1 Samuel 3:18
New International Version
So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes.”

New Living Translation
So Samuel told Eli everything; he didn’t hold anything back. “It is the LORD’s will,” Eli replied. “Let him do what he thinks best.”

English Standard Version
So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him.”

Berean Standard Bible
So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

Berean Literal Bible
And Samuel told to him all the words, and he hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is YHWH. Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

King James Bible
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

New King James Version
Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him.”

New American Standard Bible
So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “He is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him.”

NASB 1995
So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him.”

NASB 1977
So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is Yahweh; let Him do what seems good in His eyes.”

Amplified Bible
So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. And Eli said, “It is the LORD; may He do what seems good to Him.”

Berean Annotated Bible
So Samuel (his name is El) told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD {YHWH}, replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

Christian Standard Bible
So Samuel told him everything and did not hide anything from him. Eli responded, “He is the LORD. Let him do what he thinks is good.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Samuel told him everything and did not hide anything from him. Eli responded, “He is the LORD. He will do what He thinks is good.”

American Standard Version
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is Jehovah: let him do what seemeth him good.

Contemporary English Version
Samuel told Eli everything. Then Eli said, "He is the LORD, and he will do what's right."

English Revised Version
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Samuel told Eli everything. Eli replied, "He is the LORD. May he do what he thinks is right."

Good News Translation
So Samuel told him everything; he did not keep anything back. Eli said, "He is the LORD; he will do whatever seems best to him."

International Standard Version
So Samuel told him everything—he did not conceal anything from him. Eli said, "He is the LORD. May he do what seems good to him."

NET Bible
So Samuel told him everything. He did not hold back anything from him. Eli said, "The LORD will do what he pleases."

New Heart English Bible
And Samuel told him everything, and did not hide anything from him. And he said, "It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

World English Bible
Samuel told him every bit, and hid nothing from him. He said, “It is Yahweh. Let him do what seems good to him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Samuel declares to him the whole of the words, and has not hid from him; and he says, “It [is] YHWH; that which is good in His eyes He does.”

Berean Literal Bible
And Samuel told to him all the words, and he hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is YHWH. Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Samuel declareth to him the whole of the words, and hath not hid from him; and he saith, 'It is Jehovah; that which is good in His eyes He doth.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Samuel will announce to him all the words, and he hid not from him. And he will say, It is Jehovah: the good in his eyes he will do.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So Samuel told him all the words, and did not hide them from him. And he answered: It is the Lord: let him do what is good in his sight.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, Samuel revealed to him all the words, and he did not hide them from him. And he responded: “He is the Lord. May he do what is good in his own eyes.”

New American Bible
So Samuel told him everything, and held nothing back. Eli answered, “It is the LORD. What is pleasing in the LORD’s sight, the LORD will do.”

New Revised Standard Version
So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the LORD; let him do what seems good to him.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And Eli said, It is the LORD; let him do what is good in his sight.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Shemueil showed him all the words and he hid nothing from him, and Eli said: “It is LORD JEHOVAH. Everything that is excellent in his eyes he shall do”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Samuel told him all the words, and hid nothing from him. And he said: 'It is the LORD; let Him do what seemeth Him good.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Samuel reported all the words, and hid them not from him. And Heli said, He is the Lord, he shall do that which is good in his sight.

Additional Translations ...



Context
Samuel Shares the Vision
17“What was the message He gave you?” Eli asked. “Do not hide it from me. May God punish you, and ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He said to you.” 18So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him. “He is the LORD,” replied Eli. “Let Him do what is good in His eyes.” 19And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.…

Cross References
So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him.

Jeremiah 42:4
“I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet. “I will surely pray to the LORD your God as you request, and I will tell you everything that the LORD answers. I will not withhold a word from you.”

Acts 20:27
For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.

Acts 20:20
I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house,
“He is the LORD,” replied Eli.

1 Kings 18:39
When all the people saw this, they fell facedown and said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”

Psalm 100:3
Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Deuteronomy 4:35
You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him.
“Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

2 Samuel 15:26
But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’ then here I am; let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.”

2 Samuel 10:12
Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.”

1 Chronicles 21:13
David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed. Please, let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men.”
Job 1:21
saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Job 2:10
“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

Isaiah 39:8
But Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “At least there will be peace and security in my lifetime.”

2 Kings 20:19
But Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Will there not at least be peace and security in my lifetime?”

Lamentations 3:39-41
Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins? / Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. / Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven:

Psalm 39:9
I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.

Psalm 119:75
I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.


Treasury of Scripture

And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seems him good.

It is the Lord

Genesis 18:25
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Judges 10:15
And the children of Israel said unto the LORD, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day.

2 Samuel 16:10-12
And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so? …

Jump to Previous
Account Declareth Eli Eyes Hid Hiding Keeping Kept Samuel Seemeth Seems Sight Whit Whole Words
Jump to Next
Account Declareth Eli Eyes Hid Hiding Keeping Kept Samuel Seemeth Seems Sight Whit Whole Words
1 Samuel 3
1. How the word of the Lord was first revealed to Samuel
11. God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house
15. Samuel, though loath, tells Eli the vision
19. Samuel grows in credit












So Samuel told him everything and did not hide a thing from him.

Samuel faithfully delivered God’s message to Eli without withholding its severe judgment against Eli’s household. Though still young, he showed the honesty and courage required of one who speaks for God. His complete report confirmed that the Lord had begun to reveal Himself through Samuel and prepared him for his future ministry in Israel.

Jer 42:4 “I have heard you,” replied Jeremiah the prophet.”…
Act 20:27 For I did not shrink back from declaring to you…
Act 20:20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything…

“He is the LORD,” replied Eli.

Eli recognized that the message came from the Lord and that God had the right to judge his house. He did not dispute Samuel’s report or deny the sins of his sons, whose wickedness he had failed to restrain.

1Ki 18:39 When all the people saw this, they fell facedown…
Psa 100:3 Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us,…
Deu 4:35 You were shown these things so that you would know…

“Let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

Eli submitted to God’s decision, acknowledging that the Lord’s judgment is right. His response accepted the coming consequences, though it did not remove the judgment already pronounced against his family.

2Sa 15:26 But if He should say, ‘I do not delight in you,’…
2Sa 10:12 Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people…
1Ch 21:13 David answered Gad, “I am deeply distressed.”…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Samuel
A young boy serving under Eli in the temple, chosen by God to be a prophet. Samuel is obedient and faithful, even when delivering difficult messages.

2. Eli
The high priest and judge of Israel, who is Samuel's mentor. Eli is a complex figure, both a spiritual leader and a father who struggles with his sons' disobedience.

3. The LORD
The God of Israel, who communicates His will through prophets like Samuel. His sovereignty and justice are central themes in this passage.

4. The Temple
The place where Samuel serves and where God reveals His message to him. It is a setting of divine encounter and revelation.

5. The Prophetic Message
The message from God that Samuel must deliver to Eli, concerning the judgment on Eli's house due to the sins of his sons.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Call
Samuel's willingness to deliver God's message, despite its difficulty, teaches us the importance of obedience to God's call in our lives.

Acceptance of God's Sovereignty
Eli's response demonstrates a profound acceptance of God's will, reminding us to trust in God's plan, even when it involves personal loss or hardship.

The Role of Prophets
Samuel's role as a prophet highlights the importance of truth-telling in leadership and the responsibility to convey God's messages faithfully.

Consequences of Disobedience
The judgment on Eli's house serves as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of living a life that honors God.

Faith in God's Justice
Eli's acceptance of God's judgment reflects a deep faith in God's justice, encouraging us to trust that God will ultimately do what is right.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3:18?

2. How does Eli's response in 1 Samuel 3:18 demonstrate submission to God's will?

3. What can we learn from Eli about accepting difficult truths from God?

4. How does 1 Samuel 3:18 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose?

5. In what ways can we trust God's plan when facing personal challenges?

6. How can Eli's example guide us in responding to God's discipline today?

7. How does 1 Samuel 3:18 demonstrate God's sovereignty in difficult situations?

8. What does Eli's response in 1 Samuel 3:18 reveal about submission to God's will?

9. How does 1 Samuel 3:18 challenge our understanding of divine justice?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 3?


(18) It is the Lord.--Such a reply, and such a reception of the news of the terrible doom twice communicated to him by a direct message from the Eternal, indicates that Eli, in spite of his weakness and foolish partiality for his sons, was thoroughly devoted to the Lord in his heart. He saw how deeply he had failed in his high office, how he had allowed worldly considerations to influence his conduct, how he had been tried and found wanting; and now, without a murmur, he submits to the righteous judgment of his God, he leaves himself in God's hands, and never tries to justify himself and his past conduct. Now it was probably too late to attempt any reformation in the priestly life. The influence and power of Hophni and Phinehas were too strong for his enfeebled will to set aside. Eli was probably in his last days little more than a puppet in their hands. He had sown the wind, and now must reap the whirlwind.

1 Samuel 3:18 captures a complete prophetic exchange: Samuel fearlessly declares every word God gave; Eli humbly bows to the Lord’s sovereign judgment. Together they teach that God’s people must speak His truth without omission and receive His will without resistance, knowing that the One who judges is always right and always good.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Samuel
שְׁמוּאֵל֙ (šə·mū·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050: Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel

told
וַיַּגֶּד־ (way·yag·geḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

him
ל֤וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

everything
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

and did not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

hide
כִחֵ֖ד (ḵi·ḥêḏ)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3582: To secrete, by act, word, to destroy

[a thing] from him.
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ (mim·men·nū)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

“He
ה֔וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is the LORD,”
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

replied Eli.
וַיֹּאמַ֕ר (way·yō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Let Him do
יַעֲשֶֽׂה׃ (ya·‘ă·śeh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

what is good
הַטּ֥וֹב (haṭ·ṭō·wḇ)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

in His eyes.”
בְּעֵינָ֖ו‪‬ (bə·‘ê·nāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain


Additonal Resources
1 Samuel 3:18 Blue Letter Bible
1 Samuel 3:18 Bible Gateway
1 Samuel 3:18 Bible.com

1 Samuel 3:18 NIV
1 Samuel 3:18 NLT
1 Samuel 3:18 ESV
1 Samuel 3:18 NASB
1 Samuel 3:18 KJV

1 Samuel 3:18 Study Bible
1 Samuel 3:18 Biblia Paralela
1 Samuel 3:18 Chinese Bible
1 Samuel 3:18 French Bible
1 Samuel 3:18 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Samuel 3:18 Samuel told him every whit and hid (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)

1 Samuel 3:17
Top of Page
Top of Page