1 Samuel 16:10

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1 Samuel 16:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”

King James Version KJV

Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.

American Standard Version ASV

And Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Jehovah hath not chosen these.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Jesse made his seven sons come before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, The Lord has not taken any of these.

Free Bible Version FBV

Jesse had seven of his sons come before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Againe Ishai made his seue sonnes to come before Samuel: and Samuel saide vnto Ishai, The Lord hath chosen none of these.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jesse causeth seven of his sons to pass by before Samuel, and Samuel saith to Jesse, 'Jehovah hath not fixed on these.'

World English Bible WEB

Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Isai therefore brought his seven sons before Samuel: and Samuel said to Isai: The Lord hath not chosen any one of these.

Translation for Translators T4T

Similarly, Jesse told his other four sons to walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “Yahweh has not chosen any of these sons of yours.”

Plain English Version PEV

Jesse sent all 7 of his sons one by one to stand in front of Samuel. But Samuel said to him, “God hasn’t picked any of these.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 16:10

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 16:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּעֲבֵ֥ר יִשַׁ֛י שִׁבְעַ֥ת בָּנָ֖י/ו לִ/פְנֵ֣י שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר שְׁמוּאֵל֙ אֶל יִשַׁ֔י לֹא בָחַ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה בָּ/אֵֽלֶּה

וַ/יַּעֲבֵ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

יִשַׁ֛י Yishay H3448 Jesse N-proper

שִׁבְעַ֥ת shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj

בָּנָ֖י/ו bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 Shemuel N-proper

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שְׁמוּאֵל֙ Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 Shemuel N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יִשַׁ֔י Yishay H3448 Jesse N-proper

לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part

בָחַ֥ר bâchar H977 to choose V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

בָּ/אֵֽלֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Prep | Pron

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 16:10

וַ/יַּעֲבֵ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

יִשַׁ֛י Yishay H3448 "Jesse" N-proper

Jesse was the father of King David and a member of the tribe of Judah, and his name means 'I possess', showing his importance in the family and community.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Obed (H5744); father of: David (H1732), Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?) and Elihu (H0453J) Also named: Iessai (Ἰεσσαί "Jesse" G2421) § Jesse = "I possess" son of Boaz and the father of king David

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Jesse. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 72:20.

שִׁבְעַ֥ת shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Adj

This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.

Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.

בָּנָ֖י/ו bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 "Shemuel" N-proper

Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'

Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

שְׁמוּאֵל֙ Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 "Shemuel" N-proper

Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.

Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

יִשַׁ֔י Yishay H3448 "Jesse" N-proper

Jesse was the father of King David and a member of the tribe of Judah, and his name means 'I possess', showing his importance in the family and community.

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Jesse. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:30; Psalms 72:20.

לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

בָחַ֥ר bâchar H977 "to choose" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.

Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected

Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

בָּ/אֵֽלֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Prep | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 16:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 16:10 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:10
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:10
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10
Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 16:10
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10

Context — Samuel Anoints David

8Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 9Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”

10Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.”

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.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Chronicles 2:13–15	Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; Abinadab was born second, Shimea third, Nethanel fourth, Raddai fifth, Ozem sixth, and David seventh.

1 Samuel 16:10 Summary

[This verse shows that God's choices are not based on what we think is important, but on what He knows is best, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7. Samuel presented seven of Jesse's sons to God, but none of them were chosen to be the next king of Israel. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when we don't understand His ways, and to seek a deeper relationship with Him, as encouraged in Matthew 22:37-38.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God not choose any of Jesse's seven sons presented to Samuel?

God's ways are not our ways, and He looks at the heart, not outward appearance, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, so it's likely that none of these sons had the heart God was looking for to be the next king of Israel, unlike David who was chosen in 1 Samuel 16:12.

What can we learn from Samuel's interaction with Jesse's sons?

We learn that God is not impressed by human standards of greatness, and we should trust in His sovereign choice, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting in Him and not our own understanding.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?

This verse shows that God is in control and makes choices based on His own will and purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28-30, and we can trust that His choices are always best, even if we don't understand them at the time.

What does this verse teach us about the importance of waiting on God's timing?

It teaches us that God's timing is perfect, and we should wait on Him, as seen in Psalm 27:14, and not try to rush ahead or make our own decisions without seeking His guidance, as Samuel did in 1 Samuel 16:11.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I'm trying to impress God with my outward actions, rather than focusing on my heart and relationship with Him?
How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when I don't understand His choices, to my current circumstances?
What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing and wait on Him, rather than trying to rush ahead with my own plans?
How can I balance the desire to be used by God with the need to trust in His sovereign choice and timing, as seen in this verse and 1 Samuel 16:12?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:10

Again Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel,.... Not seven more, for he had but eight sons in all with David, 1 Samuel 17:12 but four more, which with the other three made seven; three of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:10

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10

Seven of his sons, i.e. the rest of his sons, which were seven, besides David; for in all he had eight, . It is true, there are but seven of them named , but that may be because one of them was either born of a concubine, or an obscure person; or one that died immediately after this time.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10

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.Ver. 10. Again, Jesse made seven of his sons.] For he had eight in all, though one of them likely died without issue, and is not therefore reckoned.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10

(10) Seven of his sons.—These seven, with David, the youngest, make eight. In 1 Chronicles 2:13-15 only seven of the family are recorded: one apparently of that bright band of youths died young.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10

Verse 10. Seven of his sons] This certainly was not done publicly; Samuel, Jesse, and his children, must have been in a private apartment, previously to the public feast on the sacrifice; for Samuel says, 1 Samuel 16:11, We will not sit down till he (David) come.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Samuel 16:10

Seven - i. e., including the three who had already passed. It appears that Jesse had eight sons; but in 1 Chronicles 2:13-15, only seven are ascribed to him.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:10

10. The Lord hath not chosen these — This statement made to Jesse implies that Samuel had already, as we have remarked on 1 Samuel 16:5, privately informed him of the object of his coming.