1 Samuel 16:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesse brings forward his third son Shammah, and again Samuel says the LORD has not chosen him.
What Does 1 Samuel 16:9 Mean?
Shammah passes before Samuel, and the answer is the same: not this one. Three of Jesse's strongest sons have now come and gone without the prophet's approval. The household must be wondering what Samuel is waiting for.
The steady refrain underscores that God's ways are not measured by birth order or natural strength. Each son is presented and passed over, and still the prophet waits. There is a holy stubbornness in waiting for God to act rather than settling for what seems good enough. The LORD's silence here is not absence; it is His choosing not yet revealed.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 16:9
What does 1 Samuel 16:9 mean?
Jesse brings forward his third son Shammah, and again Samuel says the LORD has not chosen him.