1 Samuel 16:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Samuel {H8050}, Look {H5027} not on his countenance {H4758}, or on the height {H1364} of his stature {H6967}; because I have refused {H3988} him: for the LORD seeth not as man {H120} seeth {H7200}; for man {H120} looketh {H7200} on the outward appearance {H5869}, but the LORD {H3068} looketh {H7200} on the heart {H3824}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI said to Sh'mu'el, "Don't pay attention to how he looks or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. ADONAI doesn't see the way humans see - humans look at the outward appearance, but ADONAI looks at the heart."

Berean Standard Bible

But 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.”

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 16:7 stands as a foundational declaration of divine perspective, contrasting God's method of evaluating individuals with that of humanity. As Samuel, impressed by outward appearances, prepares to anoint Jesse's eldest son, the Lord intervenes to reveal that His choice is not based on physical stature or countenance, which are superficial, but on the profound, unseen qualities of the heart. This pivotal moment underscores God's sovereignty, wisdom, and unique insight into true character, setting the stage for the anointing of David, a man after God's own heart, despite his humble external presentation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of Samuel's mission to anoint a new king for Israel, following God's definitive rejection of King Saul due to his disobedience (see [1 Samuel 15](/1_samuel/15 "1 Samuel 15 - Saul's Disobedience and Rejection")). Samuel has been sent to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse, under the guise of offering a sacrifice, to identify and anoint one of Jesse's sons. The narrative builds tension as each of Jesse's seven elder sons passes before Samuel, each seemingly impressive in appearance, yet each is rejected by the Lord. Samuel's initial judgment, based on Eliab's imposing stature, mirrors the people's earlier preference for Saul, who was "a head taller than any of the people" ([1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Impressive Stature")). This verse directly corrects Samuel's human error, providing the divine criteria for kingship and setting the stage for the unexpected selection of David, the youngest and most overlooked son, who is introduced immediately after this declaration in [1 Samuel 16:11-13](/1_samuel/16-11 "1 Samuel 16:11-13 - David Anointed King").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, physical appearance, particularly height and strength, often signified leadership, prowess, and divine favor. Kings and warriors were frequently depicted as imposing figures, embodying the strength and dignity of their people. Saul, as Israel's first king, fit this mold perfectly, chosen in part because of his impressive stature, which resonated with the people's desire for a king "like all the nations" ([1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King")). However, this human-centric approach to leadership selection proved flawed, as Saul's heart proved disobedient despite his outward kingly qualities. The setting in Bethlehem, a relatively small and unassuming town, further emphasizes the contrast between human expectations and divine choice, as the future king emerges from an unlikely place, much like the later Messiah would.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks on the Heart") is the **stark contrast between divine and human perception**. While humans are prone to superficial judgments based on "outward appearance," God penetrates to the core of a person, discerning the "heart." This introduces the critical theme of the **importance of inner character and spiritual condition** over external qualifications. It underscores God's **sovereignty in selection**, demonstrating that His choices are not swayed by human standards or popular opinion but are rooted in His perfect knowledge and wisdom. This divine principle challenges the worldly values that often prioritize physical attributes or social status, redirecting focus to the unseen qualities of integrity, humility, and genuine devotion that truly matter to God. This theme is foundational to understanding God's relationship with humanity throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true worth is found in one's relationship with Him and the condition of one's inner being.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Countenance (Hebrew, _mar'eh'_):** This term refers to the visible appearance, sight, or vision. In this context, it specifically denotes the facial features or overall outward look of a person. Samuel was observing Eliab's face, perhaps his noble bearing or impressive features, which conveyed an immediate sense of authority or suitability for kingship. The Lord's instruction to "look not on his countenance" directly challenges Samuel's reliance on superficial visual cues.
* **Stature (Hebrew, _qomah'_):** This word signifies height, elevation, or erectness. It speaks to the physical dimension and imposing presence of an individual. Saul's impressive height was a key factor in his initial appeal to the people of Israel ([1 Samuel 9:2](/1_samuel/9-2 "1 Samuel 9:2 - Saul's Physical Appearance")). Samuel, perhaps subconsciously seeking a similar physical attribute in the next king, was drawn to Eliab's height. God's rejection of this criterion underscores that physical grandeur is irrelevant to divine selection.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lev'_):** Far more than just the seat of emotions, _lev_ in biblical Hebrew encompasses the totality of the inner person: intellect, will, conscience, moral character, intentions, and motivations. When God "looks on the heart," He is not merely assessing feelings but penetrating the deepest core of one's being, discerning true character, spiritual disposition, and the genuine alignment of one's will with His. This is the ultimate criterion for divine favor and leadership.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature;":** This opening clause presents a direct divine command and correction to Samuel. Samuel, having observed Eliab, was clearly impressed by his physical appearance, likely assuming that such an imposing figure would be God's choice for king. The Lord immediately intervenes, preventing Samuel from making a judgment based on external, superficial qualities, which are often misleading.
* **"because I have refused him:":** This concise statement provides the divine reason for Eliab's rejection. It's not merely that Eliab isn't chosen, but that God has actively "refused" him. This underscores God's sovereignty and His prior, perfect knowledge of Eliab's inner character, which did not align with His divine purpose for the king of Israel. The refusal is absolute and based on criteria Samuel cannot see.
* **"for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth;":** This is the core theological principle of the verse, a profound declaration of the fundamental difference between divine and human perception. Human sight is limited to the external and tangible, whereas God's sight transcends these limitations. The bracketed "the LORD seeth" is an interpretive addition in the KJV, clarifying the subject of the verb, which is implied in the Hebrew.
* **"for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.":** This final clause explicitly defines the contrasting criteria. "Outward appearance" (Hebrew: _mar'eh 'ayin_ - "sight of the eye") refers to everything visible and superficial—physical beauty, stature, clothing, social status. In stark contrast, God "looks on the heart" (_lev_), meaning He perceives the true inner self, the motivations, intentions, character, and spiritual condition. This establishes the profound truth that God's evaluation is always based on internal reality, not external show.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Antithesis**, presenting a direct and powerful contrast between two opposing viewpoints: human perception versus divine perception. This is highlighted by the parallel structure "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart," which clearly delineates the differing criteria. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in Samuel's initial judgment, as he, a prophet of God, falls into the same human trap of valuing external qualities that led to Saul's selection, only to be corrected by God Himself. The Lord's statement functions as a **Didactic Maxim**, a concise and authoritative statement of truth intended to teach a profound spiritual lesson, not just to Samuel but to all who read it. The repetition of "look" (or "seeth") in various forms emphasizes the act of perception and its critical importance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of biblical theology, articulating God's profound insight into human character and His unwavering commitment to judging by internal truth rather than external show. It establishes a divine principle that permeates Scripture: God values the unseen, the spiritual, and the genuine disposition of the soul above all superficial attributes. This contrasts sharply with human tendencies to evaluate based on wealth, power, beauty, or social standing, reminding us that true worth, in God's eyes, is found in the heart's posture towards Him. This principle is not only about leadership selection but about God's very nature and how He relates to all humanity, consistently seeking sincerity and truth in the inner being.

* [Psalm 7:9](/psalms/7-9 "Psalm 7:9 - God Tests the Hearts and Minds")
* [Jeremiah 17:10](/jeremiah/17-10 "Jeremiah 17:10 - The Lord Searches the Heart")
* [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Inner Beauty Valued by God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 16:7 serves as a perpetual challenge to our human inclination to judge by appearances and a profound comfort to those who feel overlooked by worldly standards. In a society often obsessed with image, status, and external validation, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation of values. It compels us to look beyond the surface in our interactions with others, recognizing that true character and potential reside within. It also urges us to cultivate our inner lives—our integrity, humility, compassion, and faithfulness—knowing that these are the qualities God truly values. For those who may feel inadequate or unseen, this verse offers immense reassurance: God sees beyond our flaws, our perceived weaknesses, and our external circumstances, knowing our true heart and potential. His gaze penetrates to the core of who we are, offering acceptance and purpose based on the authenticity of our inner being. This truth frees us from the burden of outward performance and invites us into a deeper, more genuine relationship with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I find myself judging others or myself based on "outward appearance," and what might be the consequences of such judgments?**
* **What specific areas of my "heart" (my motivations, intentions, character) does God see, and how can I cultivate an inner life that is pleasing to Him?**
* **In what ways does believing that "the LORD looketh on the heart" offer me comfort or challenge in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "the LORD looketh on the heart" truly mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: In a practical sense, "the LORD looketh on the heart" means that God's evaluation of a person goes far beyond their external presentation, achievements, or social status. It signifies that He discerns our true motivations, our inner character, our genuine intentions, and the spiritual condition of our being. This means that acts of service, worship, or obedience are not judged merely by their outward performance but by the heart from which they spring. For example, a grand act done for show is less valuable to God than a small act of genuine love and humility. It implies that God is concerned with our integrity, our hidden thoughts, our true desires, and our faithfulness in private, not just our public persona. This principle encourages authenticity and sincerity in our walk with God, knowing that He sees and values the unseen aspects of our lives, as highlighted in passages like [Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1 "Matthew 6:1-6 - Practicing Righteousness in Secret").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 16:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. While humanity, including Samuel, sought a king based on outward grandeur and impressive stature, God's ultimate King, Jesus, came not with the "countenance" or "stature" of an earthly monarch, but in humble form, born in a manger and growing up in an unassuming town ([Matthew 2:1-7](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1-7 - Birth of Jesus") and [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?")). He was "despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain; like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - He Was Despised and Rejected")). Yet, it was precisely through this outwardly unimpressive appearance that God's perfect heart was revealed—a heart of sacrificial love, humble service, and unwavering obedience to the Father. Jesus perfectly embodied the principle of the heart's importance, consistently exposing the hypocrisy of those focused on external religiosity while neglecting inner righteousness ([Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). He called His followers to a righteousness that comes from within, from a transformed heart ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")). Ultimately, through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers a new heart to all who believe, enabling them to live according to God's ways, fulfilling the promise of a transformed inner being ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and a New Spirit")). Thus, the King chosen by God, not for His outward appearance but for His perfect heart, is the one who transforms the hearts of His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 7:24

Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

Jeremiah 17:10

I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.

Luke 16:15

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Isaiah 55:8

For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 55:9

For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

1 Peter 3:4

But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Proverbs 16:2

¶ All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.