1 Kings 21:25

Authorized King James Version

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But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

Original Language Analysis

רַ֚ק H7535
רַ֚ק
Strong's: H7535
Word #: 1 of 15
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 15
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֣ה H1961
הָיָ֣ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 3 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְאַחְאָ֔ב But there was none like unto Ahab H256
כְאַחְאָ֔ב But there was none like unto Ahab
Strong's: H256
Word #: 4 of 15
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 5 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הִתְמַכֵּ֔ר which did sell H4376
הִתְמַכֵּ֔ר which did sell
Strong's: H4376
Word #: 6 of 15
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת himself to work H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת himself to work
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 7 of 15
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הָרַ֖ע wickedness H7451
הָרַ֖ע wickedness
Strong's: H7451
Word #: 8 of 15
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
בְּעֵינֵ֣י in the sight H5869
בְּעֵינֵ֣י in the sight
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 9 of 15
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 11 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֵסַ֥תָּה stirred up H5496
הֵסַ֥תָּה stirred up
Strong's: H5496
Word #: 12 of 15
properly, to prick, i.e., (figuratively) stimulate; by implication, to seduce
אֹת֖וֹ H853
אֹת֖וֹ
Strong's: H853
Word #: 13 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִיזֶ֥בֶל whom Jezebel H348
אִיזֶ֥בֶל whom Jezebel
Strong's: H348
Word #: 14 of 15
izebel, the wife of king ahab
אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃ his wife H802
אִשְׁתּֽוֹ׃ his wife
Strong's: H802
Word #: 15 of 15
a woman

Analysis & Commentary

But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection

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