1 Samuel 3:21
New International Version
The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.

New Living Translation
The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.

English Standard Version
And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

Berean Standard Bible
And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.

King James Bible
And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

New King James Version
Then the LORD appeared again in Shiloh. For the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

New American Standard Bible
And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

NASB 1995
And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

NASB 1977
And the LORD appeared again at Shiloh, because the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Yahweh appeared again at Shiloh, because Yahweh revealed Himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of Yahweh.

Amplified Bible
And the LORD continued to appear in Shiloh, for the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

Christian Standard Bible
The LORD continued to appear in Shiloh, because there he revealed himself to Samuel by his word.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The LORD continued to appear in Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.

American Standard Version
And Jehovah appeared again in Shiloh; for Jehovah revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of Jehovah.

Contemporary English Version
The LORD often appeared to Samuel at Shiloh and told him what to say.

English Revised Version
And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The LORD continued to appear in Shiloh, since the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh through the word of the LORD. And Samuel spoke to all Israel.

Good News Translation
The LORD continued to reveal himself at Shiloh, where he had appeared to Samuel and had spoken to him. And when Samuel spoke, all Israel listened.

International Standard Version
The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because he revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by means of messages from the LORD.

NET Bible
Then the LORD again appeared in Shiloh, for it was in Shiloh that the LORD had revealed himself to Samuel through the word of the LORD.

New Heart English Bible
And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh, for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.

World English Bible
Yahweh appeared again in Shiloh; for Yahweh revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by Yahweh’s word.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And YHWH adds to appear in Shiloh, for YHWH has been revealed to Samuel, in Shiloh, by the word of YHWH.

Young's Literal Translation
And Jehovah addeth to appear in Shiloh, for Jehovah hath been revealed unto Samuel, in Shiloh, by the word of Jehovah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jehovah will add to be seen in Shiloh: for Jehovah was revealed to Samuel by the word of Jehovah in Shiloh.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the Lord again appeared in Silo, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Silo, according to the word of the Lord. And the word of Samuel came to pass to all Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the Lord continued to appear in Shiloh. For the Lord had revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh, according to the word of the Lord. And the word about Samuel went forth to all of Israel.

New American Bible
The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, manifesting himself to Samuel at Shiloh through his word. Samuel’s word spread throughout Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel at Shiloh by the word of the LORD.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the LORD continued to reveal himself by his words in Shiloh; and Samuel's words were declared throughout all Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And LORD JEHOVAH continued again to be revealed in Shilo by his words, and the word of Shemueil was over all Israel
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh; for the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the Lord manifested himself again in Selom, for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel; and Samuel was accredited to all Israel as a prophet to the Lord from one end of the land to the other: and Heli was very old, and his sons kept advancing in wickedness, and their way was evil before the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Samuel Shares the Vision
20So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. 21And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.

Cross References
1 Samuel 9:15
Now on the day before Saul’s arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel,

1 Samuel 28:6
He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets.

1 Samuel 15:10
Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying,

1 Samuel 10:17
After this, Samuel summoned the people to the LORD at Mizpah

1 Samuel 16:1
Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”

1 Samuel 13:13-14
“You have acted foolishly,” Samuel declared. “You have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you; if you had, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. / But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

1 Samuel 12:23
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way.

1 Samuel 2:35
Then I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest. He will do whatever is in My heart and mind. And I will build for him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed one for all time.

1 Samuel 8:7
And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.

1 Samuel 7:15
So Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

1 Kings 3:5
One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”

1 Kings 9:2
the LORD appeared to him a second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon.

1 Kings 19:9
There Elijah entered a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

2 Chronicles 1:7
That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”

Jeremiah 1:4
The word of the LORD came to me, saying:


Treasury of Scripture

And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

appeared

Genesis 12:7
And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Numbers 12:6
And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.

the word

1 Samuel 3:1,4
And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision…

Jump to Previous
Addeth Appear Appeared Continued Revealed Revelation Samuel Shiloh Word
Jump to Next
Addeth Appear Appeared Continued Revealed Revelation Samuel Shiloh Word
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














And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh
Shiloh was a significant religious center in ancient Israel, serving as the location of the Tabernacle before the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem. It was here that the Ark of the Covenant was housed, making it a focal point for worship and divine encounters. The continued appearance of the LORD at Shiloh signifies His ongoing presence and favor, despite the spiritual decline during the period of the Judges. This phrase underscores the faithfulness of God in maintaining a relationship with His people, even when they stray. The divine appearances at Shiloh also highlight the importance of this location in Israel's history, as it was a place where God chose to reveal Himself and communicate His will.

because there He revealed Himself to Samuel
Samuel was a pivotal figure in Israel's history, serving as the last judge, a prophet, and a priest. His role in transitioning Israel from a loose confederation of tribes to a unified monarchy under Saul and David was crucial. The revelation of God to Samuel marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry, which would have a lasting impact on the nation. This revelation is significant because it represents a shift from the period of the Judges, characterized by sporadic leadership and moral chaos, to a time of prophetic guidance and divine order. Samuel's ability to hear and understand God's voice set him apart as a leader who would faithfully convey God's messages to the people.

by His word
The phrase "by His word" emphasizes the means through which God chose to reveal Himself to Samuel. In the biblical context, God's word is powerful and creative, as seen in the Genesis account of creation. It is also authoritative and instructive, providing guidance and direction for His people. The revelation of God through His word to Samuel highlights the importance of divine communication in guiding the nation of Israel. This method of revelation also foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh in the New Testament. Just as God revealed Himself to Samuel through His word, He ultimately revealed Himself to humanity through Jesus, the living Word.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who reveals Himself to His people and communicates His will.

2. Samuel
A young prophet and judge in Israel, dedicated to the LORD by his mother Hannah, and serving under Eli the priest.

3. Shiloh
A significant religious center in Israel during this period, where the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were located.

4. The Word of the LORD
The divine communication and revelation given to Samuel, marking him as a true prophet of God.
Teaching Points
Divine Revelation
God reveals Himself to those who are attentive and willing to listen. Samuel's experience at Shiloh reminds us of the importance of being open to God's voice in our lives.

The Role of the Prophet
Samuel's role as a prophet underscores the importance of faithfully delivering God's message. We are called to be messengers of God's truth in our own contexts.

The Significance of Place
Shiloh, as a place of worship and revelation, teaches us about the importance of sacred spaces where we can encounter God. We should seek out and cherish places where we can connect with Him.

Continuity of God's Presence
The LORD's continued appearance at Shiloh signifies His ongoing presence and faithfulness. We can trust that God is always with us, guiding and revealing His will.

The Word of the LORD
The phrase "by the word of the LORD" emphasizes the power and authority of God's word. We should prioritize Scripture in our lives as the primary means through which God speaks to us today.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3:21?

2. How does God revealing Himself in 1 Samuel 3:21 inspire your daily faith?

3. What role does "the word of the LORD" play in your life today?

4. How can you ensure you are receptive to God's revelations like Samuel?

5. Compare God's revelation in 1 Samuel 3:21 with Hebrews 1:1-2. What similarities exist?

6. How can you cultivate a heart ready to receive God's word like Samuel?

7. How does 1 Samuel 3:21 demonstrate God's communication with humanity?

8. What is the significance of God revealing Himself in Shiloh in 1 Samuel 3:21?

9. How does 1 Samuel 3:21 relate to the theme of divine revelation?

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

11. How did Samuel lead Israel and anoint its first kings?

12. 1 Samuel 3:1 – How can “the word of the Lord” be rare when earlier biblical accounts suggest ongoing divine revelations?

13. Joshua 18:1 - Is there historical or archaeological evidence confirming that 'all the congregation of the children of Israel' actually gathered at Shiloh?

14. 1 Samuel 3:7 - How could a child with no prior knowledge of God accurately identify and respond to a supernatural voice?
What Does 1 Samuel 3:21 Mean
And the LORD

• The verse opens by putting the spotlight squarely on God, not on Samuel. Just as in Genesis 1:1, the initiative is His.

• “The LORD” (“YHWH”) is the covenant name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14–15), stressing God’s faithfulness to act for His people.

• This same Lord had already called Samuel by name earlier in the chapter, showing a personal, relational God (1 Samuel 3:10; compare John 10:3).


continued to appear

• The phrase points to an ongoing pattern, not a one-time event. Earlier, “the word of the LORD was rare” (1 Samuel 3:1), but now that drought is ending.

• God’s consistent appearances echo His repeated visits to the patriarchs (Genesis 26:2; 35:9) and anticipate His promise never to leave nor forsake (Hebrews 13:5).

• For Israel, this meant guidance and correction were once again flowing; for us, it reminds us that God’s self-revelation in Scripture is steady and reliable (2 Peter 1:19).


at Shiloh

• Shiloh housed the tabernacle and the ark (Joshua 18:1; 1 Samuel 1:3). It functioned as Israel’s worship center before Jerusalem.

• By choosing Shiloh, God honored the place where sacrifices and prayers had been offered (1 Samuel 1:24-28).

• Jeremiah later points back to Shiloh as a warning (Jeremiah 7:12-14), underlining that privilege brings responsibility.


because there He revealed Himself

• God’s “appearance” is tied to self-revelation. He is not distant or hidden; He makes Himself known (Amos 3:7; John 14:21).

• Revelation is always purposeful—God shows Himself so His people can know His character and follow His ways (Psalm 103:7).

• This continues the pattern of redemptive history: God acts, then explains His actions so we can respond in faith (Exodus 6:2-8).


to Samuel

• The revelation is personal. Samuel, still a young man, becomes God’s chosen mouthpiece (1 Samuel 2:35; Jeremiah 1:6-9).

• God often uses unlikely servants to shame human pride (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

• Samuel’s growth “in stature and favor with the LORD and with men” (1 Samuel 2:26; compare Luke 2:52) shows what God can do with a surrendered life.


by His word

• The channel of revelation is explicitly “His word.” Even divine appearances serve to communicate authoritative truth (Psalm 119:89).

Hebrews 1:1-2 captures this principle: “God, having spoken at many times and in various ways… has spoken to us by His Son.”

• The reliability of God’s word is underscored in 1 Samuel 3:19—“The LORD let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.”

• For believers today, Scripture remains the primary means by which God reveals Himself (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 55:11).


summary

1 Samuel 3:21 assures us that the covenant God deliberately, continually, and verbally reveals Himself. He chose Shiloh as the setting, Samuel as the servant, and His word as the vehicle. The verse invites us to trust that the same faithful Lord still speaks through His written word, guiding those who, like Samuel, are ready to listen and obey.

Verse 21. - And Jehovah appeared again. Literally, "added to appear," i.e. revealed himself from time to time on all fit occasions. To appear, literally, "to be seen," is the verb used of waking vision (see on ver. 15). By the word of Jehovah. Many of the old commentators refer this to the second person of the Holy Trinity, but he is himself Jehovah, as we affirm in the Te Deum: "We believe thee to be the Lord," i.e. the Jehovah of the Old Testament, usually translated, in deference to a Jewish superstition, "the LORD." As the Word, Christ is "the Word of God." The phrase really means, "by prophetic inspiration" revealing to Samuel the truth (comp. Isaiah 51:16; Jeremiah 1:9).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

continued
וַיֹּ֥סֶף (way·yō·sep̄)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3254: To add, augment

to appear
לְהֵרָאֹ֣ה (lə·hê·rā·’ōh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

at Shiloh,
בְשִׁלֹ֑ה (ḇə·ši·lōh)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7887: Shiloh -- a city in Ephraim

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

there
בְּשִׁל֖וֹ (bə·ši·lōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 7887: Shiloh -- a city in Ephraim

He
יְהוָ֧ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

revealed Himself
נִגְלָ֨ה (niḡ·lāh)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

by His
יְהוָֽה׃ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

word.
בִּדְבַ֥ר (biḏ·ḇar)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT History: 1 Samuel 3:21 Yahweh appeared again in Shiloh (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 3:20
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