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1 Kings 21

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 21 of 22

1 And it happened after these things, Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard which was in Jezreel near the palace of Ahab the king of Samaria.

2 And Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, Give me your vineyard, and it shall be a garden of green herbs for me, for it is near, by my house. And I will give to you in its place a better vineyard than it. If it is good in your eyes, I will give silver to you, the price of this one.

3 And Naboth said to Ahab, Far be it from me, by Jehovah, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you.

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Chapter Summary

Ahab covets Naboth's vineyard. Jezebel suborns evil men to accuse Naboth of blasphemy; he is stoned. Ahab takes possession of the vineyard. Elijah announces God's coming judgments against Ahab and Jezebel. Ahab repenting, God defers the judgment.

Key Hebrew Words

בְלִיַּעַל֮ worthlessness H1100 · TWOT 246g
נַחֲלַ֥ת possession H5159 · TWOT 1342a
צ֔וֹם fasting H6685 · TWOT 1890a
בְּגָדָ֔י treachery H899 · TWOT 198a
כֶּ֧רֶם vineyard H3754 · TWOT 1040a

People & Context

Ahab Covets Naboth's Vineyard

Ahab wants Naboth's vineyard, but Naboth refuses to sell his ancestral inheritance. Ahab becomes sullen and refuses to eat.

Jezebel Murders Naboth

Jezebel forges letters in Ahab's name to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy. Naboth is stoned to death, and Ahab goes to take the vineyard.

Elijah Confronts Ahab over Naboth

God sends Elijah to confront Ahab. Elijah prophesies horrific deaths for Ahab's line and Jezebel. Ahab repents, causing God to delay the punishment.

Timeline

Ahab Covets Naboth's Vineyard

Ahab wants Naboth's vineyard, but Naboth refuses to sell his ancestral inheritance. Ahab becomes sullen and refuses to eat.

1 Kings 21:1-4
Jezebel Murders Naboth

Jezebel forges letters in Ahab's name to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy. Naboth is stoned to death, and Ahab goes to take the vineyard.

1 Kings 21:5-16
Elijah Confronts Ahab over Naboth

God sends Elijah to confront Ahab. Elijah prophesies horrific deaths for Ahab's line and Jezebel. Ahab repents, causing God to delay the punishment.

1 Kings 21:17-29

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