Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.

1 SAMUEL 3:7KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 3:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 3:7 mean?

1 Samuel 3:7 explains that Samuel, though serving in the temple, did not yet personally know the LORD, because the LORD’s word had not yet been revealed to him. This verse shows that Samuel had not yet experienced a direct encounter or message from God at this point in his life.

In this scene, Samuel is a young boy serving under Eli the priest. The verse sets the stage for Samuel’s first prophetic experience, making it clear that up to now, he had not received any direct revelation from God. This helps the reader understand why Samuel did not recognize God’s voice when he first heard it.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 3:7

  • "know" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word means more than just intellectual knowledge; it often refers to personal experience or relationship. Here, it shows that Samuel had not yet had a personal encounter with the LORD.
  • "revealed" (גָּלָה, galah): This word means to uncover or disclose. The verse uses it to explain that God had not yet made Himself or His word known to Samuel in a direct, prophetic way.
  • "word" (דָּבָר, davar): This can mean a spoken message or command. The verse points out that Samuel had not yet received any direct communication from God, which is significant for understanding his confusion in the following verses.

Why 1 Samuel 3:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Samuel’s lack of recognition of God’s voice was not due to disobedience or lack of faith, but because he had never before experienced God’s direct communication.
  • It highlights the beginning of Samuel’s prophetic calling, marking a turning point in his relationship with God and in Israel’s history.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by explaining Samuel’s innocence and preparing the reader for the important message he is about to receive from God.

Where else these words appear

“yet” Hebrew H2962 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
  • Exodus 1:19 And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them.
  • Numbers 11:33 And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.

“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.