Holy Bible · King James Version

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.” — read online, free, in the King James Version.

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.”

Read in context: 1 Samuel chapter 16 (full chapter) · King James Version (public domain)

“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” — said as Samuel examines Jesse's sons.

‹ 1 Samuel 16:61 Samuel 16:8 ›

About this text: How the KJV differs from modern translations →

Frequently asked questions

What is the context of 1 Samuel 16:7?

God rejects Samuel's first impressions of Jesse's sons, teaching that divine judgment weighs the heart, not appearance. The youngest, David, is then anointed king of Israel.

What Bible translation is this?

This is the King James Version (1611) — the classic English translation, in the public domain and free to read and quote.

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The complete text is free to read at fourfaiths.com/bible/1-samuel/16/ — no account, no download, with every chapter of the Bible.

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