Old Testament
1 Samuel 15:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel:
Compare translations
Then came the word of the LORD unto Samuel, saying,
What 1 Samuel 15:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, God speaks directly to Samuel, a prophet and leader in Israel. This signifies a crucial communication from God, indicating that He has a message or directive for Samuel to convey. The phrase 'the word of the LORD' emphasizes the importance of divine guidance in decision-making. Samuel, as a faithful servant, is expected to listen and respond to God's instructions. This interaction highlights the relationship between God and His chosen leaders, showing that God is actively involved in the lives of His people. It also sets the stage for the unfolding events in Israel's history, where obedience to God's word is paramount. Samuel's role is not just to hear but to act on what God reveals, illustrating the responsibility that comes with spiritual leadership. This moment serves as a reminder that God communicates with us, urging us to pay attention and respond to His guidance in our own lives, just as Samuel did in his time. Listening to God can lead to significant changes and directions in our personal journeys.
How to apply 1 Samuel 15:10 to your life
We can learn from Samuel's example by being attentive to the ways God communicates with us today. This might be through prayer, scripture, or the counsel of others. Taking time to listen and reflect can lead to meaningful changes in our lives. Responding to God's guidance can help us navigate challenges and make wise decisions. Trusting in His direction is essential for our growth and purpose in life.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Samuel's story: To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:1–35)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Samuel

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Samuel 15:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Samuel 15:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Samuel
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
- Written
- Around 930 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites of the early monarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Samuel 15:10 mean?
1 Samuel 15:10 means that God is directly communicating with Samuel, indicating that He has an important message for him. This highlights the significance of divine guidance and the role of a prophet in conveying God's instructions.
What is the significance of 'the word of the LORD' in 1 Samuel 15:10?
'The word of the LORD' signifies a direct communication from God, emphasizing the importance of His guidance in decision-making. It shows that God actively speaks to His chosen leaders and expects them to listen and act accordingly.
How does 1 Samuel 15:10 relate to leadership?
1 Samuel 15:10 relates to leadership by showing that leaders, like Samuel, must be attentive to God's guidance. It emphasizes the responsibility of spiritual leaders to listen to God's word and act on it for the benefit of their people.
What can we learn from Samuel in 1 Samuel 15:10?
We can learn from Samuel's example to be attentive to how God communicates with us today, whether through prayer or scripture. Listening and responding to God's guidance can lead to meaningful changes in our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.