King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:23 Mean?

1 Kings 21:23 in the King James Version says “And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. wall: or, ditch” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. wall: or, ditch”

1 Kings 21:23 · KJV

Context

21

Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

22

And will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, and made Israel to sin.

23

And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. wall: or, ditch

24

Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.

25

But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. stirred: or, incited

Read 1 Kings 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.

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.

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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 · 11 words
וְגַ֨ם1 of 11
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אִיזֶ֖בֶל2 of 11

“And of Jezebel”

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

דִּבֶּ֥ר3 of 11

“also spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָ֖ה4 of 11

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לֵאמֹ֑ר5 of 11

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַכְּלָבִ֛ים6 of 11

“The dogs”

H3611

a dog; hence (by euphemism) a male prostitute

יֹֽאכְל֥וּ7 of 11

“shall eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת8 of 11
H853

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

אִיזֶ֖בֶל9 of 11

“And of Jezebel”

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

בְּחֵ֥ל10 of 11

“by the wall”

H2426

an army; also (by analogy,) an intrenchment

יִזְרְעֶֽאל׃11 of 11

“of Jezreel”

H3157

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

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 21:23 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 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 9:102 Kings 9:30-371 Kings 21:25

Places in This Verse

Jezreel 2Settlement · Modern: Tel Yizre’el · 32.56°N, 35.33°E29 verses across 7 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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