King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:6 Mean?

1 Kings 21:6 in the King James Version says “And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or ... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

1 Kings 21:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 28 words
אֲ֠דַבֵּר1 of 28

And he said

H1696

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

אֵלֶ֗יהָ2 of 28
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כִּֽי3 of 28
H3588

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

אֲ֠דַבֵּר4 of 28

And he said

H1696

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

אֶל5 of 28
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נָב֨וֹת6 of 28

unto Naboth

H5022

naboth, an israelite

הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִ֜י7 of 28

the Jezreelite

H3158

a jizreelite or native of jizreel

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר8 of 28

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֗וֹ9 of 28
H0
אֶתֵּ֥ן10 of 28

I will not give

H5414

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

לִּ֤י11 of 28
H0
אֶֽת12 of 28
H853

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

כַּרְמִֽי׃13 of 28

me thy vineyard

H3754

a garden or vineyard

בְּכֶ֔סֶף14 of 28

for money

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

א֚וֹ15 of 28
H176

desire (and so probably in proverbs 31:4); hence (by way of alternative) or, also if

אִם16 of 28
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

חָפֵ֣ץ17 of 28

or else if it please

H2655

pleased with

אַתָּ֔ה18 of 28
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֶתֵּ֥ן19 of 28

I will not give

H5414

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

לְךָ֥20 of 28
H0
כַּרְמִֽי׃21 of 28

me thy vineyard

H3754

a garden or vineyard

תַּחְתָּ֑יו22 of 28
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר23 of 28

and said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹֽא24 of 28
H3808

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

אֶתֵּ֥ן25 of 28

I will not give

H5414

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

לְךָ֖26 of 28
H0
אֶת27 of 28
H853

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

כַּרְמִֽי׃28 of 28

me thy vineyard

H3754

a garden or vineyard


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 21:6 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 21:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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