1 Kings 21:2

Authorized King James Version

And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר

H1696

spake

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

אַחְאָ֣ב

H256

And Ahab

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

נָב֣וֹת׀

H5022

unto Naboth

naboth, an israelite

לֵאמֹר֩׀

H559

saying

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶתְּנָה

H5414

Give

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

לִּ֨י

אֶֽת

H853

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

כֶּ֖רֶם

H3754

me thy vineyard

a garden or vineyard

#10

וִֽיהִי

H1961

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

#11

לִ֣י

#12

לְגַן

H1588

that I may have it for a garden

a garden (as fenced)

#13

יָרָ֗ק

H3419

of herbs

properly, green; concretely, a vegetable

#14

כִּ֣י

H3588

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

#15

ה֤וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#16

קָרוֹב֙

H7138

because it is near

near (in place, kindred or time)

#17

אֵ֣צֶל

H681

unto

a side; (as a preposition) near

#18

בֵּיתִ֔י

H1004

my house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#19

אֶתְּנָה

H5414

Give

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

#20

לְךָ֙

#21

תַּחְתָּ֔יו

H8478

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

#22

כֶּ֖רֶם

H3754

me thy vineyard

a garden or vineyard

#23

ט֣וֹב

H2896

than it or if it seem good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#24

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#25

אִ֚ם

H518

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

#26

ט֣וֹב

H2896

than it or if it seem good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#27

בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ

H5869

to thee

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#28

אֶתְּנָה

H5414

Give

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

#29

לְךָ֥

#30

כֶ֖סֶף

H3701

of it in money

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

#31

מְחִ֥יר

H4242

thee the worth

price, payment, wages

#32

זֶֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Kings, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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