1 Samuel 16:12
New International Version
So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

New Living Translation
So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the LORD said, “This is the one; anoint him.”

English Standard Version
And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”

Berean Standard Bible
So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”

New American Standard Bible
So he sent word and brought him in. Now he was reddish, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.”

NASB 1995
So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.”

NASB 1977
So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And Yahweh said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”

Amplified Bible
So Jesse sent word and brought him in. Now he had a ruddy complexion, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. The LORD said [to Samuel], “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.”

Christian Standard Bible
So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance. Then the LORD said, “Anoint him, for he is the one.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance. Then the LORD said, “Anoint him, for he is the one.”

American Standard Version
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And Jehovah said, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.

Contemporary English Version
Jesse sent for David. He was a healthy, good-looking boy with a sparkle in his eyes. As soon as David came, the LORD told Samuel, "He's the one! Get up and pour the olive oil on his head."

English Revised Version
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look upon. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Jesse sent for him. He had a healthy complexion, attractive eyes, and a handsome appearance. The LORD said, "Go ahead, anoint him. He is the one."

Good News Translation
So Jesse sent for him. He was a handsome, healthy young man, and his eyes sparkled. The LORD said to Samuel, "This is the one--anoint him!"

International Standard Version
So he sent and brought him. He had a dark, healthy complexion, with beautiful eyes, and he was handsome. The LORD said, "Get up and anoint him, for this is the one."

Majority Standard Bible
So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, ?Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.?

NET Bible
So Jesse had him brought in. Now he was ruddy, with attractive eyes and a handsome appearance. The LORD said, "Go and anoint him. This is the one!"

New Heart English Bible
So he sent and brought him in. And he was reddish brown, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. And the LORD said, "Arise, anoint him, for he is the one."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and also of a beautiful countenance, and a good appearance. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

World English Bible
He sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with a handsome face and good appearance. Yahweh said, “Arise! Anoint him, for this is he.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he sends, and brings him in, and he [is] ruddy, with beautiful eyes, and of good appearance; and YHWH says, “Rise, anoint him, for this [is] he.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he sendeth, and bringeth him in, and he is ruddy, with beauty of eyes, and of good appearance; and Jehovah saith, 'Rise, anoint him, for this is he.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will send and bring him. And he red, with beauty of eyes, and good of sight And Jehovah will say, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He sent therefore and brought him Now he was ruddy and beautiful to behold, and of a comely face. And the Lord said: Arise, and anoint him, for this is he.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, he sent and brought him. Now he was ruddy, and beautiful to behold, and with a stately face. And the Lord said, “Rise up, anoint him! For it is he.”

New American Bible
Jesse had the young man brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth with beautiful eyes, and good looking. The LORD said: There—anoint him, for this is the one!

New Revised Standard Version
He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes, and very handsome. And the LORD said to Samuel, Arise, anoint him; for this is he.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he sent and he brought him, and he was ruddy and his eyes were beautiful and his appearance beautiful, and LORD JEHOVAH said to Shemueil: “Arise, anoint him, for this is he!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of beautiful eyes, and goodly to look upon. And the LORD said: 'Arise, anoint him; for this is he.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he sent and fetched him: and he was ruddy, with beauty of eyes, and very goodly to behold. And the Lord said to Samuel, Arise, and anoint David, for he is good.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Samuel Anoints David
11And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” 12So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” 13So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.…

Cross References
Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

Psalm 89:20
I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.

1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

2 Samuel 7:8
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.

Psalm 78:70-72
He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.

1 Kings 8:16
‘Since the day I brought My people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city from any tribe of Israel in which to build a house so that My Name would be there. But I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’

1 Chronicles 17:7
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.

1 Chronicles 28:4
Yet the LORD, the God of Israel, chose me out of all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah as leader, and from the house of Judah He chose my father’s household, and from my father’s sons He was pleased to make me king over all Israel.

2 Samuel 5:2
Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’”

2 Samuel 23:1
These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:

Matthew 1:6
and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

Luke 1:32
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David,

Luke 1:69
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David,

Matthew 22:42
“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered.

Mark 12:36
Speaking by the Holy Spirit, David himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.”’


Treasury of Scripture

And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and with of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

ruddy

1 Samuel 17:42
And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.

Song of Solomon 5:10
My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand.

Lamentations 4:7
Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:

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.

And the Lord

1 Samuel 9:17
And 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.

anoint him

Psalm 2:2,6
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, …

Psalm 89:19,20
Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people…

Acts 4:27
For 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,

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1 Samuel 16
1. Samuel sent by God, under pretense of a sacrifice, comes to Bethlehem
6. His human judgment is reproved
11. He anoints David
15. Saul sends for David to quiet his evil spirit














So Jesse sent for him
In the context of ancient Israel, family dynamics were deeply rooted in patriarchal structures. Jesse, as the father, held authority over his household. The act of sending for David, the youngest son, signifies obedience to Samuel's request, which was divinely inspired. The Hebrew root for "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) often implies a mission or purpose, indicating that David's calling was not merely familial but divinely orchestrated.

and had him brought in
This phrase underscores the importance of David's presence. In the Hebrew culture, being "brought in" (בּוֹא, bo) often signifies entering into a new phase or role. David's introduction to Samuel marks the beginning of his journey from shepherd to king, a transition that is both physical and spiritual.

He was ruddy
The term "ruddy" (אַדְמוֹנִי, admoni) refers to a healthy, reddish complexion, which in ancient times was often associated with vigor and vitality. This description not only highlights David's physical attributes but also symbolizes his robust character and potential for leadership. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the life and energy that David would bring to the nation of Israel.

with a fine appearance
David's "fine appearance" (יְפֵה עֵינַיִם, yepeh einayim) suggests more than just physical beauty; it implies a pleasing demeanor and presence. In biblical terms, beauty often correlates with favor and blessing from God. This phrase indicates that David was not only outwardly attractive but also possessed an inner grace that made him suitable for God's purposes.

and handsome features
The description of "handsome features" (טוֹב רֹאִי, tov ro'i) further emphasizes David's suitability for leadership. In the ancient Near East, physical appearance was often seen as a reflection of one's character and divine favor. This phrase suggests that David's appearance was a manifestation of his inner qualities, which were aligned with God's will.

Then the LORD said
The direct communication from the LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh) signifies divine authority and intervention. In the Hebrew tradition, when God speaks, it is a moment of revelation and action. This phrase marks a pivotal moment where God's choice is made clear, underscoring the divine sovereignty in the selection of leaders.

Rise and anoint him
The command to "rise and anoint" (קוּם מָשַׁח, qum mashach) is both a physical and spiritual directive. Anointing, in Hebrew culture, was a sacred act that set individuals apart for God's service. This command signifies the beginning of David's divine appointment as king, highlighting the transformative power of God's calling.

for he is the one
This declaration affirms God's sovereign choice. The phrase "he is the one" (כִּי זֶה הוּא, ki zeh hu) emphasizes the certainty and intentionality of God's selection. It reflects the biblical theme that God often chooses the unlikely or overlooked to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His wisdom and power.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Jesse sent for [his youngest son]
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

and brought him in.
וַיְבִיאֵ֙הוּ֙ (way·ḇî·’ê·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

He
וְה֣וּא (wə·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

[was] ruddy,
אַדְמוֹנִ֔י (’aḏ·mō·w·nî)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 132: Red, ruddy

with beautiful
יְפֵ֥ה (yə·p̄êh)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3303: Fair, beautiful

eyes
עֵינַ֖יִם (‘ê·na·yim)
Noun - cd
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

and a handsome
וְט֣וֹב (wə·ṭō·wḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

appearance.
רֹ֑אִי (rō·’î)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7210: Looking, seeing, sight

And the LORD
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

said,
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Rise
ק֥וּם (qūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

[and] anoint him,
מְשָׁחֵ֖הוּ (mə·šā·ḥê·hū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4886: To rub with oil, to anoint, to consecrate, to paint

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he
הֽוּא׃ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is the one.”
זֶ֥ה (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that


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OT History: 1 Samuel 16:12 He sent and brought him in (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)
1 Samuel 16:11
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