1 Samuel 16:7
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 appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, the LORD is instructing Samuel not to judge a person based solely on their outward appearance. The Lord emphasizes that humans have a tendency to focus on superficial characteristics such as physical attractiveness or stature, but the Lord looks beyond these external traits and examines the heart. The verse serves as a reminder that true discernment comes from seeing beyond the surface and understanding a person's inner qualities and intentions. By prioritizing what is in a person's heart rather than their outward appearance, we can better understand their true nature and character. This message encourages us to value qualities such as integrity, kindness, and compassion over superficial attributes. Ultimately, the verse teaches us the importance of looking deeper and not being swayed by superficial judgments.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the Lord is speaking to Samuel about choosing a new king to replace Saul. The Lord reminds Samuel not to judge based on outward appearances, height, or physical stature, as humans tend to do. Instead, the Lord emphasizes the importance of looking at the heart. This reveals a deeper theological interpretation that goes beyond the superficial surface level and into the realm of the heart. The Lord values the inner qualities, intentions, and motivations of a person over their external attributes. This verse challenges us to consider the importance of cultivating a heart that is aligned with God's will, rather than focusing solely on external appearances. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the meanings of 'countenance,' 'height,' and 'stature,' to better understand the cultural and historical context of the passage. By examining these nuances, we can gain a richer understanding of the significance of the Lord's message to Samuel.
1 Samuel 16:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for [Jehovah seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.
World English Bible
But Yahweh said to Samuel, “Don’t look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for I see not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart.”
Douay-Rheims
And the Lord said to Samuel: Look not on his countenance, nor on the height of his stature: because I have rejected him, nor do I judge according to the look of man: for man seeth those things that appear, but the Lord beholdeth the heart.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But the Lord said vnto Samuel, Looke not on his countenance, nor on the height of his stature, because I haue refused him: for God seeth not as man seeth: for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord beholdeth the heart.