King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:15 Mean?

1 Kings 21:15 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take pos... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

1 Kings 21:15 · KJV


Context

13

And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

14

Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.

15

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

16

And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

17

And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

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 · 28 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 28
H1961

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

כִּשְׁמֹ֣עַ2 of 28

heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אִיזֶ֜בֶל3 of 28

And it came to pass when Jezebel

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

כִּֽי4 of 28
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

סֻקַּ֥ל5 of 28

was stoned

H5619

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

נָב֛וֹת6 of 28

for Naboth

H5022

naboth, an israelite

מֵֽת׃7 of 28

and was dead

H4191

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

וַתֹּ֨אמֶר8 of 28

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִיזֶ֜בֶל9 of 28

And it came to pass when Jezebel

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

אֶל10 of 28
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַחְאָ֗ב11 of 28

to Ahab

H256

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

ק֣וּם12 of 28

Arise

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

רֵ֞שׁ13 of 28

take possession

H3423

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

אֶת14 of 28
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כֶּ֣רֶם׀15 of 28

of the vineyard

H3754

a garden or vineyard

נָב֛וֹת16 of 28

for Naboth

H5022

naboth, an israelite

הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִ֗י17 of 28

the Jezreelite

H3158

a jizreelite or native of jizreel

אֲשֶׁ֤ר18 of 28
H834

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

מֵאֵן֙19 of 28

which he refused

H3985

to refuse

לָֽתֶת20 of 28

to give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לְךָ֣21 of 28
H0
בְכֶ֔סֶף22 of 28

thee for money

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

כִּ֣י23 of 28
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֥ין24 of 28
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

נָב֛וֹת25 of 28

for Naboth

H5022

naboth, an israelite

חַ֖י26 of 28

is not alive

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

כִּי27 of 28
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵֽת׃28 of 28

and was dead

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 21:15 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 21:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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