1 Samuel 3:11
And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֹשֶׂ֥ה
Behold I will do
H6213
עֹשֶׂ֥ה
Behold I will do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
דָבָ֖ר
a thing
H1697
דָבָ֖ר
a thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 15
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
in Israel
H3478
בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
in Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
9 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֹׁ֣מְע֔וֹ
of every one that heareth
H8085
שֹׁ֣מְע֔וֹ
of every one that heareth
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
12 of 15
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
תְּצִלֶּ֖ינָה
it shall tingle
H6750
תְּצִלֶּ֖ינָה
it shall tingle
Strong's:
H6750
Word #:
13 of 15
to tinkle, i.e., rattle together (as the ears in reddening with shame, or the teeth in chattering with fear)
Cross References
Jeremiah 19:3And say, Hear ye the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem; Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, the which whosoever heareth, his ears shall tingle.2 Kings 21:12Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.Acts 13:41Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.Habakkuk 1:5Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.Luke 21:26Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.Isaiah 29:14Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.Isaiah 28:19From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report.
Historical Context
The idiom of ears tingling (tsalal) appears only three times in Scripture, each announcing devastating judgment. The physical response of shock becomes a metaphor for how the news affects hearers. Such judgment oracles characterize much prophetic ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would God commission a young prophet with such a difficult first message?
- How do you respond when God's word to you concerns judgment rather than comfort?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The message God delivers is severe: 'I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.' Ear-tingling indicates shocking news, here specifying judgment. The phrase anticipates Jeremiah 19:3 and 2 Kings 21:12, where similar language introduces announcements of catastrophic judgment. Samuel's first prophetic message concerns the destruction of his mentor's house. God does not ease the young prophet into pleasant assignments but immediately confronts him with the weight of prophetic responsibility.