1 Samuel 3:7
Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
Original Language Analysis
וְטֶ֛רֶם
did not yet
H2962
וְטֶ֛רֶם
did not yet
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
יָדַ֣ע
know
H3045
יָדַ֣ע
know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְטֶ֛רֶם
did not yet
H2962
וְטֶ֛רֶם
did not yet
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
יִגָּלֶ֥ה
yet revealed
H1540
יִגָּלֶ֥ה
yet revealed
Strong's:
H1540
Word #:
7 of 10
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
Historical Context
The distinction between formal religious service and personal divine encounter appears throughout Scripture. Priests could serve for years without receiving prophetic revelation. The prophet's direct experience of God's word distinguished prophetic from priestly ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the difference between serving in religious contexts and knowing God personally?
- How did personal encounter with God transform your religious practice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This parenthetical explanation is crucial: 'Samuel did not yet know the LORD.' The Hebrew yada' (know) implies experiential, relational knowledge. Samuel served at the sanctuary but had not yet encountered God personally. The parallel phrase 'the word of the LORD yet revealed' indicates Samuel had not received direct prophetic communication. Religious service and direct divine encounter are not identical. Many serve faithfully in religious contexts without experiencing personal revelation. Samuel's subsequent call would transform service into encounter.