1 Kings 21:15

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּשְׁמֹ֣עַ

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אִיזֶ֜בֶל

H348

And it came to pass when Jezebel

izebel, the wife of king ahab

כִּֽי

H3588

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

סֻקַּ֥ל

H5619

was stoned

properly, to be weighty; but used only in the sense of lapidation or its contrary (as if a delapidation)

נָב֛וֹת

H5022

for Naboth

naboth, an israelite

מֵֽת׃

H4191

and was dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַתֹּ֨אמֶר

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

אִיזֶ֜בֶל

H348

And it came to pass when Jezebel

izebel, the wife of king ahab

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

אַחְאָ֗ב

H256

to Ahab

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

#12

ק֣וּם

H6965

Arise

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

#13

רֵ֞שׁ

H3423

take possession

to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish

#14

אֶת

H853

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

#15

כֶּ֣רֶם׀

H3754

of the vineyard

a garden or vineyard

#16

נָב֛וֹת

H5022

for Naboth

naboth, an israelite

#17

הַיִּזְרְעֵאלִ֗י

H3158

the Jezreelite

a jizreelite or native of jizreel

#18

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#19

מֵאֵן֙

H3985

which he refused

to refuse

#20

לָֽתֶת

H5414

to give

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

#21

לְךָ֣

#22

בְכֶ֔סֶף

H3701

thee for money

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

#23

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#24

אֵ֥ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#25

נָב֛וֹת

H5022

for Naboth

naboth, an israelite

#26

חַ֖י

H2416

is not alive

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

#27

כִּי

H3588

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

#28

מֵֽת׃

H4191

and was dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Kings.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Kings chapter 21 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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