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1 Samuel 3:11

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 3:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jehovah said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jehovah said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
1 Samuel 3:11 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And Jehovah called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And Eli perceived that Jehovah had called the child.
9Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Jehovah; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10And Jehovah came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11And Jehovah said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
12In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning even unto the end.
13For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons did bring a curse upon themselves, and he restrained them not.
14And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli`s house shall not be expiated with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the Lord said to Samuel, etc.] The voice of the Lord continued speaking to him: behold, I will do a thing in Israel; which may be particularly interpreted of the taking of the ark, and the slaying of the two sons of Eli; and which is elsewhere represented as the Lord’s doing, for the sins of Eli’s family, (<197861>Psalm 78:61,62) at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle; be struck with horror and amazement, and quite stunned, and know not what to think or say, like persons surprised with a violent clap of thunder, which strikes their ears so strongly, that the noise of it is not soon gone from them; this was verified in Eli, and in his daughter-in-law particularly,…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“More accurately, “the which whosoever heareth both his ears shall tingle.” This expressive phrase occurs again twice (marginal references) with reference to the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. It is remarkable that Jeremiah repeatedly compares the destruction of Jerusalem with the destruction of Shiloh (Jeremiah 7:12, Jeremiah 7:14; Jeremiah 26:6, Jeremiah 26:9; Compare Psalms 78:60-64). return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:11 The phrase a shocking thing conveys the magnitude and severity of God’s judgment. God’s actions would also be of national significance for Israel (cp. 2 Kgs 21:12; Jer 19:3).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I will do: Isa 29:14; Amo 3:6, Amo 3:7; Hab 1:5; Act 13:41 both the ears: Kg2 21:12; Isa 28:19; Jer 19:3; Luk 21:26 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 3:12”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Samuel 3 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification