The wording in this verse is similar to the two prior calls except that this is clearly identified as the third time. But this time Eli’s response is unlike his previous responses because he perceived the whole affair differently. The word translated perceived usually involves figuring out something that is not immediately obvious. It may be translated “discerned,” “saw” (Moffatt), “recognized” (Knox), or “understood” (Revised English Bible, New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible). In some languages a form of the verb “know” or “came to know” will have to be used.

That the LORD was calling the boy: the point is not that Eli now realizes what the LORD is doing. Rather he now realizes who is calling Samuel (so Good News Translation). So it will be important to place the emphasis in translation on the LORD rather than on the verb was calling. Knox does this without even using the name of the LORD: “recognized at last whose voice it was the boy had heard.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .