Bible fact · Direct biblical statement
God called the boy Samuel four times
God called Samuel at night; three times he ran to Eli, and the fourth time he answered "Speak, for your servant hears." 1 Samuel 3:4–10
Discover why
The LORD called Samuel, and he ran to Eli, who said he had not called. This happened three times; then Eli realised it was the LORD. 1 Samuel 3:4–8
"The LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak; for your servant hears.'" 1 Samuel 3:9–10
Read the passage
1 Samuel 3:4–10 WEB
4The LORD called Samuel. He said, “Here I am.” 5He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call. Lie down again.” He went and lay down. 6The LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son. Lie down again.” 7Now Samuel didn’t yet know the LORD, neither was the LORD’s word yet revealed to him. 8The LORD called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. 9Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10The LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.”
Test yourself
For children
God called young Samuel at night. Three times he ran to Eli. The fourth time he said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."