1 Kings 21:29
Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.
Original Language Analysis
הֲֽרָאִ֔יתָ
Seest
H7200
הֲֽרָאִ֔יתָ
Seest
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 19
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִכְנַ֣ע
he humbleth
H3665
נִכְנַ֣ע
he humbleth
Strong's:
H3665
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish
אַחְאָ֖ב
thou how Ahab
H256
אַחְאָ֖ב
thou how Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
4 of 19
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
מִפָּנַ֗י
himself before
H6440
מִפָּנַ֗י
himself before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יַ֜עַן
me because
H3282
יַ֜עַן
me because
Strong's:
H3282
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 19
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נִכְנַ֣ע
he humbleth
H3665
נִכְנַ֣ע
he humbleth
Strong's:
H3665
Word #:
8 of 19
properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish
מִפָּנַ֗י
himself before
H6440
מִפָּנַ֗י
himself before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 19
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָבִ֥יא
me I will not bring
H935
אָבִ֥יא
me I will not bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
11 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בִּימֵ֣י
days
H3117
בִּימֵ֣י
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 19
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בִּימֵ֣י
days
H3117
בִּימֵ֣י
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
14 of 19
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בְנ֔וֹ
but in his son's
H1121
בְנ֔וֹ
but in his son's
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
15 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָבִ֥יא
me I will not bring
H935
אָבִ֥יא
me I will not bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
16 of 19
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
Cross References
2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.Micah 7:18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.Psalms 86:15But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.Psalms 18:44As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.2 Kings 10:11So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?Psalms 66:3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.Jeremiah 7:17Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?Exodus 10:3And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews, How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before me? let my people go, that they may serve me.
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
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: but in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of naboth's vineyard, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
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.