What Does 1 Samuel 16:8 Mean in the King James?

Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this.

1 Samuel 16:8 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

Passing before the chooser is not the same thing as being chosen.

THE MEANING

In your life, what is brought into view is not thereby what is chosen. Being seen, presented, or favorably placed does not itself equal selection; the verse keeps presentation and discernment distinct.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

If I am visible, nominated, or placed before the right person, I must be the one chosen.

THE ROOT

בָּחַר

bachar

GROWS FROM

בחר

b-ḥ-r

to choose, select

“chosen” in this verse is bachar. Bachar names the act of selection, not merely a status someone holds. The procession before Samuel makes the distinction visible: a person can be presented and seen without being selected.

ALSO GROWS

bachir: chosen one, elect

בָּחִיר

The noun keeps the act of selection inside the identity: the chosen one is the one selected.

mivchar: choice, selection; sometimes the best or choice portion

מִבְחָר

This branch shows that the root can describe both choosing and what has been selected.

THE PATTERN

Selection is an act of discernment, not a status guaranteed by appearing before the selector.

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 · KJVThe verse distinguishes what is visible from the deeper discernment that determines selection.

He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

Psalm 78:70 · KJVDavid is selected from a place that does not look like the expected stage for a king.

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

James 2:5 · KJVThe choice reaches those whose outward standing does not announce their worth.

THE THREAD

For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:6 · KJV

“Hath chosen” comes from the same Hebrew root, ⁨בחר⁩ (bachar), as “chosen” here. In both verses, the root points to selection as an act: being brought into view or counted among many does not itself explain who is chosen.

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