King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 16:13 Mean?

1 Samuel 16:13 in the King James Version says “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon Da... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 16:13 · KJV


Context

11

And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. down: Heb. round

12

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. of a: Heb. fair of eyes

13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

14

But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. troubled: or, terrified

15

And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

The anointing 'in the midst of his brethren' publicly designated David before witnesses while keeping the full significance concealed from broader society. The Spirit's coming 'from that day forward' (miyyom hahu wama'lah) marks permanent divine empowerment, contrasting with Saul's temporary or intermittent Spirit experiences. Samuel's departure to Ramah left David to return to his sheep, beginning the long period of preparation between anointing and coronation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Anointing with oil symbolized the Spirit's empowering presence throughout the ancient Near East. Israel's use of anointing for kings, priests, and prophets set apart individuals for sacred service. The olive oil likely came from Samuel's horn, a vessel of personal significance carrying prophetic authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the gap between David's anointing and his reign inform your understanding of God's timing?
  2. What does the Spirit's permanent presence on David teach about divine empowerment for calling?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיִּקַּ֨ח1 of 21

took

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל2 of 21

So Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אֶת3 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קֶ֣רֶן4 of 21

the horn

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

הַשֶּׁ֗מֶן5 of 21

of oil

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וַיִּמְשַׁ֣ח6 of 21

and anointed

H4886

to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint

אֹתוֹ֮7 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּקֶ֣רֶב8 of 21

him in the midst

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

אֶחָיו֒9 of 21

of his brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

וַתִּצְלַ֤ח10 of 21

came

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

רֽוּחַ11 of 21

and the Spirit

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

יְהוָה֙12 of 21

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל13 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

דָּוִ֔ד14 of 21

upon David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

מֵֽהַיּ֥וֹם15 of 21

from that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֖וּא16 of 21
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וָמָ֑עְלָה17 of 21

forward

H4605

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

וַיָּ֣קָם18 of 21

rose up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל19 of 21

So Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ20 of 21
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

הָֽרָמָֽתָה׃21 of 21

to Ramah

H7414

ramah, the name of four places in palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 16:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 16:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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