Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. New Living Translation He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did. English Standard Version and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. Berean Standard Bible He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Berean Literal Bible And he ran to Eli and said, “Behold, for you have called me.” And he said, “I did not call. Turn back, lie down.” And he went and lay down. King James Bible And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. New King James Version So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down. New American Standard Bible Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. NASB 1995 Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, lie down again.” So he went and lay down. NASB 1977 Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, lie down again.” So he went and lay down. Legacy Standard Bible Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; go back, lie down.” So he went and lay down. Amplified Bible He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call you; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. Berean Annotated Bible He ran to Eli (ascension) and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call, Eli replied. “Go back and lie down. So he went and lay down. Christian Standard Bible He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “I didn’t call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Holman Christian Standard Bible He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “I didn’t call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. American Standard Version And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. Contemporary English Version Then he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am. What do you want?" "I didn't call you," Eli answered. "Go back to bed." Samuel went back. English Revised Version And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. GOD'S WORD® Translation He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called me." "I didn't call [you]," Eli replied. "Go back to bed." So Samuel went back and lay down. Good News Translation and ran to Eli and said, "You called me, and here I am." But Eli answered, "I didn't call you; go back to bed." So Samuel went back to bed. International Standard Version He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am! You called me." "I didn't call you," Eli said. "Go back and lie down." So he went and lay down. NET Bible Then he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." But Eli said, "I didn't call you. Go back and lie down." So he went back and lay down. New Heart English Bible He ran to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." He said, "I did not call; lie down again." He went and lay down. Webster's Bible Translation And he ran to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. World English Bible He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call. Lie down again.” He went and lay down. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he runs to Eli and says, “Here I [am], for you have called for me”; and he says, “I did not call; turn back, lie down”; and he goes and lies down. Berean Literal Bible And he ran to Eli and said, “Behold, for you have called me.” And he said, “I did not call. Turn back, lie down.” And he went and lay down. Young's Literal Translation And he runneth unto Eli, and saith, 'Here am I, for thou hast called for me;' and he saith, 'I called not; turn back, lie down;' and he goeth and lieth down. Smith's Literal Translation And he will run to Eli, and say, Behold me, for thou didst call to me. And he will say, I called not; turn back, lie down. And he will go and lie down. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he ran to Heli and said: Here am I: for thou didst call me. He said: I did not call: go back and sleep. And he went and slept. Catholic Public Domain Version And he ran to Eli, and he said, “Here I am. For you called me.” And he said: “I did not call. Return and sleep.” And he went away, and he slept. New American Bible He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.” “I did not call you,” Eli answered. “Go back to sleep.” So he went back to sleep. New Revised Standard Version and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he ran to Eli and said, Here I am; for you called me. And he said, I did not call; go back and lie down. And he went and lay down. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he ran to Eli and said: “Behold, here I am, for you called me!” And he said, “I did not call. Go lie down.” And he went and he lay down OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he ran unto Eli, and said: 'Here am I; for thou didst call me.' And he said: 'I called not; lie down again.' And he went and lay down. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he ran to Heli, and said, Here am I, for thou didst call me: and he said, I did not call thee; return, go to sleep; and he returned and went to sleep. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The LORD Calls Samuel…4Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.” 5He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. 6Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.”… Cross References He ran to Eli 1 Kings 19:20 So Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and then I will follow you.” “Go on back,” Elijah replied, “for what have I done to you?” Genesis 18:2 And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. John 20:2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said, “and we do not know where they have put Him!” and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” Genesis 22:11 Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 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. 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!” “I did not call,” Eli replied. 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?” Luke 24:16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. John 20:15-16 “Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?” Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.” / Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). “Go back and lie down.” Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Mark 14:41 When Jesus returned the third time, He said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? That is enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Proverbs 3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet. So he went and lay down. 1 Kings 19:5-6 Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” / And he looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. Genesis 28:11 On reaching a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. And taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. Jonah 1:5 The sailors were afraid, and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the ship’s cargo into the sea to lighten the load. But Jonah had gone down to the lowest part of the vessel, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. Genesis 22:1-3 Some time later God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he answered. / “Take your son,” God said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” / So Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, and took along two of his servants and his son Isaac. He split the wood for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had designated. Treasury of Scripture And he ran to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. Jump to Previous Eli Lie Ran Rest Runneth Running TurnJump to Next Eli Lie Ran Rest Runneth Running Turn1 Samuel 3 1. How the word of the Lord was first revealed to Samuel11. God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house 15. Samuel, though loath, tells Eli the vision 19. Samuel grows in credit He ran to Eli Samuel's immediate response to the voice calling him demonstrates his obedience and respect for Eli, the high priest. This reflects the cultural importance of honoring elders and leaders in ancient Israel. Samuel's willingness to serve Eli is indicative of his character and foreshadows his future role as a prophet who listens and responds to God's call. The act of running signifies urgency and eagerness, traits that are commendable in a servant of God. and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA young boy serving in the temple under Eli's guidance. He is dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah, and is being prepared for his future role as a prophet. 2. Eli The high priest and judge of Israel at the time. He is responsible for mentoring Samuel in the ways of the Lord. 3. The Temple The place where Samuel serves and where the Ark of the Covenant is kept. It is a central place of worship and spiritual activity in Israel. 4. The Calling This event marks the beginning of God's direct communication with Samuel, which will lead to his prophetic ministry. Teaching Points Listening for God's VoiceJust as Samuel initially did not recognize God's voice, we must learn to discern when God is speaking to us. This requires a heart open to His guidance and a willingness to listen. Mentorship and Guidance Eli's role in guiding Samuel highlights the importance of spiritual mentorship. We should seek and provide godly counsel to help others grow in their faith. Obedience and Readiness Samuel's immediate response to what he thought was Eli's call demonstrates a readiness to serve. We should cultivate a heart that is eager to respond to God's call in our lives. God's Patience and Persistence God calls Samuel multiple times, showing His patience and persistence. We can be encouraged that God does not give up on us, even when we are slow to understand His calling. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3:5?2. How does Samuel's response in 1 Samuel 3:5 demonstrate obedience to authority? 3. What can we learn from Eli's role in guiding Samuel in 1 Samuel 3? 4. How does Samuel's willingness to serve relate to Jesus' teachings on servanthood? 5. In what ways can we be attentive to God's call in our lives? 6. How does Samuel's experience encourage us to seek God's voice in daily life? 7. Why did Samuel not recognize the voice of God in 1 Samuel 3:5? 8. How does 1 Samuel 3:5 illustrate the importance of spiritual discernment? 9. What does Eli's role in 1 Samuel 3:5 teach about mentorship in faith? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 3? 11. What were the key events in Samuel's life? 12. 1 Samuel 3:7 - How could a child with no prior knowledge of God accurately identify and respond to a supernatural voice? 13. Psalm 4:5: How do sacrifices of righteousness compare to other biblical texts that claim God does not desire sacrifice (e.g., Psalm 51:16), creating potential inconsistency? 14. Is the reference to enemies being like 'lions' in Psalm 57:4 simply poetic imagery, or does it exaggerate any verifiable historical threat David faced? What Does 1 Samuel 3:5 Mean He ran to Eli• Samuel, still a boy serving in the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:18), hears a voice and immediately sprints to the priest who has raised him. • Quick, eager footsteps show a heart ready to serve—echoing Psalm 119:60, “I hurried and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” • Even before he knows it is God, Samuel’s instinct is to run toward spiritual authority. Compare the impulse of the shepherds in Luke 2:15 who “hurried off” to see what God had revealed. And said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” • “Here I am” is the language of availability; Abraham (Genesis 22:1) and Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8) answered God the same way. • Samuel assumes a personal summons; there is no thought that God might speak directly to him—yet that is exactly what is happening (1 Samuel 3:10). • His words embody humility; he places himself at Eli’s disposal, just as believers are to present themselves as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). “I did not call,” Eli replied. • Eli’s response underscores the spiritual drought of that era: “the word of the LORD was rare” (1 Samuel 3:1). • The aging priest does not yet discern that God could be breaking the silence. Similar dullness appears in Mark 6:49-52 when the disciples miss the significance of Jesus walking on the sea. • Yet Eli does not chastise Samuel; he remains a mentor God will use moments later to guide the boy (1 Samuel 3:8-9). “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. • Samuel obeys without argument—a picture of simple trust. Jesus commends this childlike posture in Matthew 18:3. • Resting in obedience positions Samuel to hear the LORD again. Psalm 4:8 celebrates the safety of lying down under God’s watchful care. • Waiting quietly for further instruction is often how God unfolds His will (Lamentations 3:26). summary 1 Samuel 3:5 captures Samuel’s eager responsiveness, humble availability, and obedient waiting—traits God values in every servant. Though Eli initially misses heaven’s call, Samuel’s swift compliance keeps him in position to receive it. The verse invites us to cultivate the same readiness: run toward what we believe is right, present ourselves without reservation, listen carefully, and rest obediently until the LORD speaks again. Hebrew He ranוַיָּ֣רָץ (way·yā·rāṣ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7323: To run to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Eli עֵלִ֗י (‘ê·lî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5941: Eli -- a priest at Shiloh and said, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Here I am, הִנְנִי֙ (hin·nî) Interjection | first person common singular Strong's 2005: Lo! behold! for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction you have called קָרָ֣אתָ (qā·rā·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read me.” לִּ֔י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew “I did not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no call,” קָרָ֖אתִי (qā·rā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read Eli replied. וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Go back שׁ֣וּב (šūḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again and lie down.” שְׁכָ֑ב (šə·ḵāḇ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down So he went וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ (way·yê·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk and lay down. וַיִּשְׁכָּֽב׃ (way·yiš·kāḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down Links 1 Samuel 3:5 NIV1 Samuel 3:5 NLT 1 Samuel 3:5 ESV 1 Samuel 3:5 NASB 1 Samuel 3:5 KJV 1 Samuel 3:5 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 3:5 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 3:5 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 3:5 French Bible 1 Samuel 3:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 3:5 He ran to Eli and said Here (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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