1 Samuel 3:8 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →On the third call Eli realizes it is the LORD who is summoning the boy.
What Does 1 Samuel 3:8 Mean?
The voice calls a third time, and a third time Samuel rises and comes to Eli. Now the old priest perceives the truth: it is the Lord who has been calling the child. Eli's long experience, even amid his household's failures, lets him recognize the hand of God at work.
The threefold call underscores God's gracious insistence. Even a dimmed and faltering servant like Eli can still discern God's voice and point another toward it. God often uses the seasoned, however flawed, to help the young recognize His call. Discernment is a gift to be shared, guiding the next generation toward the One who speaks.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 3:8
What does 1 Samuel 3:8 mean?
On the third call Eli realizes it is the LORD who is summoning the boy.