1 Samuel 16:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Samuel anoints David before his brothers, the Spirit of the LORD comes powerfully upon David from that day on, and Samuel returns home.
What Does 1 Samuel 16:13 Mean?
In the midst of his brothers, Samuel pours the horn of oil over David. The act is quiet and the boy is not yet enthroned, but from that day the Spirit of the LORD rushes upon David and remains. Samuel's task done, the old prophet rises and goes back to Ramah.
Anointing and the Spirit belong together: the one God calls, He also equips. David's road to the throne will be long and hard, yet the Spirit who came that day will carry him through. The Hebrew title 'messiah' means 'anointed one,' and David becomes a picture of the greater Anointed to come, upon whom the Spirit would rest without measure, the Shepherd-King of Bethlehem.
1 Samuel 16:13 in the Original Language
mashach (מָשַׁח), 'anointed' -- to pour oil upon as a sign of being set apart by God; from it comes the word 'messiah.'
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 16:13
What does 1 Samuel 16:13 mean?
Samuel anoints David before his brothers, the Spirit of the LORD comes powerfully upon David from that day on, and Samuel returns home.