King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:16 Mean?

1 Kings 21:16 in the King James Version says “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 Je...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 21:16 · KJV

Context

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,

18

Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria: behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to possess it.

Read 1 Kings 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וַיְהִ֛י1 of 14
H1961

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

כִּשְׁמֹ֥עַ2 of 14

“heard”

H8085

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

אַחְאָ֗ב3 of 14

“And it came to pass when Ahab”

H256

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

כִּ֣י4 of 14
H3588

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

מֵ֣ת5 of 14

“was dead”

H4191

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

נָב֥וֹת6 of 14

“of Naboth”

H5022

naboth, an israelite

וַיָּ֣קָם7 of 14

“rose up”

H6965

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

אַחְאָ֗ב8 of 14

“And it came to pass when Ahab”

H256

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

לָרֶ֛דֶת9 of 14

“to go down”

H3381

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

אֶל10 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כֶּ֛רֶם11 of 14

“to the vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

נָב֥וֹת12 of 14

“of Naboth”

H5022

naboth, an israelite

הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִ֖י13 of 14

“the Jezreelite”

H3158

a jizreelite or native of jizreel

לְרִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“to 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

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 21:16 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 21:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 11:25-27Romans 1:32Psalms 50:182 Samuel 4:9-12Obadiah 1:12-142 Samuel 23:15-17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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