in the air but something Samuel could sense as being right there with him, making the encounter more direct and personal.
  • called (קָרָא, qara): This verb means to call out or summon. The repetition of Samuel’s name shows urgency and personal attention, highlighting the importance of this moment.
  • servant (עֶבֶד, eved): Samuel calls himself God’s servant, showing humility and readiness to obey, which is a key attitude for someone who will speak for God.

Why 1 Samuel 3:10 matters

  • This verse clears up that Samuel’s earlier confusion was not due to a lack of faith, but because he had never before experienced God speaking so directly; now, he recognizes God’s voice.
  • The verse emphasizes the personal nature of God’s call, showing that God seeks a willing and attentive listener, not just someone to deliver messages.
  • 1 Samuel 3:10 marks a turning point in the story, as Samuel moves from being a helper in the temple to becoming a prophet who hears and delivers God’s word to Israel.

Where else these words appear

“stood” Hebrew H3320 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 2:4 And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him.
  • Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

“times” Hebrew H6471 · used in 108 verses

  • Genesis 2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
  • Deuteronomy 9:19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, wherewith the LORD was wroth against you to destroy you. But the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also.
  • 2 Kings 5:14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

“Samuel” Hebrew H8050 · used in 120 verses

  • Numbers 34:20 And of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud.
  • 1 Samuel 9:17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.
  • 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.