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.

1 SAMUEL 3:11KJV
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1 Samuel 3:11 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 3:11 mean?

1 Samuel 3:11 describes God telling Samuel that He is about to do something in Israel so shocking that everyone who hears about it will be stunned, their ears “tingling” from the news. This verse signals that a major, unsettling event is about to happen, one that will deeply affect the people.

In this scene, the LORD is speaking directly to the boy Samuel during the night, marking Samuel’s first prophetic message. God is preparing Samuel to deliver a message of judgment against Israel, specifically concerning the house of Eli, the priest. The phrase about ears tingling is a Hebrew way of saying the news will be so startling that it will leave a lasting impression on everyone who hears it.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 3:11

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God, used here to show that the message comes directly from Israel’s God, not just a generic deity.
  • tingle (צָלַל, tsalal): This word means to quiver or ring, often used in Hebrew to describe a physical reaction to shocking or terrifying news. It emphasizes the intensity of the coming event—people will be so affected that their ears will almost “ring” with the impact of what they hear.
  • thing (דָּבָר, davar): This word can mean “word,” “matter,” or “event.” Here, it refers to the serious action or event God is about to bring about in Israel, not just a message but something that will actually happen.

Why 1 Samuel 3:11 matters

  • This verse marks the beginning of Samuel’s role as a prophet, showing that God is now speaking through him rather than through Eli or his sons.
  • The strong language about ears tingling highlights how serious and memorable God’s actions will be, preparing the reader for the gravity of the coming judgment.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the shift in leadership and spiritual authority in Israel, as God moves away from Eli’s corrupt family and raises up Samuel.

Where else these words appear

“tingle” Hebrew H6750 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Kings 21:12 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.
  • Jeremiah 19:3 And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.
  • Habakkuk 3:16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

“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.