1 Samuel 3:6

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּ֣סֶף

H3254

yet again

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

יְהוָ֗ה

H3068

And the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

קָרָ֥אתִי

H7121

Here am I for thou didst call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

עוֹד֮

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

שְׁמוּאֵל֙

H8050

And Samuel

shemuel, the name of three israelites

וַיָּ֤קָם

H6965

arose

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

שְׁמוּאֵל֙

H8050

And Samuel

shemuel, the name of three israelites

וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

עֵלִ֔י

H5941

to Eli

eli, an israelite highpriest

#11

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

הִנְנִ֔י

H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

#13

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#14

קָרָ֥אתִי

H7121

Here am I for thou didst call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#15

לִ֑י

#16

וַיֹּ֛אמֶר

H559

and said

to say (used with great latitude)

#17

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

קָרָ֥אתִי

H7121

Here am I for thou didst call

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#19

בְנִ֖י

H1121

not my son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#20

שׁ֥וּב

H7725

again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#21

שְׁכָֽב׃

H7901

lie down

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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