King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:1 Mean?

1 Kings 21:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the pal...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.”

1 Kings 21:1 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

2

And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. seem: Heb. be good in thine eyes

3

And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of naboth's vineyard, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אַחַר֙2 of 15

“And it came to pass after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַדְּבָרִ֣ים3 of 15

“these things”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֔לֶּה4 of 15
H428

these or those

כֶּ֧רֶם5 of 15

“had a vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

הָיָ֛ה6 of 15
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לְנָב֥וֹת7 of 15

“that Naboth”

H5022

naboth, an israelite

הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִ֖י8 of 15

“the Jezreelite”

H3158

a jizreelite or native of jizreel

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בְּיִזְרְעֶ֑אל10 of 15

“which was in Jezreel”

H3157

jizreel, the name of two places in palestine and of two israelites

אֵ֚צֶל11 of 15

“hard by”

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

הֵיכַ֣ל12 of 15

“the palace”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

אַחְאָ֔ב13 of 15

“of Ahab”

H256

achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon

מֶ֖לֶךְ14 of 15

“king”

H4428

a king

שֹֽׁמְרֽוֹן׃15 of 15

“of Samaria”

H8111

shomeron, a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 21:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 18:45-46Joshua 19:18Judges 6:332 Chronicles 28:22Isaiah 9:131 Samuel 29:1

Places in This Verse

Jezreel 2Settlement · Modern: Tel Yizre’el · 32.56°N, 35.33°E29 verses across 7 books
Samaria 1Settlement · Modern: Samaria · 32.28°N, 35.20°E113 verses across 12 books
View all places in 1 Kings 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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