And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

1 SAMUEL 3:21KJV
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1 Samuel 3:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 3:21 mean?

1 Samuel 3:21 describes how the LORD made himself known again at Shiloh, revealing himself to Samuel by speaking to him. This verse shows that God was actively communicating with Samuel in Shiloh, marking a new period of God’s guidance for Israel through Samuel.

In the story, Samuel is a young boy serving at the sanctuary in Shiloh, a central place of worship for Israel. Before this, God’s voice had been rare, but now the LORD (the personal name for God, often written as יהוה / Yahweh) appeared and revealed himself to Samuel. This signals a turning point: God is once again guiding his people by giving messages to Samuel, who will become a major prophet.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 3:21

  • "appeared" (רָאָה / ra’ah): This word means to be seen or to show oneself. Here, it emphasizes that God’s presence was real and noticeable to Samuel, not just a distant idea.
  • "revealed" (גָּלָה / galah): This word means to uncover or disclose. It highlights that God was making himself and his will clear to Samuel, not leaving him in the dark.
  • "word" (דָּבָר / davar): This means a spoken message or command. The verse points out that God’s communication with Samuel was through direct speech, not just visions or feelings.

Why 1 Samuel 3:21 matters

  • This verse clears up that God’s silence in Israel was not permanent; God chose to speak again, and Samuel was the one who received these messages.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s relationship with Israel is restored through Samuel, showing a shift from a time of spiritual dryness to renewed guidance.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing that Samuel’s calling was not a one-time event—God continued to reveal himself to Samuel, marking him as a true prophet for Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Shiloh” Hebrew H7887 · used in 30 verses

  • Joshua 18:1 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
  • Judges 21:12 And they found among the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead four hundred young virgins, that had known no man by lying with any male: and they brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.
  • 1 Samuel 14:3 And Ahiah, the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the LORD'S priest in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people knew not that Jonathan was gone.

“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.