1 Kings 21:9
1 Kings 21:9 in Multiple Translations
In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people.
And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:
And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:
And in the letter she said, Let a time of public sorrow be fixed, and put Naboth at the head of the people;
In the letters she wrote to tell them, “Announce a religious fast, and give Naboth a seat of honor.
And shee wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaime a fast, and set Naboth among the chiefe of the people,
and she writeth in the letters, saying, 'Proclaim a fast, and cause Naboth to sit at the head of the people,
She wrote in the letters, saying, “Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.
And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:
And this was the tenor of the letters: Proclaim a fast, and make Naboth sit among the chief of the people,
This is what she wrote in the letters: “Proclaim a day when all the people will gather together and ◄fast/abstain from eating food►. Give to Naboth an important place to sit among them.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 21:9
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 21:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּכְתֹּ֥ב
בַּ/סְּפָרִ֖ים
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
קִֽרְאוּ
צ֔וֹם
וְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יבוּ
אֶת
נָב֖וֹת
בְּ/רֹ֥אשׁ
הָ/עָֽם
וַ/תִּכְתֹּ֥ב
kâthab
H3789
to write
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בַּ/סְּפָרִ֖ים
çêpher
H5612
scroll
Prep | N-mp
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
קִֽרְאוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
צ֔וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
fast
N-ms
וְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יבוּ
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
נָב֖וֹת
Nâbôwth
H5022
Naboth
N-proper
בְּ/רֹ֥אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
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 21:9
וַ/תִּכְתֹּ֥ב
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
בַּ/סְּפָרִ֖ים
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
Prep | N-mp
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
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.
קִֽרְאוּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
צ֔וֹם
tsôwm
H6685
"fast"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fast or go without food, often for spiritual reasons. It appears in various forms, such as fasting or a fast. This concept is seen in the lives of prophets and leaders like Moses and Elijah.
Definition: fast, fasting
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: fast(-ing). See also: 2 Samuel 12:16; Isaiah 58:3; Psalms 35:13.
וְ/הוֹשִׁ֥יבוּ
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
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.
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.
בְּ/רֹ֥אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הָ/עָֽם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 21:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 21:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:9
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:9
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
- Sermons on 1 Kings 21:9
Context — Jezebel’s Plot
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.”
8Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city.
9In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people.
10But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” 11So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 58:4 | You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. |
| 2 | Matthew 23:13 | Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. |
| 3 | Luke 20:47 | They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.” |
| 4 | Matthew 2:8 | And sending them to Bethlehem, he said: “Go and search carefully for the Child, and when you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.” |
| 5 | John 18:28 | Then they led Jesus away from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. By now it was early morning, and the Jews did not enter the Praetorium, to avoid being defiled and unable to eat the Passover. |
| 6 | Genesis 34:13–17 | But because Shechem had defiled their sister Dinah, Jacob’s sons answered him and his father Hamor deceitfully. “We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us. We will consent to this on one condition, that you become circumcised like us—every one of your males. Then we will give you our daughters and take your daughters for ourselves. We will dwell among you and become one people. But if you will not agree to be circumcised, then we will take our sister and go.” |
1 Kings 21:9 Summary
[In 1 Kings 21:9, we see Jezebel writing letters to manipulate the elders and nobles into falsely accusing Naboth, which shows us the dangers of deception and manipulation, as warned against in Proverbs 12:17-19. This verse teaches us that honesty and integrity are essential in our relationships with others, and that we should always strive to act with fairness and justice, as seen in Micah 6:8. By reflecting on this verse, we can learn the importance of being truthful and transparent in all our interactions, and seeking to promote justice and fairness in our communities, just as God commands us to do in Deuteronomy 16:20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jezebel's plan in writing the letters to the elders and nobles?
Jezebel's plan was to manipulate the situation to get Naboth killed, by making it seem like he had committed a crime, as seen in 1 Kings 21:9-10, similar to the schemes found in Esther 3:8-9 where Haman plotted against the Jews.
Why did Jezebel instruct the elders to give Naboth a seat of honor among the people?
This was a deceitful tactic to make Naboth feel secure and unsuspecting before the accusations were brought against him, highlighting the cunning nature of Jezebel's plan, reminiscent of the deceit seen in Genesis 27:35 where Jacob deceived his father Isaac.
How does this verse relate to the biblical concept of justice?
This verse shows a clear perversion of justice, as Jezebel manipulates the system to bring about the death of an innocent man, Naboth, which is in direct contrast to the biblical teachings on justice found in Deuteronomy 16:20 and Proverbs 21:15.
What can we learn from Jezebel's actions in this verse about the dangers of manipulation and deceit?
We can learn that manipulation and deceit can lead to serious consequences, not just for the person being deceived, but also for the one doing the deceiving, as seen in the eventual downfall of Jezebel in 2 Kings 9:30-37, and the biblical warning against such behavior in Ephesians 4:25.
Reflection Questions
- How can we recognize and resist manipulation and deceit in our own lives, and what role does honesty and integrity play in our relationships with others?
- What are some ways that we can promote justice and fairness in our communities, and how can we stand up against injustice when we see it?
- How does this verse challenge our understanding of the nature of evil and the ways in which it can manifest in the world, and what does it teach us about the importance of discernment and wisdom?
- In what ways can we apply the lessons of this verse to our own lives, particularly in terms of being mindful of our own motivations and actions, and seeking to live with integrity and honesty?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:9
And she wrote in the letters, saying, proclaim a fast,.... Pretending fears of some dreadful calamity coming upon the nation, and therefore fasting and humiliation were necessary to avert it, and it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:9
And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: Proclaim a fast ... These obsequious and unprincipled magistrates did according to orders.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
Proclaim a fast, to remove all suspicion of hatred or evil design in Ahab, and to beget a good opinion of him amongst his people, as if his afflictions had done him good, and as if he were grown zealous for God’ s honour, and careful of his people’ s welfare, and therefore desirous to prevent the further displeasure of God against his city and kingdom; and in order thereunto, to inquire into all those sins which provoked God against them, and effectually to purge them out. Set Naboth on high; in a scaffold, or some other high place, where malefactors were usually and fitly placed, that they might be seen, and their defence heard by all the people.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
1 Kings 21:9 And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:Ver. 9. Proclaim a fast.] On fast days they were wont to execute heinous offenders, and thereby to get reconciliation with God. But what damnable dissimulation was it in this devilish creature to do her feats under pretext of a fast! This was like that Italian new device of a pocket stone bow which, held under a cloak, shooteth needles with such force to pierce a man’ s body, yet leaveth a wound scarce discernible: or, rather, that other, more detestable, of a pocket church book with a pistol hid in the binding, which turning to such a page dischargeth, - a plot to entrap him you hate, whilst you are at your devotions together, when there is less suspicion. If Jezebel proclaim a fast, let Naboth look to his life. If Herod, "that fox," pretend to worship Christ, there is mischief towards. The Jesuits enjoined a fast, and set forth a sevenfold psalmody for the good success of the gunpowder plot: wherein, Rabshakeh-like, they would persuade the world that they came not up against us without the Lord. And set Naboth on high.] Bring him before the judges. Il. Merc.
Italico, introduc.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
(9) Proclaim a fast.—This might be only to cover all that was to be so foully done with a cloak of religious observance, or, perhaps more probably, to imply that some secret sin had been committed, which would draw down vengeance on the whole city, and so to prepare for the false accusation. There is a like ambiguity as to the explanation of the command, “set Naboth on high,” as either an exaltation of pretended honour, or the “lifting up his head” (Genesis 40:20) for accusation. It may be noted that the whole scheme implies a return of the people to at least the outward observance of the Law of the Lord.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
Verse 9. Proclaim a fast] Intimate that there is some great calamity coming upon the nation, because of some evil tolerated in it. Set Naboth on high] Bring him to a public trial.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:9
9. Proclaim a fast] Let a day of humiliation be appointed, for it must be represented that a great wrong has been committed both against God and the king. Cf. 1 Samuel 7:6 where the people gathered at Mizpeh fasted, saying, ‘We have sinned against the Lord’. The command of God (Joe 2:12) by His prophet is, ‘Turn ye to me with all your heart, and with fasting and with weeping’. Hence the action is to express the popular sorrow for some wrong done, by which the whole city is contaminated. and set Naboth on high among the people] Lit. ‘at the head of the people’. The LXX. has ἐνἀρχῇτοῦλαοῦ. He was to be put in a prominent place, as one who had hitherto held an honourable position. Josephus speaks of him as γένουςἐπιφανοῦς ‘of a family of note’. By thus, at the beginning of the process, treating Naboth with honour they would seem to make it plain that, but for the evidence against him, they would have been glad to think him innocent.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:9
The object of this fast was at once to raise a prejudice against Naboth, who was assumed by the elders to have disgraced the town; and at the same time to give an air of religion to the proceedings,
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:9
9. Proclaim a fast — Not merely to furnish an opportunity to proceed with charges against Naboth, but to show that the city was under condemnation because of guilt, and should do some kind of penance.
Sermons on 1 Kings 21:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Man of Discipline by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of fasting and the type of fast that God desires. He emphasizes that God is not pleased with a fast that is only outwardly observ |
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When the Serpent Bites Your Hand, Victory Is at the Door by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Paul and how he faced challenges and storms. Despite being misunderstood and seen as a murderer, Paul continued to serve and he |
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As for Me by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher references historical figures like Patrick Henry and Joshua from the Old Testament to emphasize the importance of making a firm decision to serve God. |
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It's Harvest Time by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of harvest time and how it relates to the current generation. He emphasizes that God knew the unique challenges this generation wo |
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Grain Offering - Leviticus 2 by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his visit to the Airport Vineyard Church in Toronto and expresses his shock at the extreme and unscriptural practices he witnessed there. He e |
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(Basics) 59. Hypocrisy by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the parable of the ten virgins who went to meet the bridegroom. Externally, all ten virgins appeared the same, wearing white dresses and going |
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Reality Through the Cross by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reality in the kingdom of God. He explains that simply preaching the word or having knowledge of the Bible is not enough. J |