King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:10 Mean?

1 Kings 21:10 in the King James Version says “And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king....” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.”

1 Kings 21:10 · KJV

Context

8

So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.

9

And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: on high: Heb. in the top of the people

10

And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

11

And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

12

They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.

Read 1 Kings 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

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 · 14 words
וְ֠הוֹשִׁיבוּ1 of 14

“And set”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שְׁנַ֨יִם2 of 14

“two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

אֲנָשִׁ֥ים3 of 14

“men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

בְּנֵֽי4 of 14

“sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בְלִיַּעַל֮5 of 14

“of Belial”

H1100

without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness

נֶגְדּוֹ֒6 of 14
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

וִֽיעִדֻ֣הוּ7 of 14

“before him to bear witness”

H5749

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

לֵאמֹ֔ר8 of 14

“against him saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בֵּרַ֥כְתָּ9 of 14

“Thou didst blaspheme”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אֱלֹהִ֖ים10 of 14

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וָמֶ֑לֶךְ11 of 14

“and the king”

H4428

a king

וְהֽוֹצִיאֻ֥הוּ12 of 14

“And then carry him out”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וְסִקְלֻ֖הוּ13 of 14

“and stone”

H5619

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

וְיָמֹֽת׃14 of 14

“him that he may die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

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 21:10 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 21:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:28Acts 6:11Leviticus 24:15-16Deuteronomy 13:13Deuteronomy 19:15Judges 19:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 21 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes