1 Samuel 16:3
And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
וְקָרָ֥אתָ
And call
H7121
וְקָרָ֥אתָ
And call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
1 of 14
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בַּזָּ֑בַח
to the sacrifice
H2077
בַּזָּ֑בַח
to the sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
אוֹדִֽיעֲךָ֙
and I will shew
H3045
אוֹדִֽיעֲךָ֙
and I will shew
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶֽׁר
H834
אֲשֶֽׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
thee what thou shalt do
H6213
תַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה
thee what thou shalt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֣
and thou shalt anoint
H4886
וּמָֽשַׁחְתָּ֣
and thou shalt anoint
Strong's:
H4886
Word #:
9 of 14
to rub with oil, i.e., to anoint; by implication, to consecrate; also to paint
אֵ֥ת
H853
אֵ֥ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
12 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
1 Samuel 9:16To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.Acts 9:6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.2 Samuel 15:11And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.
Historical Context
Jesse's family belonged to the clan of Ephrathah, one of Bethlehem's prominent lineages tracing back to Caleb. The practice of anointing kings was common throughout the ancient Near East, though Israel's anointing carried unique covenantal significance as appointment by Yahweh rather than mere political installation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you practice waiting on God's specific direction rather than presuming to know His will?
- What role does corporate worship and sacrifice play in preparing your heart to receive God's guidance?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee.
The instruction to 'call Jesse to the sacrifice' placed the anointing within a legitimate religious context. The phrase 'I will shew thee what thou shalt do' emphasizes moment-by-moment dependence on divine guidance. Samuel would not know God's choice until God revealed it, teaching that prophetic ministry requires ongoing receptivity rather than presumption. The Hebrew mashach (anoint) carries royal and messianic significance.