1 Samuel 3:10
New International Version
The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

New Living Translation
And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”

English Standard Version
And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

King James Bible
And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

New King James Version
Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

New American Standard Bible
Then the LORD came and stood, and called as at the other times: “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

NASB 1995
Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

NASB 1977
Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Thy servant is listening.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Yahweh came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your slave is listening.”

Amplified Bible
Then the LORD came and stood and called as at the previous times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel! ” Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD came, stood there, and called as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel responded, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

American Standard Version
And Jehovah came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD then stood beside Samuel and called out as he had done before, "Samuel! Samuel!" "I'm listening," Samuel answered. "What do you want me to do?"

English Revised Version
And the LORD came, and stood and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD came and stood there. He called as he had called the other times: "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Speak. I'm listening."

Good News Translation
The LORD came and stood there, and called as he had before, "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak; your servant is listening."

International Standard Version
Later, the LORD came and stood there, calling out, "Samuel! Samuel!" as he had before. Samuel said, "Speak, because your servant is listening."

Majority Standard Bible
Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

NET Bible
Then the LORD came and stood nearby, calling as he had previously done, "Samuel! Samuel!" Samuel replied, "Speak, for your servant is listening!"

New Heart English Bible
And the LORD came and stood, and called as at other times. Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the LORD came, and stood and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

World English Bible
Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH comes, and stations Himself, and calls as time by time, “Samuel, Samuel”; and Samuel says, “Speak, for Your servant is hearing.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah cometh, and stationeth Himself, and calleth as time by time, 'Samuel, Samuel;' and Samuel saith, 'Speak, for Thy servant is hearing.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah will come and stand and call as once to once, Samuel, Samuel. And Samuel will say, Speak, for thy servant heard.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord came and stood: and he called, as he had called the other times: Samuel, Samuel. And Samuel said: Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord came, and stood, and he called, just as he had called the other times, “Samuel, Samuel.” And Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

New American Bible
the LORD came and stood there, calling out as before: Samuel, Samuel! Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the LORD came and stood and called twice, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak, LORD; for thy servant hears.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH came and stood, and he called two times: “Shemueil! Shemueil!” And Shemueil said: “Speak LORD JEHOVAH, for your Servant listens!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times: 'Samuel, Samuel.' Then Samuel said: 'Speak; for Thy servant heareth.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord came, and stood, and called him as before: and Samuel said, Speak, for thy servant hears.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The LORD Calls Samuel
9“Go and lie down,” he said to Samuel, “and if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” 11Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle.…

Cross References
Exodus 3:4
When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.

Genesis 46:2
And that night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” He said. “Here I am,” replied Jacob.

Acts 9:4-6
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. / “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”

Acts 22:7-10
I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. / My companions saw the light, but they could not understand the voice of the One speaking to me. ...

John 10:27
My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.

Numbers 12:6
He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, will reveal Myself to him in a vision; I will speak to him in a dream.

Acts 26:14-16
We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. / ‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you.

Deuteronomy 18:15
The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him.

Matthew 17:5
While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”

Jeremiah 1:4-10
The word of the LORD came to me, saying: / “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” / “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” ...

John 12:28-30
Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” / The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. / In response, Jesus said, “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours.

1 Kings 19:12-13
After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. / When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Hebrews 1:1-2
On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. / But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.

Job 33:14-16
For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices. / In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, / He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings


Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for your servant hears.

the Lord came.

as at other

1 Samuel 3:4-6,8
That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I…

Jump to Previous
Ears Heareth Hearing Hears Listening Open Samuel Servant Speak Stationeth Stood Time Times
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Ears Heareth Hearing Hears Listening Open Samuel Servant Speak Stationeth Stood Time Times
1 Samuel 3
1. How the word of the Lord was first revealed to Samuel
11. God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house
15. Samuel, though loath, tells Eli the vision
19. Samuel grows in credit














Then the LORD came
The phrase "Then the LORD came" signifies a divine visitation, a moment when God Himself intervenes in human history. In Hebrew, the word for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness. This moment is pivotal, as it marks a transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of prophetic leadership in Israel. Theologically, it underscores God's initiative in reaching out to humanity, a theme consistent throughout Scripture.

and stood there
The imagery of the LORD standing suggests a tangible presence, a theophany where God manifests Himself in a perceivable way. This is not merely a vision or a dream; it is a real encounter. The Hebrew root "natsab" conveys the idea of standing firm or taking a position, indicating God's readiness to communicate and act. Historically, such divine appearances were rare and significant, often heralding a new phase in God's redemptive plan.

calling as at the other times
This phrase highlights God's persistence and patience. The repetition of His call to Samuel demonstrates God's desire for a relationship and His willingness to wait for a response. The Hebrew verb "qara" means to call out or proclaim, suggesting an invitation to dialogue. This reflects God's character as one who seeks to engage with His people, inviting them into His purposes.

'Samuel! Samuel!'
The repetition of Samuel's name is a Hebraic expression of intimacy and urgency. In biblical narratives, the doubling of a name often precedes a significant revelation or mission (e.g., "Moses, Moses" in Exodus 3:4). It indicates God's personal knowledge of and care for Samuel, affirming his role in God's plan. This moment marks Samuel's transition from a boy serving in the temple to a prophet of the LORD.

And Samuel answered
Samuel's response is immediate, indicating his readiness and willingness to listen. The Hebrew root "anah" means to answer or respond, suggesting an active engagement with God's call. This is a model of obedience and attentiveness, qualities that define Samuel's prophetic ministry. It serves as an example for believers to be responsive to God's voice in their lives.

'Speak, for Your servant is listening.'
Samuel's words reflect humility and submission. The term "servant" (Hebrew "ebed") denotes one who is devoted to serving another, highlighting Samuel's recognition of God's authority. The act of listening (Hebrew "shama") implies not just hearing but understanding and obeying. This posture of receptivity is essential for anyone seeking to discern God's will. It is a reminder that true service to God begins with a heart that is open and attentive to His voice.

Verse 10. - And Jehovah came, and stood, and called as at other times. It is something more than a voice; there was an objective presence; and so in ver. 15 it is called, not hazon, a sight seen when in a state of ecstasy, but march, something seen when wide awake, and in the full, calm possession of every faculty. As at other times simply means as before, as on the two previous occasions. But now, instead of hurrying to Eli, Samuel obediently waits for the revelation of the Divine will, saying, "Speak; for thy servant heareth." THE MESSAGE TO ELI (vers. 11-18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

came
וַיָּבֹ֤א (way·yā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and stood there,
וַיִּתְיַצַּ֔ב (way·yiṯ·yaṣ·ṣaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3320: To set or station oneself, take one's stand

calling
וַיִּקְרָ֥א (way·yiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

as before,
כְפַֽעַם־ (ḵə·p̄a·‘am-)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

“Samuel!
שְׁמוּאֵ֣ל ׀ (šə·mū·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050: Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel

Samuel!”
שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל (šə·mū·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050: Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel

And Samuel
שְׁמוּאֵל֙ (šə·mū·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050: Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel

answered,
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Speak,
דַּבֵּ֔ר (dab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

for
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Your servant
עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃ (‘aḇ·de·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

is listening.”
שֹׁמֵ֖עַ (šō·mê·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently


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OT History: 1 Samuel 3:10 Yahweh came and stood and called as (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 3:9
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