King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:25 Mean?

1 Kings 21:25 in the King James Version says “But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 21:25 · KJV


Context

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

26

And he did very abominably in following idols, according to all things as did the Amorites, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

27

And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
רַ֚ק1 of 15
H7535

properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although

לֹֽא2 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיָ֣ה3 of 15
H1961

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

כְאַחְאָ֔ב4 of 15

But there was none like unto Ahab

H256

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 15
H834

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

הִתְמַכֵּ֔ר6 of 15

which did sell

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת7 of 15

himself to work

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָרַ֖ע8 of 15

wickedness

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י9 of 15

in the sight

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֑ה10 of 15

of the LORD

H3068

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

אֲשֶׁר11 of 15
H834

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

הֵסַ֥תָּה12 of 15

stirred up

H5496

properly, to prick, i.e., (figuratively) stimulate; by implication, to seduce

אֹת֖וֹ13 of 15
H853

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

אִיזֶ֥בֶל14 of 15

whom Jezebel

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃15 of 15

his wife

H802

a woman


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 21:25 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 21:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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