1 Samuel 16:12
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.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
And he sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
And he sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 16
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וַיְבִיאֵ֙הוּ֙
and brought him in
H935
וַיְבִיאֵ֙הוּ֙
and brought him in
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 16
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְה֣וּא
H1931
וְה֣וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
3 of 16
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
עִם
and withal
H5973
עִם
and withal
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 16
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
עֵינַ֖יִם
countenance
H5869
עֵינַ֖יִם
countenance
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 16
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְט֣וֹב
and goodly
H2896
וְט֣וֹב
and goodly
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
8 of 16
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
רֹ֑אִי
to look to
H7210
רֹ֑אִי
to look to
Strong's:
H7210
Word #:
9 of 16
sight, whether abstractly (vision) or concretely (a spectacle)
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֛ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
ק֥וּם
Arise
H6965
ק֥וּם
Arise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
12 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
מְשָׁחֵ֖הוּ
anoint
H4886
מְשָׁחֵ֖הוּ
anoint
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
13 of 16
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
Cross References
Lamentations 4:7Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:Song of Solomon 5:10My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.Acts 4:27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,Acts 7:20In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:Genesis 39:6And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.1 Samuel 9:17And when Samuel saw Saul, the LORD said unto him, Behold the man whom I spake to thee of! this same shall reign over my people.1 Samuel 17:42And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
Historical Context
Reddish coloring was considered attractive in the ancient Near East, possibly indicating health and vigor. The 'beautiful countenance' (yepheh mareh) would later be echoed in descriptions of David's son Absalom. David likely appeared to be in his mid-teens at this anointing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's confirmation of David challenge our tendency to either dismiss or overvalue physical attributes?
- What does immediate obedience to God's designation teach about recognizing divine choice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
The description of David combines physical attractiveness with divine confirmation. 'Ruddy' ('admoni) suggests reddish complexion or hair, possibly connecting to the name Adam (from 'adamah, red earth). Unlike Saul's evaluation, David's appearance is secondary to God's command: 'Arise, anoint him: for this is he.' The definitive zeh (this one) leaves no doubt. Beauty existed but was not the criterion; God's designation was the criterion.