Old Testament

1 Samuel 3:8

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this pivotal moment, God calls out to Samuel, a young boy who is still learning to discern His voice.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Samuel, Nathan, and Gad
Written
Around 930 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The Israelites of the early monarchy
CBTClear Bible Translation

The LORD called Samuel again the third time. He got up, went to Eli, and said, "Here I am — you called me." This time, Eli realized that it was the LORD calling the boy.

KJVKing James Version

And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this pivotal moment, God calls out to Samuel, a young boy who is still learning to discern His voice. Samuel hears the call three times, mistakenly thinking it is Eli, the priest, summoning him. Each time, he eagerly runs to Eli, demonstrating his willingness to serve. Eventually, Eli realizes that it is God who is calling Samuel, which is a significant turning point in Samuel's life. This encounter illustrates that God is actively involved in our lives, seeking to communicate with us. Samuel's response emphasizes the importance of being attentive and open to God's voice, even when we may not recognize it initially. This narrative encourages us to listen for divine guidance and to seek understanding when we feel a tug in our hearts. It serves as a reminder that God often calls us in unexpected ways, and we must be prepared to respond with openness and a willingness to follow His lead. Samuel's journey begins here, laying the groundwork for his future role as a prophet and leader in Israel, showcasing how God prepares us for our purpose. Explore related obedience.

How to apply 1 Samuel 3:8 to your life

Reflect on how God might be speaking to you in your life. Be open to the unexpected ways He may reach out. Like Samuel, practice listening and responding to His guidance, trusting that He has a purpose for you. Your willingness to listen can lead to significant changes in your life and those around you.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Samuel 3:8 teach about hearing God's voice?

1 Samuel 3:8 illustrates the importance of being attentive to God's voice. Samuel hears God calling him multiple times but initially mistakes it for Eli's call. This teaches us that God often communicates in ways we might not expect, and we need to cultivate the ability to discern His voice amidst the noise of our daily lives.

Why did Samuel not recognize God's voice at first?

Samuel did not recognize God's voice at first because he was still young and inexperienced in understanding divine communication. His familiarity was primarily with Eli, the priest, which led him to assume Eli was calling him. This highlights the journey of learning to recognize God's voice, which often requires time, experience, and guidance from others.

What role does Eli play in 1 Samuel 3:8?

Eli plays a crucial role as a mentor in 1 Samuel 3:8. When he realizes that it is the LORD calling Samuel, he guides the boy on how to respond. Eli's recognition of God's call demonstrates the importance of having wise mentors in our lives who can help us discern spiritual matters and encourage us to respond to God's leading.

How can I apply the lessons from 1 Samuel 3:8 in my life?

To apply the lessons from 1 Samuel 3:8, practice being open and attentive to God's voice in your life. Set aside time for prayer and reflection, and be willing to listen for guidance. Just as Samuel learned to recognize God's call with Eli's help, seek out mentors or spiritual leaders who can assist you in understanding and responding to God's direction.

The Book of 1 Samuel
Book Summary

The Book of 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 1: The Birth of Samuel

The book opens during the time of the judges, introducing a man named Elkanah with two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah has children, Hannah is barren and is cruelly taunted by her rival. During their annual pilgrimage to the sanctuary at Shiloh, the deeply distressed Hannah prays silently to the Lord, weeping and vowing that if God will give her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. Eli, the high priest, sees her lips moving and initially mistakes her for a drunken woman, but after she explains her sorrowful prayer, he blesses her, saying, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition."

Premium

Unlock the full 1 Samuel summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of 1 Samuel — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 31 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of 1 Samuel summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.