1 Kings 21:24
1 Kings 21:24 in Multiple Translations
Anyone 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.”
Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.
Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the birds of the heavens eat.
Any man of the family of Ahab who comes to his death in the town will become food for the dogs; and he who comes to his death in the open country will be food for the birds of the air.
Those of Ahab's family who die in the town will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the countryside will be eaten by birds.”
The dogs shall eate him of Ahabs stocke, that dyeth in the citie: and him that dyeth in the fieldes, shall the foules of the ayre eate.
him who dieth of Ahab in a city do the dogs eat, and him who dieth in a field do fowl of the heavens eat;
The dogs will eat he who dies of Ahab in the city; and the birds of the sky will eat he who dies in the field.”
Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.
If Achab die in the city, the dogs shall eat him: but if he die in the field, the birds of the air shall eat him.
The dead bodies of the members of your family who die in this city will not be buried, they will be eaten by dogs, and the corpses of those who die in the fields will be eaten by vultures.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 21:24
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 21:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/מֵּ֤ת
לְ/אַחְאָב֙
בָּ/עִ֔יר
יֹאכְל֖וּ
הַ/כְּלָבִ֑ים
וְ/הַ/מֵּת֙
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
יֹאכְל֖וּ
ע֥וֹף
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
הַ/מֵּ֤ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Art | V-Qal
לְ/אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
Prep | N-proper
בָּ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs
יֹאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
הַ/כְּלָבִ֑ים
keleb
H3611
dog
Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/מֵּת֙
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | Art | V-Qal
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Prep | N-ms
יֹאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
ע֥וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
bird
N-ms
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
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 21:24
הַ/מֵּ֤ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
לְ/אַחְאָב֙
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
Prep | N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
בָּ/עִ֔יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
יֹאכְל֖וּ
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.
הַ/כְּלָבִ֑ים
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.
וְ/הַ/מֵּת֙
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
בַּ/שָּׂדֶ֔ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Prep | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
יֹאכְל֖וּ
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.
ע֥וֹף
ʻôwph
H5775
"bird"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word simply means a bird, like the ones that fly in the sky. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms, often symbolizing freedom.
Definition: 1) flying creatures, fowl, insects, birds 1a) fowl, birds 1b) winged insects Aramaic equivalent: oph (עוֹף "bird" H5776)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: bird, that flieth, flying, fowl. See also: Genesis 1:20; 1 Samuel 17:46; Psalms 50:11.
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 21:24
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 21:24 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:24
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:24
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:24
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:24
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:24
- Sermons on 1 Kings 21:24
Context — Elijah Denounces Ahab and Jezebel
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. 26He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.)Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 16:4 | Anyone belonging to Baasha 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.” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 14:11 | Anyone belonging to Jeroboam 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.’ For the LORD has spoken. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 15:3 | I will appoint over them four kinds of destroyers, declares the LORD: the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, and the birds of the air and beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 39:18–20 | You will eat the flesh of the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth as though they were rams, lambs, goats, and bulls—all the fattened animals of Bashan. At the sacrifice I am preparing, you will eat fat until you are gorged and drink blood until you are drunk. And at My table you will eat your fill of horses and riders, of mighty men and warriors of every kind,’ declares the Lord GOD. |
| 5 | Revelation 19:18 | so that you may eat the flesh of kings and commanders and mighty men, of horses and riders, of everyone slave and free, small and great.” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 32:4–5 | I will abandon you on the land and hurl you into the open field. I will cause all the birds of the air to settle upon you, and all the beasts of the earth to eat their fill of you. I will put your flesh on the mountains and fill the valleys with your remains. |
| 7 | Isaiah 14:19 | But you are cast out of your grave like a rejected branch, covered by those slain with the sword, and dumped into a rocky pit like a carcass trampled underfoot. |
1 Kings 21:24 Summary
This verse is saying that because of Ahab's sin, his family will be punished and not receive a proper burial. This is a serious consequence, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:26, where it says that those who disobey God's laws will be eaten by birds and animals. This verse reminds us that God is a holy and just God who must punish sin, but He also loves us and wants us to follow Him, as seen in John 3:16. By following God's laws and commands, we can avoid His judgment and receive His love and blessing instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of dogs and birds eating the dead in 1 Kings 21:24?
The use of dogs and birds eating the dead in 1 Kings 21:24 signifies a lack of proper burial and respect, which was considered a great shame in ancient Israelite culture, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:26 and Jeremiah 7:33.
Is this verse a prophecy or a historical event?
This verse is a prophecy spoken by Elijah against the house of Ahab, as seen in the context of 1 Kings 21:17-24, and is fulfilled in 1 Kings 22:38 and 2 Kings 9:30-37.
Why is God so severe in His judgment against Ahab's family?
God is severe in His judgment because Ahab and his family had provoked Him to anger by their sinful actions, such as idolatry and murder, as seen in 1 Kings 21:25-26 and Deuteronomy 29:20-21.
Does this verse imply that God is cruel or heartless?
No, this verse does not imply that God is cruel or heartless, but rather that He is a just and holy God who must punish sin, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7 and Romans 11:22.
Reflection Questions
- How does this verse remind me of the importance of respecting God's laws and commands?
- What are some ways that I can avoid provoking God to anger in my own life, as Ahab did?
- How can I learn from Ahab's mistakes and choose to follow God's ways instead of my own desires?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of proper burial and respect for the dead, and how can I apply this to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:24
Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat, and him that dieth in the field the fowls of the air shall eat.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:24
And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:24
1 Kings 21:24 Him that dieth of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat.Ver. 24. Him that dieth.] See 1 Kings 14:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:24
(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).
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:24
24. Him that dieth &c.] See above, 1 Kings 14:11.
Sermons on 1 Kings 21:24
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
I Press On by Bob Jennings | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the past dedication and fervor of believers in their pursuit of God's kingdom. They emphasize the importance of constantly seeking God throu |
|
The Incredible Signs That Follow Those Who Believe by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four judgments that God will bring upon his people. These judgments include the sword to slay, the dogs to tear, the fowls of the heaven, |
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The Apocalypse - Revelation 6b (The Sixth Seal) by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sixth seal and its physical attributes. They begin by noting that the list of reactions described in the sixth seal applies to every categ |