1 Kings 21:11

Verse

So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them.

American Standard Version (1901)

And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who dwelt in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, according as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

Bible in Basic English

So the responsible men and the chiefs who were in authority in his town, did as Jezebel had said in the letter she sent them.

Free Bible Version

So the elders and leaders who lived in Naboth's town did as Jezebel had said in the letters she had written and sent to them.

Geneva Bible 1599

And the men of his citie, euen the Elders and gouernours, which dwelt in his citie, did as Iezebel had sent vnto them: as it was written in the letters, which she had sent vnto them.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them.

Translation for Translators

The leaders received the letters and did what Jezebel had written in the letters for them to do.

Unlocked Literal Bible

So the men of his city, the elders and the wealthy who lived in Naboth's city, did as Jezebel had described to them, as was written in the letters that she had sent to them.

Noah Webster Bible

And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent to them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent to them.

World English Bible

The men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who lived in his city, did as Jezebel had instructed them in the letters which she had written and sent to them.

Young's Literal Translation

And the men of his city, the elders and the freemen who are dwelling in his city, do as Jezebel hath sent unto them, as written in the letters that she sent unto them,

Context

Jezebel’s Plot

¹⁰But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”¹¹So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them.¹²They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people.

Summary

In this verse, Queen Jezebel schemes to have Naboth falsely accused of cursing God and the king, leading to his unjust execution. Jezebel's manipulation and abuse of power highlight the corruption and wickedness present in the royal court during this time. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, deceit, and the misuse of authority. It also underscores the importance of upholding justice, righteousness, and integrity in all aspects of life, especially in positions of leadership.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him,.... Which position showed that they were his accusers, and had a charge against him; it being usual for the accusers and accused to be set face to face, as it was the manner of the Romans in later times, Act 25:16. Josephus says (d) there were "three" men to accuse him; but the Targum, and all the ancient versions, have only "two": and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people; both before the judges of the court, and before all the people that filled it, who came to hear the trial; so bold and impudent were they: saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king; or "bless", an euphemism; the phrase of cursing God being shocking to the ear, and therefore such a word is used to express it, see Job 1:5, then they carried him forth out of the city; without any further process of examining witnesses, and of hearing what the accused had to say in his defence; but immediately they carried him out of court, and out of the city, to put him to death, malefactors being executed always without the city: and stoned him with stones, that he died; which was the death blasphemers were put to, Lev 24:14, of the manner of which; see Gill on Act 7:58, it seems from Kg2 9:26, that his sons were stoned with him. (d) Antiqu. l. 3. c. 13. sect. 8.