Old Testament
1 Samuel 3:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So Eli told Samuel, "Go lie down, and if he calls you again, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" Samuel went back and lay down in his place.
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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.
What 1 Samuel 3:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Eli, the priest, guides young Samuel on how to respond to God’s call. Eli understands that God is trying to communicate with Samuel, and he encourages him to be open and attentive. By telling Samuel to say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening,' Eli teaches him the importance of being receptive to divine messages. This interaction highlights the significance of listening and being present when we seek guidance. Samuel, eager to learn, follows Eli's advice and returns to his place, ready to hear from God. This passage emphasizes the value of mentorship and the role of those who help us recognize and respond to spiritual calls. It reminds us that being attentive and willing to listen can lead to profound insights and understanding. Samuel's readiness to listen sets the stage for his future as a prophet, showing that our willingness to hear can shape our paths in life. This story encourages us to cultivate a listening heart, ready to embrace what we are meant to learn.
How to apply 1 Samuel 3:9 to your life
We can apply this lesson by creating quiet moments in our lives to listen for guidance. Whether through prayer, meditation, or reflection, being open to what we hear can lead to personal growth. Like Samuel, we should be ready to respond when we feel called to act or learn something new. Listening is a powerful tool for transformation and understanding our purpose in life. Embrace the practice of listening in your daily routine.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Samuel Summary
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Illustrated scene from Samuel's story: The LORD Calls Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1–21)
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Samuel
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying 1 Samuel 3:9
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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 3:9 mean?
1 Samuel 3:9 describes Eli instructing Samuel on how to respond to God's call. Eli emphasizes the importance of being attentive and ready to listen, teaching Samuel to say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' This moment highlights the significance of mentorship and the readiness to receive divine guidance.
What is the significance of listening in 1 Samuel 3:9?
Listening in 1 Samuel 3:9 is crucial as it shows Samuel's willingness to hear God's voice. Eli's guidance teaches that being open and receptive can lead to important insights and spiritual growth, setting the foundation for Samuel's future role as a prophet.
How does Eli guide Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:9?
Eli guides Samuel by telling him to lie down and respond to God's call with, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' This instruction helps Samuel understand the importance of being attentive to God's communication.
What lesson can we learn from 1 Samuel 3:9?
From 1 Samuel 3:9, we learn the value of listening for guidance and being open to spiritual calls. It encourages us to create quiet moments in our lives to hear and respond to what we are meant to learn.
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