King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:29 Mean?

1 Kings 21:29 in the King James Version says “Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

1 Kings 21:29 · KJV


Context

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.

28

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

29

Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of naboth's vineyard, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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 · 19 words
הֲֽרָאִ֔יתָ1 of 19

Seest

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

כִּֽי2 of 19
H3588

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

נִכְנַ֣ע3 of 19

he humbleth

H3665

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

אַחְאָ֖ב4 of 19

thou how Ahab

H256

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

מִפָּנַ֗י5 of 19

himself before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יַ֜עַן6 of 19

me because

H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

כִּֽי7 of 19
H3588

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

נִכְנַ֣ע8 of 19

he humbleth

H3665

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

מִפָּנַ֗י9 of 19

himself before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לֹֽא10 of 19
H3808

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

אָבִ֥יא11 of 19

me I will not bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָֽרָעָ֖ה12 of 19

the evil

H7451

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

בִּימֵ֣י13 of 19

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בִּימֵ֣י14 of 19

days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בְנ֔וֹ15 of 19

but in his son's

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

אָבִ֥יא16 of 19

me I will not bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָֽרָעָ֖ה17 of 19

the evil

H7451

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

עַל18 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בֵּיתֽוֹ׃19 of 19

upon his house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)


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 21:29 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 21:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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