King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:4 Mean?

1 Kings 21:4 in the King James Version says “And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.”

1 Kings 21:4 · King James Version


Context

2

And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money. seem: Heb. be good in thine eyes

3

And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

4

And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.

5

But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

6

And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 29 words
וַיָּבֹא֩1 of 29

“came”

H935

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

אַחְאָ֨ב2 of 29

“And Ahab”

H256

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

אֶל3 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּית֜וֹ4 of 29

“into his house”

H1004

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

סַ֣ר5 of 29

“heavy”

H5620

peevish

וְזָעֵ֗ף6 of 29

“and displeased”

H2198

angry

עַל7 of 29
H5921

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

הַדָּבָר֙8 of 29

“because of the word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁר9 of 29
H834

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

דִּבֶּ֣ר10 of 29

“had spoken”

H1696

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

אֵלָ֗יו11 of 29
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נָבוֹת֙12 of 29

“which Naboth”

H5022

naboth, an israelite

הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִ֔י13 of 29

“the Jezreelite”

H3158

a jizreelite or native of jizreel

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר14 of 29

“to him for he had said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא15 of 29
H3808

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

אֶתֵּ֥ן16 of 29

“I will not give”

H5414

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

לְךָ֖17 of 29
H0
אֶת18 of 29
H853

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

נַֽחֲלַ֣ת19 of 29

“thee the inheritance”

H5159

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

אֲבוֹתָ֑י20 of 29

“of my fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּשְׁכַּב֙21 of 29

“And he laid him down”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

עַל22 of 29
H5921

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

מִטָּת֔וֹ23 of 29

“upon his bed”

H4296

a bed (as extended) for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier

וַיַּסֵּ֥ב24 of 29

“and turned away”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

אֶת25 of 29
H853

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

פָּנָ֖יו26 of 29

“his face”

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

וְלֹא27 of 29
H3808

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

אָ֥כַל28 of 29

“and would eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לָֽחֶם׃29 of 29

“no bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)


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 21:4 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 21:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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