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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:7 KJV

This pivotal verse from 1 Samuel 16:7 offers profound insight into God's character and His method of choosing leaders, directly contrasting divine wisdom with human perception. It marks a critical turning point in Israel's history, as God prepares to replace King Saul with a new king after Saul's disobedience.

Context

The prophet Samuel is in Bethlehem, sent by the LORD to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the next king of Israel, following God's rejection of King Saul. As Jesse's sons pass before Samuel, Samuel is initially impressed by Eliab, the eldest, noting his imposing stature and appearance. This natural human inclination to judge by external qualities leads Samuel to believe Eliab must be God's chosen one. However, the LORD immediately corrects Samuel, revealing His true criteria for selection. This moment sets the stage for the anointing of David, Jesse's youngest son, who was seemingly overlooked by human standards.

Key Themes

  • Divine vs. Human Perspective: The central message is the stark contrast between how God sees and how humans see. While people are often swayed by superficial qualities like physical appearance, social status, or worldly accomplishments, God penetrates beyond the surface.
  • The Importance of the Heart: God's focus is on the inner person—the character, motives, spiritual condition, and true devotion. This principle underscores that genuine worth and leadership potential, in God's eyes, stem from one's inner being, not outward show.
  • God's Sovereignty in Selection: This verse highlights God's absolute authority and unique wisdom in choosing His instruments. He does not rely on human standards or popular opinion but selects based on His perfect knowledge of the heart. This principle is evident in God's later testimony of David as a man after His own heart.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "heart" is lev (לֵב), which in biblical thought encompasses more than just emotions. It refers to the core of a person's being—their intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. When the LORD "looks on the heart," it means He discerns one's true motivations, intentions, and inner disposition, not merely a superficial glance at their emotional state. Similarly, "countenance" and "stature" refer to one's facial features and physical height, the very qualities that made Saul impressive to the people of Israel.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder and a profound challenge for believers today:

  • Challenging Superficial Judgments: It urges us to look beyond outward appearances in our interactions with others, whether in choosing friends, leaders, or even assessing ourselves. True value lies within.
  • Cultivating Inner Character: We are encouraged to prioritize the development of our inner character—our integrity, humility, compassion, and faithfulness—knowing that these are what truly matter to God. As 1 Peter 3:4 suggests, the "unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" is precious in God's sight.
  • Comfort in God's Perspective: For those who feel overlooked or inadequate by worldly standards, this verse offers immense comfort. God sees beyond our flaws, our perceived weaknesses, and our external circumstances, knowing our true heart and potential. He searches the heart and examines the mind.

1 Samuel 16:7 powerfully teaches that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His ultimate concern is the genuine spiritual condition of a person, not their external presentation.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 7:24 (132 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 17:10 (103 votes)

    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 (67 votes)

    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 (52 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 55:9 (52 votes)

    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 (50 votes)

    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 (47 votes)

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