King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:5 Mean?

1 Kings 21:5 in the King James Version says “But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

1 Kings 21:5 · KJV

Holy Spirit

Context

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.

7

And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

Read 1 Kings 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest 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 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 · 13 words
וַתָּבֹ֥א1 of 13

“came”

H935

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

אֵלָ֖יו2 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִיזֶ֣בֶל3 of 13

“But Jezebel”

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ4 of 13

“his wife”

H802

a woman

וַתְּדַבֵּ֣ר5 of 13

“to him and said”

H1696

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

אֵלָ֗יו6 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַה7 of 13
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

זֶּה֙8 of 13
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

רֽוּחֲךָ֣9 of 13

“unto him Why is thy spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

סָרָ֔ה10 of 13

“so sad”

H5620

peevish

וְאֵֽינְךָ֖11 of 13
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֹכֵ֥ל12 of 13

“that thou eatest”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לָֽחֶם׃13 of 13

“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 21:5 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 21:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 13:4Genesis 3:6Esther 4:5Nehemiah 2:21 Kings 21:251 Kings 18:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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