King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 16:9 Mean?

1 Samuel 16:9 in the King James Version says “Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Samuel 16:9 · King James Version


Context

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.

10

Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.

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


Commentaries2 scholars

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

Shammah (meaning 'astonishment' or 'desolation') was the third son presented. His later appearance among David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:11-12) shows he possessed genuine valor, yet valor alone did not qualify him for kingship. The systematic rejection of each son built dramatic tension while teaching that God's choice cannot be predicted or manipulated through human qualifications.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Shammah would later distinguish himself defending a field of lentils against Philistine raiders. The brothers' presence at the selection ceremony suggests Jesse had gathered his family for what he understood as a significant religious occasion, though the full purpose remained concealed.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's rejection of qualified candidates challenge our understanding of merit-based selection?
  2. What genuine strengths might you possess that are still insufficient for God's particular calling?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיַּֽעֲבֵ֥ר1 of 9

to pass by

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

יִשַׁ֖י2 of 9

Then Jesse

H3448

jishai, david's father

שַׁמָּ֑ה3 of 9

made Shammah

H8048

shammah, the name of an edomite and four israelites

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר4 of 9

And he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

גַּם5 of 9
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בָּזֶ֖ה6 of 9
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לֹֽא7 of 9
H3808

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

בָחַ֥ר8 of 9

chosen

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

יְהוָֽה׃9 of 9

Neither hath the LORD

H3068

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


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 16:9 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 16:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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