1 Samuel 16:12

12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

1 Samuel 16:12 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the LORD said, "Arise, anoint him, for this is he."
New Living Translation (NLT)
12 So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the LORD said, “This is the one; anoint him.”
The Message Bible (MSG)
12 Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health - bright-eyed, good-looking. God said, "Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one."
American Standard Version (ASV)
12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
12 So Jesse sent for him. He had a healthy complexion, attractive eyes, and a handsome appearance. The LORD said, "Go ahead, anoint him. He is the one."
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
12 So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance. Then the Lord said, "Anoint him, for he is the one."
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
12 So Jesse sent for his son and had him brought in. His skin was tanned. He had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Get up and anoint him. He is the one."

1 Samuel 16:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 16:12

And he sent and brought him in
Sent messengers into the field and to the flock for him, and being come home Jesse introduced him into the room where Samuel was:

now he was ruddy;
which some understand not of the ruddiness of his complexion, or of his cheeks, but of the redness of his hair; the former seems best:

and withal of a beautiful countenance;
of comely features: or "beautiful eyes" F5; bright, clear, and sparkling; eyes that are black or blue are reckoned beautiful:

and goodly to look to;
of a pleasant countenance, delightful to behold; he carried sweetness as well as majesty in his face; in this he was a type of Christ, ( Song of Solomon 5:10 Song of Solomon 5:16 ) . A beautiful aspect, as well as shape and height, recommended persons for government, as with the Ethiopians, as Aristotle F6 relates; so Agamemnon is represented by Priamus F7 for his personable appearance, as like a king, and fit to be one:

and the Lord said, arise, anoint him, for this is he;
that he had spoken to him of, and who it was his pleasure should be anointed king; and therefore, by a secret strong impulse upon his mind, was put upon doing it immediately, without any hesitation or delay.


FOOTNOTES:

F5 (Mynye hpy Me) "simul pulcher oculis", Montanus; "cum pulchritudine oculorum", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
F6 Politic. l. 4. c. 4.
F7 Homer. Iliad. 3. v. 166.

1 Samuel 16:12 In-Context

10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.”
11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”
12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.
14 Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 1 Samuel 9:17
  • 2. S Genesis 39:6; 1 Samuel 17:42
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