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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › 1 Samuel 16  › 1 Samuel 16:6

1 Samuel 16:6

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1 Samuel 16:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Surely here before the LORD is His anointed.”

King James Version KJV

¶ And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.

American Standard Version ASV

And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely Jehovah’s anointed is before him.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now when they came, looking at Eliab, he said, Clearly the man of the Lord's selection is before him.

Free Bible Version FBV

When they arrived and Samuel saw Eliab, he said to himself, “This has got to be the Lord's anointed!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when they were come, hee looked on Eliab, and saide, Surely the Lordes Anointed is before him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it cometh to pass, in their coming in, that he seeth Eliab, and saith, 'Surely, before Jehovah [is] His anointed.'

World English Bible WEB

When they had come, he looked at Eliab, and said, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it came to pass when they had come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD'S anointed is before him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when they were come in, he saw Eliab, and said: Is the Lord’s anointed before him?

Translation for Translators T4T

When they arrived there, Samuel looked at Jesse’s oldest son Eliab, and thought, “Surely this is the one whom Yahweh has appointed to be king!”

Plain English Version PEV

After they came together, Samuel saw Jesse’s oldest son. His name was Eliab. Samuel thought, “I reckon this is the one God has picked to be the big boss.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 16:6

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 16:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֣י בְּ/בוֹאָ֔/ם וַ/יַּ֖רְא אֶת אֱלִיאָ֑ב וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר אַ֛ךְ נֶ֥גֶד יְהוָ֖ה מְשִׁיחֽ/וֹ
וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/בוֹאָ֔/ם bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
וַ/יַּ֖רְא râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֱלִיאָ֑ב ʼĔlîyʼâb H446 Eliab N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַ֛ךְ ʼak H389 surely DirObjM
נֶ֥גֶד neged H5048 before Prep
יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
מְשִׁיחֽ/וֹ mâshîyach H4899 anointed N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 16:6

וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/בוֹאָ֔/ם bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וַ/יַּ֖רְא râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֱלִיאָ֑ב ʼĔlîyʼâb H446 "Eliab" N-proper
Eliab was a common name in the Bible, including a leader of Zebulun and a brother of David, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:6 and Numbers 1:9.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.1; son of: Tohu (H8459); father of: Jeroham (H3395); also called Eliab at 1Ch.6.27; Eliel at 1Ch.6.34; Another name of e.li.hu (אֱלִיהוּ "Elihu" H0453G) § Eliab = "my God is father" or "God is father" 1) son of Helon, leader of Zebulun in the wilderness 2) a Reubenite chief, father of Dathan and Abiram 3) David's oldest brother 4) a Levite musician 5) a Gadite warrior for David 6) a Kohathite
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Eliab. See also: Numbers 1:9; 1 Samuel 16:6; 2 Chronicles 11:18.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר 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.
אַ֛ךְ ʼak H389 "surely" DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
נֶ֥גֶד neged H5048 "before" Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
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.
מְשִׁיחֽ/וֹ mâshîyach H4899 "anointed" N-ms | Suff
Messiah means anointed one, referring to a king, priest, or the Messiah in the Bible. It describes someone set apart for a special purpose. The term is used in the Old Testament to describe kings and priests, and in the New Testament to describe Jesus.
Definition: 1) anointed, anointed one 1a) of the Messiah, Messianic prince 1b) of the king of Israel 1c) of the high priest of Israel 1d) of Cyrus 1e) of the patriarchs as anointed kings
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: anointed, Messiah. See also: Leviticus 4:3; 2 Samuel 22:51; Psalms 2:2.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 16:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Samuel 17:13 The three older sons of Jesse had followed Saul into battle: The firstborn was Eliab, the second was Abinadab, and the third was Shammah.
2 1 Chronicles 2:13 Jesse was the father of Eliab his firstborn; Abinadab was born second, Shimea third,
3 1 Samuel 17:22 Then David left his supplies in the care of the quartermaster and ran to the battle line. When he arrived, he asked his brothers how they were doing.
4 Judges 8:18 Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.”
5 1 Kings 12:26 Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David.
6 1 Chronicles 27:18 over Judah was Elihu, one of David’s brothers; over Issachar was Omri son of Michael;

1 Samuel 16:6 Summary

In 1 Samuel 16:6, Samuel thought Eliab was the one God had chosen because of how he looked, but God had other plans. This reminds us that God doesn't choose people based on how they look or their family background, but rather on their heart and willingness to follow Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. We should not judge others based on appearances, but rather look at their character and heart, just like God does, according to Jeremiah 17:10. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can learn to see people and situations from His perspective, and not our own limited understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Samuel think Eliab was the anointed one?

Samuel thought Eliab was the anointed one because of his outward appearance, but the Lord rejected him, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, reminding us that God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance, as also seen in 1 Samuel 16:7 and confirmed in 1 Corinthians 4:5.

What can we learn from Samuel's mistake in 1 Samuel 16:6?

We learn that we should not judge others based on their physical appearance, but rather look at their heart and character, as the Lord does, according to 1 Samuel 16:7 and Jeremiah 17:10.

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

This verse shows that God's sovereignty is not limited by human expectations or appearances, but rather He chooses and anoints those who are humble and have a willing heart, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13 and Psalm 75:7.

What does it mean that the Lord sees the heart?

It means that God looks beyond the external appearance and behaviors of a person and sees their inner thoughts, motivations, and intentions, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7 and also in Jeremiah 17:10, reminding us to cultivate a pure heart before Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I judge others based on outward appearance, and how can I change this habit to see people as God sees them?
  2. How do I cultivate a humble heart before the Lord, so I can be used by Him for His purposes?
  3. In what ways do I try to present myself to God and others, and what does this reveal about my heart?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to trust God's sovereignty and not my own understanding or expectations?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:6

And it came to pass, when they were come,.... Jesse and his sons, into the house where the entertainment was; and perhaps before they sat down, went into a private apartment by the direction of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:6

And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him. He looked on Eliab , [ 'Eliy'aab (H446), to whom God is father] - or Elihu (1 Chronicles 27:18).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:6

When they were come; when the most of Jesse’ s sons were come, either to the place of the feast, or to some other place near it, appointed for this private discourse, whither they were to come before they went to the feast. It must also be understood that Samuel had acquainted Jesse with his design, which is easily gathered out of the context, and needed not be expressed. Is before him, i.e. is in this place where God is now present. For it is observable, that not only the sacrifice is said to be offered, but even the feast upon the remainders of it is said to be eaten, before the Lord, , i.e. before or near his altar, where God was present in a special manner. And the ground of this expression seems to be this, that Jesse brought not all his sons together, but made one after another to come to the place, and to pass before Samuel, who stood before the Lord, in some place near the altar, that this great business might be managed with more solemnity. And Eliab being the person now before Samuel, is said to be now before the Lord. But whatsoever the ground of this phrase is, this is certain and confessed, that this is his meaning, This I take to be the person whom I am sent to anoint; wherein yet he was greatly mistaken, as other prophets sometimes were, when they hastily spake their own thoughts, before they had consulted God in the case, as .

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:6

1 Samuel 16:6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’ S anointed [is] before him.Ver. 6. He looked on Eliab.] Who was of a goodly stature and presence, but proud and uncourteous. Fronti nulla fides. Samuel had seen how ill Saul proved, though proper and personable. And said, Surely, &c.] This he said by a human judgment, and not as a prophet. See the like, 2 Samuel 7:3.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:6

(6) He looked on Eliab.—There was something in the tall and stately presence of the eldest born of Jesse which reminded the old man of the splendid youth of Saul. Eliab seemed to Samuel in all respects a fit successor to the great warrior whom the Lord rejected. But the Divine voice gave no reply back to the prophet’s mute questioning; and the other sons of Jesse, an imposing band of gallant youths, passed in review before the old seer, and were severally introduced to him; but the Divine voice only warned the seer that these external advantages of mere human beauty and strength, were no mark of true greatness.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 16:6

6. and said] Said to himself: thought. “Eliab by his height and his countenance seemed the natural counterpart of Saul, whose successor the Prophet came to select. But the day was gone when kings were chosen because they were head and shoulders taller than the rest.” Stanley’s Lect. II. 40. Eliab is probably the same as “Elihu one of the brethren of David” whom David appointed “ruler of the tribe of Judah” (1 Chronicles 27:18).

Sermons on 1 Samuel 16:6

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Winning God's Approval - Part 6 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God is in control of every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, jobs, and homes. He argues that if God, who runs the univer
← 1 Samuel 16:5 1 Samuel 16:7 →

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