Samuel in the Bible — Prophet, Judge, and Kingmaker
Samuel was born in answer to Hannah's desperate prayer and was dedicated to God from infancy. At the Temple in Shiloh, God called him as a boy — he heard his name and answered: 'Speak, for thy servant heareth.' He judged Israel for decades, reluctantly anointed Saul as king at Israel's insistence, and later secretly anointed the shepherd boy David. His enduring standard: 'To obey is better than sacrifice.' Below are 5 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.
What does the Bible say about samuel?
Who is Samuel in the Bible? The last judge of Israel, the first of the great prophets, the man who anointed both Saul and David as king. Samuel's listening ear — 'Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth' — is a model for all who seek God.
5 Bible Verses About Samuel (KJV)
“Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.”
1 Samuel 3:9 KJV — The Call of Samuel Read 1 Samuel chapter 3 →
“And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.”
1 Samuel 3:10 KJV — The Call of Samuel Read 1 Samuel chapter 3 →
“Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:”
1 Samuel 12:23 KJV Read 1 Samuel chapter 12 →
“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
1 Samuel 15:22 KJV Read 1 Samuel chapter 15 →
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7 KJV — God Looks at the Heart — David Anointed Read 1 Samuel chapter 16 →
Read These Passages in Full Context
Frequently Asked Questions About Samuel in the Bible
- What does the Bible say about samuel?
- Samuel was born in answer to Hannah's desperate prayer and was dedicated to God from infancy. At the Temple in Shiloh, God called him as a boy — he heard his name and answered: 'Speak, for thy servant heareth.' He judged Israel for decades, reluctantly anointed Saul as king at Israel's insistence, and later secretly anointed the shepherd boy David. His enduring standard: 'To obey is better than sacrifice.' Key KJV passages: 1 Samuel 3:9, 1 Samuel 3:10, 1 Samuel 12:23, 1 Samuel 15:22, 1 Samuel 16:7.
- What are the best Bible verses about samuel?
- The most important KJV passages on samuel include: 1 Samuel 3:9, 1 Samuel 3:10, 1 Samuel 12:23, 1 Samuel 15:22, 1 Samuel 16:7. Read all 5 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
- Where in the Bible does it talk about samuel?
- The Bible addresses samuel throughout both Testaments. Key references include 1 Samuel 3:9, 1 Samuel 3:10, 1 Samuel 12:23, 1 Samuel 15:22, 1 Samuel 16:7, Hebrews 11:32. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.replit.app.
- What does the New Testament say about samuel?
- New Testament scriptures on samuel: Hebrews 11:32. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
- What does the Old Testament say about samuel?
- Old Testament scriptures on samuel: 1 Samuel 3:9, 1 Samuel 3:10, 1 Samuel 12:23, 1 Samuel 15:22. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
- How do I study Bible verses about samuel?
- The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 5 passages on samuel at thelivingsword.replit.app — free, no account, no download required.
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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.