1 Samuel 16:8
1 Samuel 16:8 in Multiple Translations
Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel, who said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.”
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath Jehovah chosen this.
Then Jesse sent for Abinadab and made him come before Samuel. And he said, The Lord has not taken this one.
Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him come before Samuel, who said, “The Lord hasn't chosen this one either.”
Then Ishai called Abinadab, and made him come before Samuel. And he saide, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.
And Jesse calleth unto Abinadab, and causeth him to pass by before Samuel; and he saith, 'Also on this Jehovah hath not fixed.'
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “The LORD has not chosen this one, either.”
Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.
And Isai called Abinadab, and brought him before Samuel. And he said: Neither hath the Lord chosen this.
Then Jesse told his next oldest son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But when he did that, Samuel said, “Yahweh has not chosen this one, either.”
So Samuel asked Jesse to send the next son to him. His name was Abinadab. He came, and Samuel said, “No, God hasn’t picked this one.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 16:8
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 16:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
יִשַׁי֙
אֶל
אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב
וַ/יַּעֲבִרֵ֖/הוּ
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
גַּם
בָּ/זֶ֖ה
לֹֽא
בָחַ֥ר
יְהוָֽה
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִשַׁי֙
Yishay
H3448
Jesse
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב
ʼĂbîynâdâb
H41
Abinadab
N-proper
וַ/יַּעֲבִרֵ֖/הוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
שְׁמוּאֵ֑ל
Shᵉmûwʼêl
H8050
Shemuel
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
בָּ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Prep | Pron
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בָחַ֥ר
bâchar
H977
to choose
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָֽה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
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 16:8
וַ/יִּקְרָ֤א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
יִשַׁי֙
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.
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.
אֲבִ֣ינָדָ֔ב
ʼĂbîynâdâb
H41
"Abinadab"
N-proper
Abinadab was the name of several Israelites, including a man who sheltered the ark and a brother of King David. His name means 'my father is noble' or 'my father is willing'. These men played important roles in biblical history.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.4.11; father of: Ben-abinadab (H1125) § Abinadab = "my father is noble" or "my father is willing" 1) a man of Gibeah who sheltered the ark 2) second son of Jesse, David's older brother 3) a son of Saul, slain with him by the Philistines
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Abinadab. See also: 1 Samuel 7:1; 2 Samuel 6:4; 1 Chronicles 13:7.
וַ/יַּעֲבִרֵ֖/הוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
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.
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/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.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
בָּ/זֶ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Prep | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
לֹֽא
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.
יְהוָֽה
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.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 16:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
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.”
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (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, |
1 Samuel 16:8 Summary
This verse shows that God is looking for someone with a humble heart to be the next king of Israel, not just someone who looks the part. As stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance. We can learn from this that God's choices are not based on what we can see, but on what is truly important to Him. By trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 13:1, we can have confidence that He is working everything out for our good, even when we don't understand His ways, as seen in Isaiah 55:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God reject Abinadab as the next king of Israel?
The Bible does not give a specific reason for God's rejection of Abinadab, but as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, God does not see as man does, and He looks at the heart, not the outward appearance, which is also emphasized in 1 Kings 8:39.
What can we learn from Samuel's interactions with Jesse's sons?
We learn that God's choices are not based on human standards or expectations, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, and that we should trust in God's sovereignty and wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty in choosing leaders, as stated in Romans 13:1, and reminds us that His ways are higher than our ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:9.
What is the significance of Jesse presenting his sons to Samuel?
Jesse presenting his sons to Samuel shows that he is submissive to God's will and is seeking to obey His command, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:1-5, and is an example of humility and trust in God's plan, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to impose my own will instead of trusting in God's sovereignty?
- How can I apply the principle of looking beyond outward appearances to my relationships and interactions with others?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper trust in God's wisdom and plan for my life, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- In what ways can I demonstrate humility and submission to God's will, like Jesse did in this verse?
- How can I balance human expectations and standards with God's standards, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 16:8
Then Jesse called Abinadab,.... His second son, 1 Samuel 17:13 and made him pass before Samuel: that he might take a full view of him: and he said, neither hath the Lord chosen this; which he knew by a private suggestion from him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 16:8
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
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:8
1 Samuel 16:8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.Ver. 8. Then Jesse.] Who was now made of the council.