1 Kings 21:23
1 Kings 21:23 in Multiple Translations
And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’
And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.
And of Jezebel also spake Jehovah, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel.
And of Jezebel the Lord said, Jezebel will become food for dogs in the heritage of Jezreel.
And as far as Jezebel is concerned, the Lord says, ‘Dogs will eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’
And also of Iezebel spake the Lord, saying, The dogs shall eate Iezebel, by the wall of Izreel.
'And also of Jezebel hath Jehovah spoken, saying, The dogs do eat Jezebel in the bulwark of Jezreel;
The LORD also spoke of Jezebel, saying, “The dogs will eat Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel.
And of Jezebel also spoke the LORD, saying, the dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.
And of Jezabel also the Lord spoke, saying: The dogs shall eat Jezabel in the field of Jezrahel.
Yahweh has also told me that your wife Jezebel will be killed, and dogs in Jezreel will eat her corpse.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 21:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 21:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַ֨ם
לְ/אִיזֶ֔בֶל
דִּבֶּ֥ר
יְהוָ֖ה
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
הַ/כְּלָבִ֛ים
יֹאכְל֥וּ
אֶת
אִיזֶ֖בֶל
בְּ/חֵ֥ל
יִזְרְעֶֽאל
וְ/גַ֨ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
לְ/אִיזֶ֔בֶל
ʼÎyzebel
H348
Jezebel
Prep | N-proper
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/כְּלָבִ֛ים
keleb
H3611
dog
Art | N-mp
יֹאכְל֥וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אִיזֶ֖בֶל
ʼÎyzebel
H348
Jezebel
N-proper
בְּ/חֵ֥ל
chêyl
H2426
rampart
Prep | N-ms
יִזְרְעֶֽאל
Yizrᵉʻêʼl
H3157
Jezreel
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 21:23
וְ/גַ֨ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לְ/אִיזֶ֔בֶל
ʼÎyzebel
H348
"Jezebel"
Prep | N-proper
Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab, a queen of Israel, known for her evil deeds. She appears in 1 Kings 16:31, influencing Ahab to worship Baal and oppose God's prophets, like Elijah. Her story serves as a warning against idolatry and disobedience.
Definition: A queen of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.16.31; daughter of: Ethbaal (H0856); married to Ahab (H0256); mother of: Ahaziah (H0274) and Joram (H3141H) Also named: Iezabēl (Ἰεζαβήλ "Jezebel" G2403) § Jezebel = "Baal exalts" or "Baal is husband to" or "unchaste" queen of Israel, wife of Ahab, daughter of Ethbaal
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Jezebel. See also: 1 Kings 16:31; 1 Kings 21:14; 2 Kings 9:37.
דִּבֶּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/כְּלָבִ֛ים
keleb
H3611
"dog"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means dog, but it can also refer to someone who is despised or considered lowly. It is sometimes used to describe a male prostitute in a pagan context. The word appears in various books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) dog 1a) dog (literal) 1b) contempt or abasement (fig.) 1c) of pagan sacrifice 1d) of male cult prostitute (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: dog. See also: Exodus 11:7; 2 Kings 8:13; Psalms 22:17.
יֹאכְל֥וּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אִיזֶ֖בֶל
ʼÎyzebel
H348
"Jezebel"
N-proper
Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab, a queen of Israel, known for her evil deeds. She appears in 1 Kings 16:31, influencing Ahab to worship Baal and oppose God's prophets, like Elijah. Her story serves as a warning against idolatry and disobedience.
Definition: A queen of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.16.31; daughter of: Ethbaal (H0856); married to Ahab (H0256); mother of: Ahaziah (H0274) and Joram (H3141H) Also named: Iezabēl (Ἰεζαβήλ "Jezebel" G2403) § Jezebel = "Baal exalts" or "Baal is husband to" or "unchaste" queen of Israel, wife of Ahab, daughter of Ethbaal
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Jezebel. See also: 1 Kings 16:31; 1 Kings 21:14; 2 Kings 9:37.
בְּ/חֵ֥ל
chêyl
H2426
"rampart"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a strong wall or fortress that protects a city or a group of people. It is used in the Bible to talk about armies, walls, and other kinds of strong defenses, and is translated as 'army', 'rampart', or 'wall'.
Definition: 1) rampart, fortress, wall 1a) rampart 1b) fortress Also means: che.lah (חֵילָה "bulwark" H2430)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: army, bulwark, host, [phrase] poor, rampart, trench, wall. See also: 2 Samuel 8:9; 2 Chronicles 26:13; Psalms 10:10.
יִזְרְעֶֽאל
Yizrᵉʻêʼl
H3157
"Jezreel"
N-proper
Jezreel means God sows, the name of a city in Issachar and a place in Palestine where God sows or nurtures growth.
Definition: Combined with e.meq (עֵ֫מֶק " Valley" H6010M) § Jezreel = "God sows" a city in Issachar on the northwest spur of Mount Gilboa
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: Jezreel. See also: Joshua 15:56; 2 Kings 9:15; Hosea 2:24.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 21:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 21:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:23
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
- Sermons on 1 Kings 21:23
Context — Elijah Denounces Ahab and Jezebel
21This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free.
22I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and like that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked My anger and caused Israel to sin.’
23And the LORD also speaks concerning Jezebel: ‘The dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’
24Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city will be eaten by dogs, and anyone who dies in the field will be eaten by the birds of the air.” 25(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 9:10 | And on the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour Jezebel, and there will be no one to bury her.’” Then the young prophet opened the door and ran. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 9:30–37 | Now when Jehu arrived in Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it. So she painted her eyes, adorned her head, and looked down from a window. And as Jehu entered the gate, she asked, “Have you come in peace, O Zimri, murderer of your master?” He looked up at the window and called out, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked down at him. “Throw her down!” yelled Jehu. So they threw her down, and her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses as they trampled her underfoot. Then Jehu went in and ate and drank. “Take care of this cursed woman,” he said, “and bury her, for she was the daughter of a king.” But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing but her skull, her feet, and the palms of her hands. So they went back and told Jehu, who replied, “This is the word of the LORD, which He spoke through His servant Elijah the Tishbite: ‘On the plot of ground at Jezreel the dogs will devour the flesh of Jezebel. And Jezebel’s body will lie like dung in the field on the plot of ground at Jezreel, so that no one can say: This is Jezebel.’ ” |
| 3 | 1 Kings 21:25 | (Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel. |
1 Kings 21:23 Summary
This verse, 1 Kings 21:23, is a prophecy about the death of Jezebel, the wicked queen of Israel. It says that she will be eaten by dogs by the wall of Jezreel, which is a judgment from God for her sins. This shows us that God is a just and righteous judge who will not tolerate wickedness, especially when it leads others astray (as seen in Psalm 37:28 and Proverbs 11:21). We can learn from Jezebel's example to strive to live a life of obedience and humility, and to use our influence to promote righteousness and justice, rather than sin and corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the prophecy about Jezebel mean in 1 Kings 21:23?
This prophecy means that Jezebel, the wicked queen of Israel, will face a gruesome death, being eaten by dogs by the wall of Jezreel, as a judgment from God for her sins, as seen in 1 Kings 21:23 and fulfilled in 2 Kings 9:30-37.
Is the fate of Jezebel a unique judgment or part of a larger pattern in the Bible?
The fate of Jezebel is part of a larger pattern in the Bible where God judges those who lead others into sin, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:6-11 and Revelation 2:20-23, emphasizing the importance of righteous leadership.
How does the prophecy about Jezebel relate to Ahab's sin?
The prophecy about Jezebel is closely tied to Ahab's sin, as she was the one who incited him to do evil in the sight of the Lord, as mentioned in 1 Kings 21:25, highlighting the destructive influence of wicked advisors and the importance of surrounding oneself with godly influences, as seen in Proverbs 22:24-25.
What can we learn from the example of Jezebel's judgment?
We can learn from Jezebel's example that God is a just and righteous judge who will not tolerate wickedness, especially when it leads others astray, and that we should strive to live a life of obedience and humility, as encouraged in Micah 6:8 and 1 Peter 5:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be leading others into sin, and how can I repent and change my ways?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and obedience to God, like the prophets and righteous leaders in the Bible?
- What are some areas in my life where I might be tolerating or even promoting wickedness, and how can I purify my heart and actions?
- How can I use my influence and position to promote righteousness and justice, rather than sin and corruption?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:23
And of Jezebel also spake the Lord,.... To Elijah, and by him: saying, the dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel or in the inheritance or portion of Jezreel, as the Targum; Jarchi interprets
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:23
And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
Or, by the ditch, or fort; or, in the portion, as it is explained ; the Hebrew chel here being put for chelek, used there by an apocope of the last Hebrew letter, which is not unusual in the Hebrew tongue.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
1 Kings 21:23 And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.Ver. 23. The dogs shall eat Jezebel.] So the Donatists that threw the sacramental bread to dogs were themselves afterwards devoured of dogs.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
(21-24) Behold, I will bring evil.—Distinct from that message of personal judgment is the doom of utter destruction pronounced on the dynasty of Omri—the same in substance, and almost in word, as that already pronounced in 1 Kings 14:10-11; 1 Kings 16:3-4. It is, indeed, called forth by the last sin of Ahab, but the ground assigned for it (1 Kings 21:22) extends to the whole course of idolatry and apostasy, “making Israel to sin.” It is only this more general sentence which is postponed by the repentance of Ahab (1 Kings 21:29).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
Verse 23. The dogs shall eat Jezebel] This was most literally fulfilled; see 2Kg 9:36. The carcasses of poor Hindoos, and of persons who have received public punishment, are thrown into the rivers, and floating to the side, are devoured by dogs, vultures, and crows.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:23
23. the dogs shall eat Jezebel] For the fulfilment, see 2 Kings 9:35-37. by the wall [R.V. rampart] of Jezreel] The Hebrew word which stands here in the text is found again 2 Samuel 20:15, where it is translated ‘trench’, with a margin in A.V. ‘outmost wall’. The R.V. gives there also ‘rampart’. In 2 Kings 9:10; 2 Kings 9:36-37, the body is said to have been devoured ‘in the portion of Jezreel’, and as the words ‘by the rampart’ αημ, want only an additional letter to turn them into ‘in the portion’ αημχ, it has been suggested that the latter ought to be the reading here. But there is no need for any change. Both expressions mean the same thing. The ‘portion’ is the land close to the walls outside. Jezebel must have looked forth from a window of some building that formed part of the city wall. Thus she would be able to shew herself to Jehu as soon as he drew near.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:23
And of Jezebel also spake the Lord, saying - These are not the words of Elijah, but of the writer, who notes a special prophecy against Jezebel, whose guilt was at least equal to her husband’s.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:23
23. Dogs shall eat Jezebel — See the fulfilment of this in 2 Kings 9:30-37. By the wall — The wall of her palace, according to 2 King 9:33.
Sermons on 1 Kings 21:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Payday Someday by R.G. Lee | In this sermon, the preacher describes a man who is in desperate need of rescue. The man is trapped in a pit of his own making, and his body is trembling and convulsing. The preach |
|
(Through the Bible) 2 Kings by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories and lessons from the 2nd book of Kings, highlighting the different kings who ruled Israel and Judah, the consequences of their actions, the impo |
|
One Sin Never Goes Alone by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that small sins often lead to greater sins, illustrating this with biblical examples such as Cain, Ahab, Jeroboam, and Judas. He warns that yielding to min |