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1 Samuel 16:12

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 16:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
1 Samuel 16:12 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this.
10And Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Jehovah hath not chosen these.
11And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he is keeping the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him; for we will not sit down till he come hither.
12And 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.
13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
14Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him.
15And Saul`s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
← 1 Samuel 16:111 Samuel 16:13 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he sent and brought him in, etc.] Sent messengers into the field and to the flock for him, and being come home Jesse introduced him into the room where Samuel was: now he was ruddy; which some understand not of the ruddiness of his complexion, or of his cheeks, but of the redness of his hair; the former seems best: and withal of a beautiful countenance; of comely features: or “beautiful eyes” f323; bright, clear, and sparkling; eyes that are black or blue are reckoned beautiful: and goodly to look to; of a pleasant countenance, delightful to behold; he carried sweetness as well as majesty in his face; in this he was a type of Christ, (<220510>Song of Solomon 5:10,16). A beautiful aspect,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“he was ruddy, &c.--JOSEPHUS says that David was ten, while most modern commentators are of the opinion that he must have been fifteen years of age.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“ruddy: Sa1 17:42; Sol 5:10; Lam 4:7; Act 7:20; Heb 11:23 of a beautiful countenance: Heb. fair of eyes, Sa1 16:7 And the Lord: Sa1 9:17 anoint him: Psa 2:2, Psa 2:6, Psa 89:19, Psa 89:20; Act 4:27 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 16:13”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Samuel 16 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification