King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 21:7 Mean?

1 Kings 21:7 in the King James Version says “And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine hear...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

1 Kings 21:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: on high: Heb. in the top of the people

Read 1 Kings 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 22 words
וַתֹּ֤אמֶר1 of 22

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלָיו֙2 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִיזֶ֣בֶל3 of 22

“And Jezebel”

H348

izebel, the wife of king ahab

אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ4 of 22

“his wife”

H802

a woman

אַתָּ֕ה5 of 22
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עַתָּ֛ה6 of 22
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה7 of 22

“unto him Dost thou now govern”

H6213

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

מְלוּכָ֖ה8 of 22

“the kingdom”

H4410

something ruled, i.e., a realm

עַל9 of 22
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל10 of 22

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

ק֤וּם11 of 22

“arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֱכָל12 of 22

“and eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לֶ֙חֶם֙13 of 22

“bread”

H3899

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

וְיִטַ֣ב14 of 22

“be merry”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

לִבֶּ֔ךָ15 of 22

“and let thine heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֲנִי֙16 of 22
H589

i

אֶתֵּ֣ן17 of 22

“I will give”

H5414

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

לְךָ֔18 of 22
H0
אֶת19 of 22
H853

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

כֶּ֖רֶם20 of 22

“thee the vineyard”

H3754

a garden or vineyard

נָב֥וֹת21 of 22

“of Naboth”

H5022

naboth, an israelite

הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִֽי׃22 of 22

“the Jezreelite”

H3158

a jizreelite or native of jizreel

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 21:7 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 21:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 13:4Ecclesiastes 4:11 Kings 21:15-16Micah 2:1-2Ecclesiastes 8:4Micah 7:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

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