1 Samuel 3:16

KJV

Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here [am] I.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Eli {H5941} called {H7121} Samuel {H8050}, and said {H559}, Samuel {H8050}, my son {H1121}. And he answered {H559}, Here am I.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then 'Eli called Sh'mu'el: "Sh'mu'el, my son!" He answered, "Here I am."

Berean Standard Bible

but Eli called to him and said, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” answered Samuel.

American Standard Version

Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he said, Here am I.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse captures the immediate aftermath of Samuel's first direct encounter with the Lord, where Eli, the aging High Priest, discerns that God has spoken to the young boy. Eli's solemn summons of "Samuel, my son" initiates a crucial dialogue, with Samuel's prompt and significant response, "Here am I," signifying his profound readiness and availability to God. This brief exchange marks a critical turning point, setting the stage for Samuel's prophetic ministry and the painful revelation of God's judgment upon Eli's corrupt household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of a profound divine encounter. Prior to this, young Samuel, serving in the tabernacle, repeatedly mistook the Lord's voice for Eli's call. After the third instance, Eli, with spiritual discernment, realized that the Lord was speaking to Samuel and instructed him to respond, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth" ([1 Samuel 3:9](/1-samuel/3-9 "1 Samuel 3:9 - Eli's Instruction to Samuel")). Following this instruction, the Lord revealed to Samuel a severe judgment against Eli's house due to the wickedness of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, and Eli's failure to restrain them (as detailed in [1 Samuel 3:11-14](/1-samuel/3-14 "1 Samuel 3:11-14 - God's Judgment on Eli's House")). Verse 16 depicts Eli's immediate action the next morning, seeking to learn the content of this divine message, knowing its potential gravity. This conversation is the direct consequence of the preceding divine revelation, propelling the narrative towards the public establishment of Samuel's prophetic office.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, leading into the monarchy, was characterized by spiritual decline, with the "word of the Lord" being "rare" and "no frequent vision" ([1 Samuel 3:1](/1-samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Rarity of God's Word")). Eli served as both High Priest and Judge, embodying the spiritual leadership of Israel. The priesthood, meant to mediate God's presence and law, had become corrupt under Eli's sons, who "did not know the Lord" and abused their sacred office ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1-samuel/2-17 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). In this context, the Lord's direct communication with a child like Samuel, bypassing the established, yet compromised, priestly line, underscores God's sovereignty and His intention to raise up new, faithful leadership. Eli's role as a mentor, despite his own failings, in guiding Samuel to recognize God's voice, reflects the cultural importance of intergenerational spiritual transmission, even when flawed.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Samuel chapter 3](/1-samuel/3 "1 Samuel 3 - Samuel's Calling") and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Calling and Obedience**, as Samuel's immediate "Here am I" demonstrates a posture of readiness and submission to God's voice, a stark contrast to the disobedience rampant in Eli's house. Secondly, the interaction underscores **Accountability and Truth**, as Eli, despite his fear, insists on hearing the full, unvarnished truth of God's judgment, demonstrating a painful acceptance of divine reckoning. Thirdly, it signifies the **Transition of Spiritual Authority**, marking the decline of the corrupt priestly line of Eli and the rise of Samuel as God's chosen prophet, a transition foretold in [1 Samuel 2:30-36](/1-samuel/2-36 "1 Samuel 2:30-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House"). Finally, the rarity of God's word and its re-emergence through Samuel emphasizes the theme of **God's Faithfulness in Raising Up New Leadership** in times of spiritual barrenness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called (Hebrew, _qara'_):** This verb signifies more than a casual summons; it implies an authoritative and intentional act of summoning or naming. Eli's "calling" of Samuel here is not merely to get his attention, but to formally engage him in a serious conversation, recognizing the gravity of what has transpired. It carries the weight of a superior addressing a subordinate, or a father addressing his son with a serious matter.
* **Samuel, my son (Hebrew, _Shmu'el b'ni'_):** Eli's address is deeply significant. The use of "my son" is a term of endearment and paternal affection, reflecting their close relationship. However, it also carries an element of Eli's authority as Samuel's mentor and the High Priest. This dual nature of affection and authority prepares Samuel for a difficult conversation, softening the initial approach while maintaining the expectation of full disclosure.
* **Here [am] I (Hebrew, _hinnēni_):** This is a crucial Hebrew idiom, far more profound than a simple "I'm here." _Hinnēni_ signifies a posture of immediate availability, attentiveness, and readiness to serve or receive instruction. It conveys a deep willingness to engage with the speaker, especially when responding to a divine or significant human call. It is a declaration of presence, readiness, and submission, indicating a humble and receptive heart prepared to act or listen.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son."**: This clause establishes Eli's initiative in the conversation. Having discerned that the Lord had spoken to Samuel, Eli does not delay. His address "Samuel, my son" is a deliberate choice, blending his paternal care with the solemnity of his office, setting a tone that is both intimate and authoritative. He is preparing Samuel to reveal a potentially devastating message, acknowledging their bond while asserting his right to know what God has communicated.
* **"And he answered, Here [am] I."**: Samuel's response is immediate, unhesitating, and profoundly significant. His use of the idiom _hinnēni_ (rendered "Here am I") conveys a complete and humble readiness to stand before Eli and, by extension, before God. It signals his availability, attentiveness, and willingness to disclose the divine message, no matter how difficult. This response is characteristic of a faithful servant and foreshadows Samuel's lifelong posture of obedience and submission to God's will.

#### Literary Devices
The brief exchange in this verse is rich with **Dialogue**, which serves to immediately advance the plot and reveal character. Eli's direct address and Samuel's concise reply create a sense of urgency and gravity. There is a subtle **Irony** present: the aging High Priest, meant to be the primary recipient of divine revelation, must now seek God's word from a young boy under his care, highlighting the spiritual decline of Eli's own house and the surprising new ways God is working. Samuel's "Here am I" acts as **Foreshadowing**, signaling his future role as a faithful prophet and judge in Israel, consistently available and obedient to God, in stark contrast to the unfaithfulness of Eli's sons. The entire scene also functions as a **Turning Point**, marking the true beginning of Samuel's public ministry and the impending fulfillment of God's judgment on Eli's family.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical theme of divine calling and the appropriate human response. Samuel's "Here am I" (Hebrew: _hinnēni_) is not merely a verbal acknowledgment but a profound declaration of availability, readiness, and submission to God's will. This posture is consistently seen in scripture as the ideal response to a divine summons, signifying a heart prepared to listen, obey, and serve. It underscores that true spiritual leadership and communion with God begin with a humble and immediate willingness to be present and attentive to His voice, regardless of the message's difficulty. Eli's willingness to hear the truth, though painful, also highlights the theme of accountability before God.

* [Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Genesis 22:1 - Abraham's Obedience")
* [Exodus 3:4](/exodus/3-4 "Exodus 3:4 - Moses at the Burning Bush")
* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah's Commissioning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound simplicity of Samuel's "Here am I" offers a timeless lesson for believers today. In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, the call to cultivate a heart of readiness and availability to God remains paramount. Like Samuel, we are invited to be attentive to God's voice, whether it comes through His written Word, the counsel of wise mentors, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, or the circumstances of our lives. Responding with "Here am I" means more than just acknowledging God's presence; it signifies a willingness to set aside our own agendas, fears, and comforts to embrace His will, even when it leads to difficult truths or challenging assignments. Eli's example, though flawed, reminds us of the necessity of facing uncomfortable realities and accepting divine truth, even when it pertains to our own shortcomings or the consequences of our actions. Our spiritual growth is often contingent on our readiness to hear and respond to God's voice with humble obedience, allowing Him to shape our lives and use us for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How readily do I respond when I sense God's prompting or direction in my life, whether through His Word or circumstances?**
* **What "difficult truths" might God be trying to reveal to me about myself, my relationships, or my responsibilities, and am I willing to hear them?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a posture of "Here am I" – a heart of availability and attentiveness – in my daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Eli call Samuel "my son" in this context?**

Answer: Eli's address of "Samuel, my son" (Hebrew: _Shmu'el b'ni'_) is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it reflects the genuine paternal relationship and affection Eli had for Samuel, whom he had raised from childhood. Secondly, it serves to soften the gravity of the impending conversation. Eli, a High Priest and judge, likely sensed the message Samuel received was weighty, possibly even negative, concerning his own house. Using a term of endearment could be an attempt to comfort Samuel or prepare him for a difficult disclosure. Thirdly, it subtly asserts Eli's authority as Samuel's mentor and the High Priest, reminding Samuel of his duty to disclose fully what he heard from God. It highlights the personal yet official nature of their interaction at this critical moment, underscoring the deep bond that allowed for such a profound and painful truth to be shared.

**What is the deeper significance of Samuel's response, "Here [am] I," in Hebrew?**

Answer: Samuel's response, "Here [am] I," translates the Hebrew idiom _hinnēni_ (הִנְנִי). This phrase is far more profound than a simple acknowledgment of presence like "I'm here." _Hinnēni_ conveys a powerful sense of immediate availability, attentiveness, and a humble readiness to serve, listen, or receive instruction. It signifies a posture of complete submission and willingness to engage with the speaker's will. When used in response to a divine call, as seen with Abraham ([Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Genesis 22:1 - Abraham's Response to God")) or Moses ([Exodus 3:4](/exodus/3-4 "Exodus 3:4 - Moses' Response to God at the Burning Bush")), it denotes a heart prepared to obey God's commands without hesitation. Samuel's _hinnēni_ here is a foundational declaration of his lifelong commitment to being God's faithful servant, ready to hear and execute His word, even when it involves painful truths.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Samuel's immediate and obedient "Here am I" to Eli, and by extension to God, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect "Here am I" of Jesus Christ. While Samuel was a faithful servant, his obedience was still that of a flawed human. Jesus, however, perfectly embodied this posture of complete availability and submission to the Father's will. His entire life was a living _hinnēni_, from His incarnation ("Lo, I come to do thy will, O God," [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father's Will")) to His agony in Gethsemane ("Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done," [Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Submission in Gethsemane")). As the ultimate Prophet, Jesus always heard and perfectly obeyed the Father's voice, declaring, "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things" ([John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father")). Unlike Eli's corrupt sons, or even Samuel who was a servant, Jesus is the Son who perfectly fulfills the Father's purpose, offering Himself as the Lamb of God, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His obedience, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")), is the supreme manifestation of the "Here am I" that redeems humanity and establishes the new covenant, far surpassing any Old Testament foreshadowing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.