1 Kings Chapter 21 · Verse 3
And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
Original Language Analysis
אַחְאָ֑ב
to Ahab
H256
אַחְאָ֑ב
to Ahab
Strong's:
H256
Word #:
4 of 12
achab, the name of a king of israel and of a prophet at babylon
חָלִ֤ילָה
forbid
H2486
חָלִ֤ילָה
forbid
Strong's:
H2486
Word #:
5 of 12
literal for a profaned thing; used (interj.) far be it!
מֵֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
H3068
מֵֽיהוָ֔ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מִתִּתִּ֛י
it me that I should give
H5414
מִתִּתִּ֛י
it me that I should give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
the inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלַ֥ת
the inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
Cross References
Leviticus 25:23The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.Numbers 36:7So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.Ezekiel 46:18Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; but he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.
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?
Analysis & Commentary
And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
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.