Bible Dictionary

Samuel

A Hebrew male personal name; its exact etymology is uncertain, and 1 Samuel 1:20 explains the name in connection with Hannah's asking of the LORD.

Quick Reference

Total Entries

516

Entry Position

407 of 516

Letter

S

Meaning

A Hebrew male personal name; its exact etymology is uncertain, and 1 Samuel 1:20 explains the name in connection with Hannah's asking of the LORD.

Key Scriptures

  • 1 Samuel 1:20
  • 1 Samuel 2:18
  • 1 Samuel 3:19
  • 1 Samuel 7:6
  • 1 Samuel 8:7
  • 1 Samuel 10:1
  • 1 Samuel 12:23
  • 1 Samuel 15:22
  • 1 Samuel 16:13
  • 1 Samuel 19:18
  • 1 Samuel 25:1
  • 1 Chronicles 6:13
  • Psalm 99:6
  • Jeremiah 15:1

Original Language

Hebrew

שְׁמוּאֵל

Shemu'el

Exact etymology uncertain; commonly analyzed as “heard of God” or “name of God”

Greek

Σαμουήλ

Samouēl

Samuel

Meaning

A Hebrew male personal name; its exact etymology is uncertain, and 1 Samuel 1:20 explains the name in connection with Hannah’s asking of the LORD.

Biblical Usage

Samuel was the son of Elkanah and Hannah. Hannah dedicated him to the LORD, and he was brought to Eli at Shiloh after he was weaned.

Samuel served the LORD from his youth, became a prophet and judge in Israel, and was used in the anointing of Saul and David as kings. He continued to speak to Israel and its rulers as a prophet and died after a lifetime of service in Israel.

Key References

  • 1 Samuel 1:20 — Hannah names her son Samuel in connection with asking him of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 2:18 — Samuel ministers before the LORD as a child.
  • 1 Samuel 3:19 — The LORD is with Samuel and establishes his words.
  • 1 Samuel 7:6 — Samuel judges Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 10:1 — Samuel anoints Saul.
  • 1 Samuel 12:23 — Samuel speaks of his continued prayer for Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 15:22 — Samuel speaks to Saul concerning obedience.
  • 1 Samuel 16:13 — Samuel anoints David.
  • 1 Samuel 25:1 — Samuel dies and all Israel gathers to mourn him.
  • Psalm 99:6 — Samuel is remembered among those who called upon the LORD.
  • Jeremiah 15:1 — Samuel is mentioned alongside Moses.
  • Hannah
  • Eli
  • Saul
  • David
  • Prophet

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • 1 Samuel 1:20
  • 1 Samuel 2:18
  • 1 Samuel 3:19
  • 1 Samuel 7:6
  • 1 Samuel 8:7
  • 1 Samuel 10:1
  • 1 Samuel 12:23
  • 1 Samuel 15:22
  • 1 Samuel 16:13
  • 1 Samuel 19:18
  • 1 Samuel 25:1
  • 1 Chronicles 6:13
  • Psalm 99:6
  • Jeremiah 15:1

Related Terms

Hannah Eli Saul David Prophet

Study Topics

person prophet judge priest israel