1 Samuel 3:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֹּ֣סֶף
yet again
H3254
וַיֹּ֣סֶף
yet again
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 21
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
יְהוָ֗ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קָרָ֥אתִי
Here am I for thou didst call
H7121
קָרָ֥אתִי
Here am I for thou didst call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 21
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
עוֹד֮
H5750
עוֹד֮
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
וַיָּ֤קָם
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֤קָם
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
6 of 21
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 21
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
13 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קָרָ֥אתִי
Here am I for thou didst call
H7121
קָרָ֥אתִי
Here am I for thou didst call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
14 of 21
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
17 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
קָרָ֥אתִי
Here am I for thou didst call
H7121
קָרָ֥אתִי
Here am I for thou didst call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
18 of 21
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בְנִ֖י
not my son
H1121
בְנִ֖י
not my son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
19 of 21
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Historical Context
Threefold repetition is a standard literary pattern in Hebrew narrative (Joseph's dreams, Peter's denial and restoration). The pattern emphasizes importance and moves toward climax. God's persistence in calling despite initial failures shows grace in the communication process.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's repeated calling despite misunderstanding teach about His patience?
- How does the narrative build tension through repetition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The pattern repeats: God calls, Samuel runs to Eli, Eli denies calling. The phrase 'I called not, my son' adds paternal affection to the denial. Eli's tender address as 'my son' shows relational warmth even amid his failures. Samuel obeys again, returning to his place. The threefold pattern (this is the second of three calls) follows a common narrative structure that builds toward decisive moment. God's patience in calling repeatedly shows His commitment to communicate with those who genuinely seek to hear.