King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 16:5 Mean?

1 Samuel 16:5 in the King James Version says “And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. An...” — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.”

1 Samuel 16:5 · KJV

Context

3

And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.

4

And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? coming: Heb. meeting

5

And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

6

And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him. Eliab: called Elihu

7

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. outward: Heb. eyes

Read 1 Samuel 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.

Sanctification (qadash) involved ritual purification preparing participants for sacred encounter. Samuel's personal sanctification of Jesse and his sons set them apart for the special revelation about to occur. The sacrificial context provided legitimate religious cover while also genuinely preparing hearts for God's work. The tension between public ritual and private purpose reflects how God often works within ordinary structures to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ritual purification typically involved washing, clean garments, and abstention from sexual relations (Exodus 19:10-15). Such preparation acknowledged human unworthiness to approach the holy God and the need for ceremonial cleansing before worship. Family sacrifices strengthened clan bonds and renewed covenant commitment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practices of spiritual preparation help you encounter God more receptively?
  2. How does the call to sanctification challenge your approach to worship and spiritual gatherings?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר׀1 of 17

“And he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

שָׁל֗וֹם2 of 17

“Peaceably”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

לִזְבֹּ֤חַ3 of 17

“to sacrifice”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

לַֽיהוָה֙4 of 17

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

וּבָאתֶ֥ם5 of 17

“I am come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

וַיְקַדֵּ֤שׁ6 of 17

“And he sanctified”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

וּבָאתֶ֥ם7 of 17

“I am come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אִתִּ֖י8 of 17
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לַזָּֽבַח׃9 of 17

“them to the sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

וַיְקַדֵּ֤שׁ10 of 17

“And he sanctified”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֶת11 of 17
H853

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

יִשַׁי֙12 of 17

“Jesse”

H3448

jishai, david's father

וְאֶת13 of 17
H853

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

בָּנָ֔יו14 of 17

“and his sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַיִּקְרָ֥א15 of 17

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

לָהֶ֖ם16 of 17
H0
לַזָּֽבַח׃17 of 17

“them to the sacrifice”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

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 16:5 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 16:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 19:10Leviticus 20:7-8Joshua 3:5Joshua 7:131 Corinthians 11:28Exodus 19:14-15

Test Your Knowledge

1 Samuel 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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