1 Kings 21:3

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”

American Standard Version (1901)

And Naboth said to Ahab, Jehovah forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

Bible in Basic English

But Naboth said to Ahab, By the Lord, far be it from me to give you the heritage of my fathers.

Free Bible Version

But Naboth replied, “The Lord curse me if I should give you my forefathers' inheritance.”

Geneva Bible 1599

And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord keepe me from giuing the inheritance of my father vnto thee.

King James (Authorized) Version

And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

Translation for Translators

But Naboth replied, “That land belonged to my ancestors, so I want to keep it. I hope that Yahweh will never allow me to give that land to you!”

Unlocked Literal Bible

Naboth replied to Ahab, “May Yahweh forbid that I should give the inheritance of my ancestors to you.”

Noah Webster Bible

And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to thee.

World English Bible

Naboth said to Ahab, “May Yahweh forbid me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!”

Young's Literal Translation

And Naboth saith unto Ahab, 'Far be it from me, by Jehovah, my giving the inheritance of my fathers to thee;'

Context

Naboth’s Vineyard

²So Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to use as a vegetable garden, since it is next to my palace. I will give you a better vineyard in its place—or if you prefer, I will give you its value in silver.”³But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”

Sermons

Our Inheritance

David Wilkerson

Summary

In this verse, Naboth refuses to sell his ancestral inheritance to King Ahab, as it was against God's law to sell one's inheritance. This refusal highlights Naboth's commitment to honoring God's commandments and preserving his family's legacy. It also reveals King Ahab's greed and disregard for God's laws, as he becomes sullen and angry when his request is denied. This interaction sets the stage for the tragic events that follow, illustrating the consequences of disobeying God and the importance of upholding righteousness even in the face of powerful opposition.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Naboth said to Ahab, the Lord forbid it me that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. The inheritances of families were not to be alienated to another family, or tribe, nor even to be sold, unless in extreme poverty, and then to return at the year of jubilee, Lev 25:23. Now Naboth was a man in good circumstances, and under no necessity of selling his vineyard; and, if he sold it, he might reasonably conclude, it becoming a part of the royal demesnes, would never revert to his family; and therefore, both out of regard to the law of God, and the good of his family, would not part with it at any rate: this shows that he was a conscientious man, and therefore is thought to be one of those that would not bow his knee to Baal, and against whom Ahab had a grudge, and sought an opportunity against him. . Now Naboth was a man in good circumstances, and under no necessity of selling his vineyard; and, if he sold it, he might reasonably conclude, it becoming a part of the royal demesnes, would never revert to his family; and therefore, both out of regard to the law of God, and the good of his family, would not part with it at any rate: this shows that he was a conscientious man, and therefore is thought to be one of those that would not bow his knee to Baal, and against whom Ahab had a grudge, and sought an opportunity against him. 1 Kings 21:4 kg1 21:4 kg1 21:4 kg1 21:4And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased,.... Just in the same humour he was after the prophet had delivered his message to him, Kg1 20:43, where the same words are used as here: because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him, for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers, neither by way of exchange nor of purchase: and such a denial he could not bear, since it looked like treating him with contempt, and taxing him with imprudence at least, if not with injustice, or both: and he laid him down upon his bed; or couch, which might be not in his bedchamber, but in one of his halls, where his courtiers were: and turned away his face; to the wall, not choosing to have conversation with any of his nobles: and would eat no bread; the vexation took away his stomach, and he became melancholy, at least sullen.