What does 1 Samuel 16:7 mean?
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7
The verse 1 Samuel 16:7 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
This verse is part of the story of the anointing of David as the future king of Israel. Samuel, a prophet, was sent by God to anoint the next king of Israel after King Saul had been rejected by God for disobedience. When Samuel arrived in Bethlehem, the hometown of Jesse, he asked Jesse to bring forth his sons so that he could choose one of them to anoint as the next king. As Jesse's sons stood before Samuel, he was impressed by their outward appearance and assumed that the eldest son, Eliab, was the one whom God had chosen. However, God corrected Samuel and instructed him not to judge by outward appearances, as God looks at the heart.
The verse holds a significant commentary on the nature of God and His relationship with mankind. It speaks to the theme of divine judgment and the difference between human perception and God’s perception. The verse teaches that God's standards are not based on superficial qualities such as physical appearance or worldly success, but rather on the condition of the heart and one's character. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of inner qualities such as faith, humility, and obedience to God.
The context of 1 Samuel 16:7 is also important to consider. At this point in the biblical narrative, the people of Israel were in need of a new king who would lead them according to God’s will. King Saul, who had initially been chosen and anointed by Samuel, had turned away from God and was rejected as a result. This context highlights the significance of the verse in demonstrating God's ability to see beyond the external and into the heart of individuals. It also serves as a warning against making judgments based solely on appearances, as God's perspective is not limited by human limitations.
The symbolism in the verse is profound and serves to guide believers in their understanding of God's nature. The image of God seeing the heart rather than the outward appearance suggests that true worth and goodness come from within, rather than from external attributes. This symbolism challenges humans to reevaluate their own value system and consider what truly matters in God’s eyes.
Furthermore, the verse has broader implications for the way believers are called to interact with others. It encourages a deeper level of understanding and compassion, as one should seek to perceive others as God does – with a focus on their inner qualities rather than their superficial attributes.
In conclusion, the verse 1 Samuel 16:7 holds great significance within the biblical narrative and for believers today. It emphasizes the importance of God's perspective and challenges humans to reconsider their own judgments based on external appearances. The theme of divine judgment and the symbolism of God seeing the heart serve to remind believers of the deeper, inner qualities that truly matter in God's eyes. This verse calls for a renewed focus on character and the heart, as opposed to outward appearances, providing a valuable lesson for all who seek to understand and follow God's will.
Have questions about 1 Samuel 16:7?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
1 Samuel 16:7 Artwork
1 Samuel 16:7 - "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7
1 Samuel 7:16 - "And he went from year to year in circuit to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places."
1 Samuel 16:1–13
1 Samuel 3:16 - "Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I."
2 Samuel 16:7 - "And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:"
1 Samuel 7:15 - "And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life."
1 Samuel 16:10 - "Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these."
2 Samuel 7:1–29
1 Samuel 14:7
1 Samuel 28:7
1 Samuel 16:8 - "Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."
1 Samuel 8:7
2 Samuel 7:16 - "And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever."
1 Samuel 7:5 - "And Samuel said, Gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the LORD."
2 samuel 9:7 fhdhdhdhhd
1 Samuel 28:16 - "Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy?"
1 Samuel 7:9 - "¶ And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him."
1 Samuel 3:7 - "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him."
1 Samuel 16:4 - "And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?"
1 Samuel 16:13 - "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."
1 Samuel 15:16 - "Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on."
1 Samuel 17:16 - "And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days."
1 Samuel 6:16 - "And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day."
1 Samuel 16:14 - "¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him."
1 Samuel 10:16 - "And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us plainly that the asses were found. But of the matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, he told him not."
1 Samuel 7:13 - "¶ So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel."
"And he went from year to year in circuit to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places." - 1 Samuel 7:16
1 Samuel 1:16 - "Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto."
1 Samuel 16:9 - "Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this."