1 Kings 21:5
1 Kings 21:5 in Multiple Translations
Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?”
¶ But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?
But Jezebel, his wife, came to him and said, Why is your spirit so bitter that you have no desire for food?
His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “What are you so upset about that you don't want to eat?”
Then Iezebel his wife came to him and said vnto him, Why is thy spirit so sad that thou eatest no bread?
And Jezebel his wife cometh in unto him, and speaketh unto him, 'What [is] this? — thy spirit sulky, and thou art not eating bread!'
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, “Why is your spirit so sad that you eat no bread?”
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?
And Jezabel his wife went in to him, and said to him: What is the matter that thy soul is so grieved? and why eatest thou no bread?
His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so depressed? Why are you refusing to eat anything?”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 21:5
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 21:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תָּבֹ֥א
אֵלָ֖י/ו
אִיזֶ֣בֶל
אִשְׁתּ֑/וֹ
וַ/תְּדַבֵּ֣ר
אֵלָ֗י/ו
מַה
זֶּה֙
רוּחֲ/ךָ֣
סָרָ֔ה
וְ/אֵינְ/ךָ֖
אֹכֵ֥ל
לָֽחֶם
וַ/תָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אִיזֶ֣בֶל
ʼÎyzebel
H348
Jezebel
N-proper
אִשְׁתּ֑/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs | Suff
וַ/תְּדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
רוּחֲ/ךָ֣
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs | Suff
סָרָ֔ה
çar
H5620
stubborn
Adj
וְ/אֵינְ/ךָ֖
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part | Suff
אֹכֵ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
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 21:5
וַ/תָּבֹ֥א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלָ֖י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
אִיזֶ֣בֶל
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.
אִשְׁתּ֑/וֹ
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
וַ/תְּדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3fs
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.
אֵלָ֗י/ו
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
רוּחֲ/ךָ֣
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
סָרָ֔ה
çar
H5620
"stubborn"
Adj
This word describes someone who is stubborn or rebellious, like a person who refuses to listen to others. It can also mean being sad or heavy-hearted.
Definition: stubborn, implacable, rebellious, resentful, sullen
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: heavy, sad. See also: 1 Kings 20:43; 1 Kings 21:4; 1 Kings 21:5.
וְ/אֵינְ/ךָ֖
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
אֹכֵ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal
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.
לָֽחֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 21:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Naboth’s Vineyard
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?”
6Ahab answered, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and told him, ‘Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you wish, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ And he replied, ‘I will not give you my vineyard!’” 7But his wife Jezebel said to him, “Do you not reign over Israel? Get up, eat some food, and be cheerful, for I will get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 16:31 | And as if it were not enough for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he even married Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he then proceeded to serve and worship Baal. |
| 2 | Genesis 3:6 | When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 19:2 | So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!” |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 13:4 | so he asked Amnon, “Why are you, the son of the king, so depressed morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon replied, “I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” |
| 5 | Esther 4:5 | Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs appointed to her, and she dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what was troubling him and why. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 2:2 | so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear |
| 8 | 1 Kings 18:4 | for when Jezebel had slaughtered the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty men per cave, providing them with food and water.) |
1 Kings 21:5 Summary
In 1 Kings 21:5, we see Ahab's wife Jezebel trying to understand why he is so sullen and refusing to eat. This shows that even in difficult situations, having someone who cares about us and tries to understand our feelings can be very helpful. As the Bible says in Proverbs 17:17, 'A friend loves at all times,' and in Galatians 6:2, 'Carry each other's burdens,' we can learn from Jezebel's example and try to be supportive of those around us. By doing so, we can demonstrate the love and care that God shows us, as seen in John 13:35 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Ahab's sullenness in 1 Kings 21:5?
Ahab is sullen because Naboth the Jezreelite refused to give him his vineyard, as seen in 1 Kings 21:3-4, where Naboth says, 'The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.'
Who is Jezebel and why is she important in this verse?
Jezebel is Ahab's wife, and she plays a significant role in this verse as she tries to understand and address Ahab's sullenness, as seen in 1 Kings 21:5-7, and her character is further developed in other parts of the Bible, such as 1 Kings 16:31 and Revelation 2:20.
What can we learn from Ahab's refusal to eat in 1 Kings 21:4-5?
Ahab's refusal to eat shows the depth of his disappointment and anger, and it serves as a reminder that our reactions to difficult situations can reveal our character, as seen in other Bible verses like Proverbs 15:1 and Psalm 37:8.
How does Jezebel's question to Ahab in 1 Kings 21:5 relate to their relationship?
Jezebel's question to Ahab shows that she is aware of his emotions and is trying to understand what is bothering him, which suggests a level of intimacy and concern in their relationship, as also seen in 1 Kings 21:7, where she offers to help him obtain the vineyard.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when you have felt sullen or angry like Ahab, and how did you respond to those feelings?
- How can we balance our emotions and reactions to difficult situations, like Ahab's refusal to eat, with the teachings of the Bible, such as Psalm 42:11 and Philippians 4:6-7?
- What role do you think pride and selfishness played in Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard, and how can we apply the lesson of 1 Kings 21:1-7 to our own lives?
- In what ways can we, like Jezebel, try to understand and address the emotional needs of those around us, as seen in 1 Peter 3:8 and Ephesians 4:32?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:5
But Jezebel his wife came unto him, and said, why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?] She perceived he was low spirited, and supposed he had met with something that had ruffled him, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:5
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:5
1 Kings 21:5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?Ver. 5. But Jezebel his wife came to him.] This was well enough. Woman was first given to man for a comforter; but if sometimes for a counsellor, yet not at all for a controller, as this wicked woman took upon her to be.
Sermons on 1 Kings 21:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Christian Life - a Battleground, the (Satan's Tactics) by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the strategy of Satan and how to defeat him. He outlines four basic tactics that Satan uses and emphasizes the importance of understanding the |
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Man as You Are by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing man in his innocence and perfection, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. However, the focus of the sermon shifts to man as he is, hig |
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(Hebrews - Part 26): Christ Offered Himself by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and believing in the concept of redemption. He explains that all three persons of the Trinity - the Father, |
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Compel Them to Come In by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript begins with a warning to sinners, emphasizing the shortness and fragility of life. The speaker highlights the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in order for God to pa |
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God's Burden for Zion by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and the need for Him to eradicate evil in the world. He emphasizes that God cannot rest until righteousness and |
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(Basics) 5. the Function of Conscience by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of conscience as God's greatest gift to humanity. He explains that conscience serves as a warning signal, much like pain in ou |
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(Genesis) Genesis 2:15-17 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He emphasizes that God gave man dominion over nature and placed him in the garden to take c |