Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” New Living Translation But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” English Standard Version But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” Berean Standard Bible But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Berean Literal Bible And YHWH said to Samuel, “Look not at his appearance, or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For it is not as the man sees—for the man looks at the eyes, and YHWH looks at the heart.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” New American Standard Bible But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” NASB 1995 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” NASB 1977 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Legacy Standard Bible But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.” Amplified Bible But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Berean Annotated Bible But the LORD {YHWH} said to Samuel (his name is El), “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” Christian Standard Bible But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the LORD sees, for humans see what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart.” American Standard Version But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart. Contemporary English Version But the LORD told him, "Samuel, don't think Eliab is the one just because he's tall and handsome. He isn't the one I've chosen. People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts." English Revised Version But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. GOD'S WORD® Translation But the LORD told Samuel, "Don't look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the LORD looks into the heart." Good News Translation But the LORD said to him, "Pay no attention to how tall and handsome he is. I have rejected him, because I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart." International Standard Version The LORD told Samuel, "Don't look at his appearance or his height, for I've rejected him. Truly, God does not see what man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." NET Bible But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't be impressed by his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." New Heart English Bible But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For humans do not see as God sees, for humans look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart." Webster's Bible Translation But the LORD said to Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the hight 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” World English Bible But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for I don’t see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH says to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance, and at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him; for [it is] not as man sees—for man looks at the eyes, and YHWH looks at the heart.” Berean Literal Bible And YHWH said to Samuel, “Look not at his appearance, or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For it is not as the man sees—for the man looks at the eyes, and YHWH looks at the heart.” Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah saith unto Samuel, 'Look not unto his appearance, and unto the height of his stature, for I have rejected him; for it is not as man seeth -- for man looketh at the eyes, and Jehovah looketh at the heart.' Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will say to Samuel, Thou shalt not look upon his aspect or upon the height of his stature; for I rejected him: for not what man will see, for man will see with the eyes, and Jehovah will see at the heart. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord said to Samuel: Look not on his countenance, nor on the height of his stature: because I have rejected him, nor do I judge according to the look of man: for man seeth those things that appear, but the Lord beholdeth the heart. Catholic Public Domain Version And the Lord said to Samuel: “You should not look with favor on his face, nor on the height of his stature. For I have rejected him. Neither do I judge by the appearance of a man. For man sees those things that are apparent, but the Lord beholds the heart.” New American Bible But the LORD said to Samuel: Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The LORD looks into the heart. New Revised Standard Version But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him; for I do not see as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH said to Shemueil: “Do not gaze on his appearance and on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him, for I am not as a man who sees, because a man sees with the eyes and LORD JEHOVAH sees with the heart” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But the LORD said unto Samuel: 'Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him; for it is not as man seeth: for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.' Brenton Septuagint Translation But the Lord said to Samuel, Look not on his appearance, nor on his stature, for I have rejected him; for God sees not as man looks; for man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Samuel Anoints David…6When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.” 7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” 8Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”… Cross References But the LORD said to Samuel, 1 Samuel 9:15-17 Now on the day before Saul’s arrival, the LORD had revealed to Samuel, / “At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.” / When Samuel saw Saul, the LORD told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke; he shall rule over My people.” 1 Samuel 8:22 “Listen to their voice,” the LORD said to Samuel. “Appoint a king for them.” Then Samuel told the men of Israel, “Everyone must go back to his city.” Exodus 4:12 Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” “Do not consider his appearance or height, 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. John 7:24 Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. for I have rejected him; 1 Samuel 15:26 “I will not return with you,” Samuel replied. “For you have rejected the word of the LORD, and He has rejected you as king over Israel.” 1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” 1 Samuel 15:28 So Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to your neighbor who is better than you. the LORD does not see as man does. 1 Kings 8:39 be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men— Proverbs 16:2 All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD. Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For man sees the outward appearance, 2 Corinthians 5:16 So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. James 2:1-4 My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. / Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” … Matthew 23:27-28 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. but the LORD sees the heart.” Jeremiah 17:10 I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. Treasury of Scripture But the LORD said to Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. Look not 1 Samuel 9:2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly: and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people. 1 Samuel 10:23,24 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward… 2 Samuel 14:25 But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. seeth not Job 10:4 Hast thou eyes of flesh? or seest thou as man seeth? Isaiah 55:8,9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD… Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. looketh John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. 2 Corinthians 10:7,10 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's… outward appearance [heb] eyes 1 Kings 8:39 Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) 1 Chronicles 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. 2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. Jump to Previous Appearance Consider Countenance Heart Height Hight Looks Outward Refused Rejected Samuel Stature Tall ViewJump to Next Appearance Consider Countenance Heart Height Hight Looks Outward Refused Rejected Samuel Stature Tall View1 Samuel 16 1. Samuel sent by God, under pretense of a sacrifice, comes to Bethlehem6. His human judgment is reproved 11. He anoints David 15. Saul sends for David to quiet his evil spirit But the LORD said to Samuel This phrase indicates direct divine communication, emphasizing the prophetic role of Samuel. Samuel, a key figure in Israel's history, was a prophet, judge, and anointer of kings. His relationship with God was intimate, allowing him to receive direct instructions. This communication underscores the importance of divine guidance in leadership decisions. Do not consider his appearance or height for I have rejected him the LORD does not see as man does For man sees the outward appearance but the LORD sees the heart Persons / Places / Events 1. SamuelA prophet of God who anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. In this passage, he is tasked with anointing a new king. 2. Jesse The father of David, residing in Bethlehem. Samuel visits him to find and anoint the next king of Israel. 3. David The youngest son of Jesse, who is eventually chosen by God to be king, despite not being the obvious choice based on appearance. 4. Bethlehem The town where Jesse and his family live, and where Samuel goes to anoint the new king. 5. The LORD God, who instructs Samuel and provides divine insight into choosing the next king based on the heart rather than outward appearance. Teaching Points God's Perspective vs. Human PerspectiveHumans often judge based on external factors, but God looks at the heart. We should strive to see others as God does, valuing inner character over outward appearance. The Importance of the Heart Our heart's condition is crucial in our relationship with God. We should regularly examine our hearts and seek to align them with God's will. Trust in God's Wisdom God's choices may not always align with human expectations. Trusting in His wisdom means accepting that His understanding surpasses our own. Humility and Obedience Like David, who was chosen despite being the least likely candidate, we should remain humble and obedient, trusting that God can use us regardless of our status or appearance. Encouragement for the Overlooked Those who feel overlooked or undervalued can find encouragement in knowing that God sees and values their heart, not just their outward circumstances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 16:7?2. How does 1 Samuel 16:7 challenge our view of outward appearances? 3. What does "the LORD looks at the heart" mean for personal character development? 4. How can we apply God's perspective from 1 Samuel 16:7 in daily interactions? 5. What other scriptures emphasize God's focus on the heart over appearances? 6. How can we cultivate a heart that pleases God, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7? 7. How does 1 Samuel 16:7 challenge our understanding of God's criteria for choosing leaders? 8. Why does God prioritize the heart over appearance in 1 Samuel 16:7? 9. What does 1 Samuel 16:7 reveal about God's perspective on human judgment? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 16? 11. Do appearances reflect true character? 12. How can Christians cope with acne struggles? 13. What does it mean God sees the heart? 14. What is the meaning of "Spirit of the Law"? What Does 1 Samuel 16:7 Mean But the LORD said to SamuelSamuel is still grieving over Saul’s failure (1 Samuel 15:35–16:1), yet God interrupts the prophet’s assumptions and takes the initiative. Scripture often records the LORD speaking directly to correct human reasoning (Genesis 4:6–7; Jonah 4:4). The literal voice of God here reminds us that divine guidance overrides even a seasoned prophet’s instincts (Proverbs 19:21). "Do not consider his appearance or height" • Samuel’s first glance at Eliab mirrors Israel’s earlier fascination with Saul, “a head taller than any of the people” (1 Samuel 10:23). • Physical stature impresses people—think of Absalom’s flawless looks (2 Samuel 14:25) or the imposing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4). God warns against letting surface qualities define leadership (John 7:24). • This command pushes us to evaluate how we select role models or authorities (James 2:1–4). "For I have rejected him" • Just as Saul was “rejected” for disobedience (1 Samuel 15:26), Eliab is passed over before he even acts. God’s election is sovereign (Romans 9:15–16). • Rejection here does not equate to condemnation of Eliab’s soul; it simply means he will not be king. The lesson: divine purposes differ from human preferences (Isaiah 55:8–9). "The LORD does not see as man does" • Human perception is limited to time and sense; God’s vision is omniscient and eternal (Psalm 147:5; Hebrews 4:13). • What we call “first impressions” often mislead (Proverbs 14:12). God’s evaluation penetrates deeper than résumé, charisma, or popularity (Luke 16:15). "For man sees the outward appearance" • Culture prizes image—clothing (1 Peter 3:3), athleticism (1 Timothy 4:8), public spirituality (Matthew 23:5). • Outward metrics—followers, talent, beauty—easily overshadow substance. Samuel’s momentary slip shows even godly people can be swayed (Galatians 2:11–13). • The verse exposes a universal blind spot; it’s not merely ancient Israel’s issue. "But the LORD sees the heart" • God “searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought” (1 Chronicles 28:9). • David, though the youngest and overlooked, is later called “a man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22). Character, faith, and obedience matter more to God than credentials (Micah 6:8). • Since the heart is transparent before Him (Jeremiah 17:10), repentance and integrity become non-negotiable (Psalm 51:6). summary 1 Samuel 16:7 contrasts human sight with divine sight. People instinctively judge by externals, but God’s selection of a king—and His assessment of every person—rests on the unseen condition of the heart. The verse calls believers to align with God’s values, resisting superficial standards and cultivating inner fidelity that pleases the One who sees all. Hebrew But the LORDיְהוָ֜ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Samuel, שְׁמוּאֵ֗ל (šə·mū·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 8050: Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel “Do not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not look תַּבֵּ֧ט (tab·bêṭ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular Strong's 5027: To scan, look intently at, to regard at אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to his appearance מַרְאֵ֛הוּ (mar·’ê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision or height, גְּבֹ֥הַּ (gə·ḇō·ah) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1364: Elevated, powerful, arrogant for כִּ֣י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I have rejected him; מְאַסְתִּ֑יהוּ (mə·’as·tî·hū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 3988: To spurn, to disappear [the LORD does] not [see] לֹ֗א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no as אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that man הָאָדָ֔ם (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being does. יִרְאֶה֙ (yir·’eh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see For כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction man הָֽאָדָם֙ (hā·’ā·ḏām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being sees יִרְאֶ֣ה (yir·’eh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see the outward appearance, לַעֵינַ֔יִם (la·‘ê·na·yim) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - cd Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain but the LORD וַיהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel sees יִרְאֶ֥ה (yir·’eh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7200: To see the heart.” לַלֵּבָֽב׃ (lal·lê·ḇāḇ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3824: Inner man, mind, will, heart Links 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV1 Samuel 16:7 NLT 1 Samuel 16:7 ESV 1 Samuel 16:7 NASB 1 Samuel 16:7 KJV 1 Samuel 16:7 BibleApps.com 1 Samuel 16:7 Biblia Paralela 1 Samuel 16:7 Chinese Bible 1 Samuel 16:7 French Bible 1 Samuel 16:7 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Samuel 16:7 But Yahweh said to Samuel Don't look (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) |
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