King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 16:7 Mean?

1 Samuel 16:7 in the King James Version says “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 16:7 · KJV


Context

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

8

Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

9

Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contains one of Scripture's most profound anthropological and theological statements. The contrast between human sight (einayim - eyes) and divine sight reveals fundamentally different modes of evaluation. 'The LORD looketh on the heart' (lebab) - encompassing mind, will, and affections - establishes internal character as the true criterion for divine approval. This principle anticipates Jesus' teaching that 'out of the heart proceed evil thoughts' (Matthew 15:19) and underscores that God's kingdom operates by values counter to worldly wisdom.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued physical prowess and appearance in kings as signs of divine favor and military capability. Israel had adopted these criteria in choosing Saul. God's corrective through Samuel challenges cultural assumptions about leadership qualifications that persist across civilizations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What aspects of your 'heart' - thoughts, motives, affections - need transformation before God's eyes?
  2. How does this passage challenge the criteria your church or organization uses to select leaders?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 25

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַֽיהוָ֖ה2 of 25

But the LORD

H3068

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

אֶל3 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל4 of 25

unto Samuel

H8050

shemuel, the name of three israelites

אַל5 of 25
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּבֵּ֧ט6 of 25

Look

H5027

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

אֶל7 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַרְאֵ֛הוּ8 of 25

not on his countenance

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

וְאֶל9 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

גְּבֹ֥הַּ10 of 25

or on the height

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

קֽוֹמָת֖וֹ11 of 25

of his stature

H6967

height

כִּ֣י12 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מְאַסְתִּ֑יהוּ13 of 25

because I have refused

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

כִּ֣י׀14 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֗א15 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲשֶׁ֤ר16 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִרְאֶ֥ה17 of 25

looketh

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הָֽאָדָם֙18 of 25

for man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

כִּ֤י19 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָֽאָדָם֙20 of 25

for man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יִרְאֶ֥ה21 of 25

looketh

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

לַעֵינַ֔יִם22 of 25

on the outward appearance

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וַֽיהוָ֖ה23 of 25

But the LORD

H3068

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

יִרְאֶ֥ה24 of 25

looketh

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

לַלֵּבָֽב׃25 of 25

on the heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)


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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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