And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

1 SAMUEL 3:6KJV
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1 Samuel 3:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 3:6 mean?

1 Samuel 3:6 describes how the LORD called Samuel a second time during the night, and Samuel, thinking Eli had called him, got up and went to Eli to offer his help. Eli replied that he had not called Samuel and told him to go back and lie down.

This verse takes place in the temple, where the young Samuel is serving under Eli, the priest. Samuel hears his name called but does not yet realize it is God (the LORD) speaking to him. Instead, Samuel assumes Eli is calling and responds with readiness to serve, showing Samuel’s obedience and innocence at this stage of the story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 3:6

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing that it is God Himself who is calling Samuel, not just any voice or messenger.
  • called (קָרָא, qara’): This word means to call out or summon. The repetition in the story highlights the persistence and directness of God’s communication with Samuel.
  • again (יָסַף, yasaf): This means “again” or “to continue.” The use of this word shows that God is persistent, not giving up after the first call.
  • son (בֵּן, ben): Eli addresses Samuel as “my son,” which shows a relationship of care and mentorship, adding warmth to their interaction.

Why 1 Samuel 3:6 matters

  • This verse shows Samuel’s humility and willingness to serve, even when he does not fully understand what is happening.
  • The repeated calling emphasizes that God is patient and persistent in reaching out to Samuel, setting up the importance of Samuel’s role as a prophet.
  • The interaction between Eli and Samuel highlights the generational transition in leadership and the beginning of Samuel’s unique relationship with God, which will shape the rest of the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Eli” Hebrew H5941 · used in 30 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
  • 1 Samuel 2:20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home.
  • 1 Samuel 3:15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

“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.