1 Samuel 16:12 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David is brought in, and the LORD tells Samuel to anoint him, for this youngest son is the chosen king.
What Does 1 Samuel 16:12 Mean?
The youngest son arrives -- ruddy, bright-eyed, pleasant to look upon. The narrator notes his appearance, but it is God's word, not David's looks, that decides the matter: 'Arise, anoint him: for this is he.' The long search ends with a clear command.
After all the passing-by, God's choice is announced with simple certainty. The boy from the sheepfold is the one the LORD provided from the start. What matters is not that David is handsome but that God has named him; the heart God saw in verse seven now receives the oil. When the LORD says 'this is he,' the waiting is over and the calling begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 16:12
What does 1 Samuel 16:12 mean?
David is brought in, and the LORD tells Samuel to anoint him, for this youngest son is the chosen king.