1 Kings 21:3
1 Kings 21:3 in Multiple Translations
But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”
And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
And Naboth said to Ahab, Jehovah forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
But Naboth said to Ahab, By the Lord, far be it from me to give you the heritage of my fathers.
But Naboth replied, “The Lord curse me if I should give you my forefathers' inheritance.”
And Naboth said to Ahab, The Lord keepe me from giuing the inheritance of my father vnto thee.
And Naboth saith unto Ahab, 'Far be it from me, by Jehovah, my giving the inheritance of my fathers to thee;'
Naboth said to Ahab, “May the LORD forbid me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!”
And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to thee.
Naboth answered him: The Lord be merciful to me, and not let me give thee the inheritance of my fathers.
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!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 21:3
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 21:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
נָב֖וֹת
אֶל
אַחְאָ֑ב
חָלִ֤ילָ/ה
לִּ/י֙
מֵֽ/יהוָ֔ה
מִ/תִּתִּ֛/י
אֶת
נַחֲלַ֥ת
אֲבֹתַ֖/י
לָֽ/ךְ
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
נָב֖וֹת
Nâbôwth
H5022
Naboth
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אַחְאָ֑ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
חָלִ֤ילָ/ה
châlîylâh
H2486
forbid
Part | Suff
לִּ/י֙
Prep | Suff
מֵֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
מִ/תִּתִּ֛/י
nâthan
H5414
to give
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נַחֲלַ֥ת
nachălâh
H5159
inheritance
N-fs
אֲבֹתַ֖/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 21:3
וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
נָב֖וֹת
Nâbôwth
H5022
"Naboth"
N-proper
Naboth was an Israelite who owned a vineyard in Jezreel, and is mentioned in 1 Kings 21:1. He was wrongly accused and killed by Ahab and Jezebel, who wanted to take his vineyard for themselves. His name means fruits, and his story is a notable example of greed and corruption in the Bible.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.21.1 § Naboth = "fruits" the vineyard owner of Jezreel who Ahab and Jezebel had killed so that they could have his vineyard
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Naboth. See also: 1 Kings 21:1; 1 Kings 21:13; 2 Kings 9:26.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אַחְאָ֑ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
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.
חָלִ֤ילָ/ה
châlîylâh
H2486
"forbid"
Part | Suff
This Hebrew word means to forbid or express strong disapproval, like saying 'God forbid' in shock or disgust, as seen in the Bible when someone wants to express a strong negative reaction.
Definition: far be it (from me), God forbid that, let it not be
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: be far, ([idiom] God) forbid. See also: Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 20:9; Job 34:10.
לִּ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
מֵֽ/יהוָ֔ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | 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.
מִ/תִּתִּ֛/י
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
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.
נַחֲלַ֥ת
nachălâh
H5159
"inheritance"
N-fs
Inheritance refers to something passed down, like property or a family heirloom, as seen in the Bible's discussion of dividing land among tribes in Joshua. It represents a person's share or possession. The concept is crucial in understanding biblical ideas of family and legacy.
Definition: 1) possession, property, inheritance, heritage 1a) property 1b) portion, share 1c) inheritance, portion
Usage: Occurs in 191 OT verses. KJV: heritage, to inherit, inheritance, possession. Compare H5158 (נַחַל). See also: Genesis 31:14; Joshua 23:4; Psalms 2:8.
אֲבֹתַ֖/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 1 Kings 21:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 21:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:3
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:3
- Sermons on 1 Kings 21:3
Context — Naboth’s Vineyard
1Some time after these events, Naboth the Jezreelite owned a vineyard in Jezreel next to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.
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.”
4So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. 5Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 36:7 | No inheritance in Israel may be transferred from tribe to tribe, because each of the Israelites is to retain the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. |
| 2 | Leviticus 25:23 | The land must not be sold permanently, because it is Mine, and you are but foreigners and residents with Me. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 46:18 | The prince must not take any of the inheritance of the people by evicting them from their property. He is to provide an inheritance for his sons from his own property, so that none of My people will be displaced from his property.’” |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 11:19 | saying, “Far be it from me, my God, to do this! How can I drink the blood of these men who risked their lives?” Because they had brought it at the risk of their lives, David refused to drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 6:15 | Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! |
| 6 | Joshua 24:16 | The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! |
| 7 | Romans 7:13 | Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful. |
| 8 | Genesis 44:7 | “Why does my lord say these things?” they asked. “Your servants could not possibly do such a thing. |
| 9 | Romans 3:31 | Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the law. |
| 10 | Joshua 22:29 | Far be it from us to rebel against the LORD and turn away from Him today by building an altar for burnt offerings, grain offerings, or sacrifices, other than the altar of the LORD our God, which stands before His tabernacle.” |
1 Kings 21:3 Summary
In this verse, Naboth is saying that he will not give up his family's land to King Ahab, because it is a special gift from God and a part of his family's heritage. Naboth is being faithful to God's commands and honoring his family's legacy, even when it's hard. This is an example of standing firm in our convictions and trusting God, like it says in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 10:30. We can learn from Naboth's example to prioritize faithfulness to God's principles over personal gain or convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Naboth saying 'The LORD forbid' in this verse?
Naboth is invoking God's name to express his strong conviction that he should not give up his family's inheritance, which is a sacred trust, as seen in Leviticus 25:23 and Numbers 36:7-9.
Why was Naboth's vineyard so important to him?
The vineyard was not just a piece of property, but a part of Naboth's family heritage and a symbol of God's blessing, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:7-10 and Psalm 16:6.
Is Naboth being disobedient or stubborn by refusing Ahab's offer?
No, Naboth is being faithful to God's commands regarding inheritance and property rights, as outlined in Leviticus 25:23-28 and Deuteronomy 19:14, and he is also honoring his family's legacy.
What can we learn from Naboth's response to Ahab's request?
We can learn the importance of standing firm in our convictions and being faithful to God's principles, even when faced with pressure or temptation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:13 and Ephesians 6:10-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to stand firm in my convictions, like Naboth did, and trust God for the outcome?
- How can I prioritize faithfulness to God's principles over personal gain or convenience, as Naboth did in this verse?
- What are some ways I can honor my family's legacy and heritage, while also being faithful to God's calling on my life?
- How can I balance being gracious and generous with others, while also being wise and discerning, like Naboth was in this situation?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:3
And Naboth said to Ahab, the Lord forbid it me that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:3
And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:3
For God hath expressly, and for divers weighty reasons, forbidden the alienation of lands from the tribes and families to which they were allotted, ,23,25 Numbers 36:7 . And although these might have been alienated till the jubilee, yet he durst not sell it to the king for that time; because he supposed that if once it came into the king’ s hand, especially to be made a garden of pleasure, and affixed to his palace, neither he nor his posterity could ever recover it again; and so he should both offend God, and wrong his posterity; which being, as it seems, a pious man, he durst not do.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:3
1 Kings 21:3 And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.Ver. 3. The Lord forbid it me.] The Lord had indeed forbidden it him. And hence his loathness; for he feared God in that corrupt time, and this made him a martyr; and for this his blood cried the louder against Ahab and Jezebel.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:3
3. The Lord forbid it me] This verse is very interesting, because (1) it makes clear that Naboth was a worshipper of Jehovah and, in spite of the persecution of the prophets, did not shrink from making it known to the king by his language. Here was an example of one who had not bowed the knee nor given a kiss to Baal. And (2) the reason which he alleges for clinging to his inheritance shews that the teaching of the law of Moses (Numbers 36:7-8; Leviticus 25:27-28) concerning the sacredness of a paternal inheritance had taken firm hold of the minds of the people, so that Ahab did not think of venturing on harsh measures against one who put forward this religious plea as a bar to the royal desire.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:3
The Lord forbid it me - Or, “Yahweh forbid it me.” Naboth, as a worshipper of Yahweh, not of Baal, considers it would be wrong for him to comply with the king’s request, as contrary to the Law (margin).
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:3
3. The Lord forbid it me — Literally, Accursed to me from Jehovah from giving the inheritance of my fathers to thee.
Sermons on 1 Kings 21:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Not for Sale by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Naboth's vineyard from the Bible as a metaphor for the loss of Christian values in America. The preacher emphasizes the importan |
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Naboth's Vineyard by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the tragic story of Naboth's Vineyard, where King Ahab's greed leads to the wrongful execution of Naboth, who refuses to sell his ancestral land. Ahab's despair |
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Our Inheritance by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of our inheritance in Christ, comparing it to Elisha receiving Elijah's cloak, which symbolizes the perfect righteousness bestowed upon |
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Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 3 by Keith Green | In the video, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prioritizing plants and nature. He mentions that living in mansions and exceeding regular limits is not allowed, and encoura |
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(The Book of Ruth) 2. Boaz - the Kinsman by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the power of Jesus to redeem and forgive our failures. They emphasize that Jesus' power goes beyond just dealing with our guilt, but also ex |
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(Following the Footsteps of Christ) Redemption by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of bondage and freedom in the context of the grace of God. He references Galatians chapter 4 and Titus 2 verse 11 to emphasize t |
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Jubilee - Part 1 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on personal testimonies or experiences, but rather on the wonders of God. He highlights the need for a |