1 Samuel 3:1

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli . And the word of the Lord was rare in those days ; there was no frequent vision .

The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.

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.