Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

1 SAMUEL 3:9KJV
Know the Bible

1 Samuel 3:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 3:9 mean?

1 Samuel 3:9 describes Eli instructing the young Samuel on how to respond if he hears God calling him again: Samuel is to say, “Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.” Samuel then returns to his place to wait and listen. This verse shows Eli guiding Samuel to recognize and answer God’s voice with humility and readiness.

In this scene, Eli, the priest, realizes that it is God who has been calling Samuel during the night. Eli tells Samuel exactly what to say if the voice calls again, teaching Samuel how to respond respectfully and attentively to God. The verse highlights a moment of learning and trust between an older mentor and a young servant, setting the stage for Samuel’s first direct encounter with God.

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 3:9

  • דַּבֵּר (dabbēr, “Speak”): This word is a request for God to communicate. Eli tells Samuel to invite God to speak, showing openness and willingness to listen.
  • יְהוָה (YHWH, “LORD”): Samuel is instructed to address God by His personal name, which is a sign of reverence and recognition of God’s authority.
  • עֶבֶד (ʿeved, “servant”): Samuel refers to himself as God’s servant, expressing humility and readiness to obey.
  • שָׁמַע (shāmaʿ, “heareth”): This word means more than just hearing; it often carries the sense of listening with the intent to obey, not just passively receiving sound.

Why 1 Samuel 3:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Samuel did not yet recognize God’s voice and needed guidance, showing the importance of spiritual mentorship.
  • The specific words Eli gives Samuel to say emphasize humility, willingness, and a servant’s attitude in approaching God.
  • 1 Samuel 3:9 sets up the pivotal moment where Samuel will receive his first message from God, marking the beginning of his prophetic calling.

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.