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.

1 SAMUEL 16:12KJV
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1 Samuel 16:12 (KJV)

What does 1 Samuel 16:12 mean?

1 Samuel 16:12 shows the moment when the LORD identifies David as the one Samuel is to anoint. David has been brought in from tending sheep, and the LORD’s instruction singles him out from Jesse’s sons for the task Samuel has been sent to carry out.

The description gives the reader a picture of David’s appearance: he is “ruddy,” with a beautiful countenance, and pleasant to look at. The command comes after Samuel has seen David’s older brothers, making clear who is meant when the LORD says, “this is he.”

The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 16:12

  • “ruddy” — אַדְמוֹנִי (’admoni): This word describes a reddish coloring. It may refer to David’s complexion or appearance, though the word does not specify which feature is reddish.
  • “countenance” — עַיִן (’ayin): This word commonly means “eye.” The KJV’s “beautiful countenance” renders a phrase often understood to describe David’s beautiful eyes.
  • “anoint” — מָשַׁח (mashach): This means to apply oil to someone or something. Here it refers to Samuel’s act of pouring oil on David as a sign that David has been chosen for kingship.

Why 1 Samuel 16:12 matters

  • David’s place in the family makes the choice striking. He is the youngest and had been left with the sheep when Jesse’s other sons were presented to Samuel (verses 10–11).
  • David’s good looks are part of the description, but they are not given as the reason for the choice. Earlier, the LORD tells Samuel that people look at outward appearance, while the LORD looks at the heart (verse 7).
  • The instruction prepares the reader for a change in leadership. Samuel has been sent to find a king among Jesse’s sons, while Saul is still king (verses 1–2).

Where else these words appear

“ruddy” Hebrew H132 · used in 3 verses

  • Genesis 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau.
  • 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.

“to” Hebrew H7210 · used in 5 verses

  • Genesis 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
  • Job 7:8 The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not.
  • Job 33:21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out.

“withal” Hebrew H5973 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Genesis 48:12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
  • 1 Samuel 2:21 And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

“beautiful” Hebrew H3303 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 12:11 And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:
  • 2 Samuel 14:27 And unto Absalom there were born three sons, and one daughter, whose name was Tamar: she was a woman of a fair countenance.
  • Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.