In 1 Samuel 16:12 we read: "He [David] was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features" (NIV); "He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance" (HCSB); and "Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance" (NAS). Why did the NIV leave out the part about David's eyes? And why did the HCSB render "ruddy" as "healthy"? -- Chad Garber
The Hebrew and Greek LXX do refer to David's eyes, so I am mystified as to why the NIV failed to mention them.
Maybe because of the Latin Vulgate ("misit ergo et adduxit eum erat autem rufus et pulcher aspectu decoraque facie et ait Dominus surge ungue eum ipse est enim"), which says nothing about eyes.
As for your other question, ruddy comes (even in English) from the word red. When one is healthy, he has good circulation etc.
