The Church Fathers on this verse

1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 16:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He sent therefore and brought him. Now he was ruddy and beautiful to behold, and of a comely face. And the Lord said: Arise, and anoint him, for this is he.

Douay-Rheims

וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח וַיְבִיאֵ֙הוּ֙ וְה֣וּא אַדְמוֹנִ֔י עִם־יְפֵ֥ה עֵינַ֖יִם וְט֣וֹב רֹ֑אִי וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יְהוָ֛ה ק֥וּם מְשָׁחֵ֖הוּ כִּֽי־זֶ֥ה הֽוּא׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Maximus the Confessor

7th centuryChurch Father

Similar to the illustrious King David, the one described as dark yet possessing clear vision embodies the joy of living in harmony with God, enriched by the enlightening knowledge of His Word. This wisdom intertwines spiritual labor and contemplation, where one shines through the attainment of virtues and the other is bathed in heavenly revelations.

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.