1 Kings 21:15

KJV

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when Jezebel {H348} heard {H8085} that Naboth {H5022} was stoned {H5619}, and was dead {H4191}, that Jezebel {H348} said {H559} to Ahab {H256}, Arise {H6965}, take possession {H3423} of the vineyard {H3754} of Naboth {H5022} the Jezreelite {H3158}, which he refused {H3985} to give {H5414} thee for money {H3701}: for Naboth {H5022} is not alive {H2416}, but dead {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Izevel heard that Navot had been stoned to death, she said to Ach'av, "Get up, and take possession of the vineyard that Navot the Yizre'eli refused to sell you, because Navot is no longer alive; he is dead."

Berean Standard Bible

When Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, “Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, who refused to give it to you for silver. For Naboth is no longer alive, but dead.”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 21:15 marks the chilling climax of Jezebel's ruthless plot against Naboth, revealing her utter lack of conscience and swift efficiency in securing his vineyard for Ahab. Upon receiving confirmation of Naboth's unjust stoning and death, Jezebel immediately instructs her husband to "arise" and "take possession" of the coveted land, explicitly stating that the obstacle to Ahab's covetous desire has been removed. This verse powerfully underscores the depths of royal corruption, the tragic consequences of unchecked power and desire, and the chilling pragmatism of those who disregard divine law for personal gain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the horrific and unjust stoning of Naboth, detailed in [1 Kings 21:13-14](/1_kings/21-13-14 "1 Kings 21:13-14 - Naboth's Unjust Execution"). The preceding narrative establishes the conflict: Naboth's refusal to sell his ancestral vineyard to King Ahab, citing the Mosaic Law regarding inalienable inherited land ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - God's Ownership of the Land")). Ahab's subsequent sulking prompted Jezebel to promise him the vineyard, setting in motion her devious plan involving false witnesses and a rigged trial ([1 Kings 21:7-14](/1_kings/21-7-14 "1 Kings 21:7-14 - Jezebel's Wicked Plot")). Verse 15 serves as the grim culmination of her scheme, showcasing Jezebel's immediate command to Ahab, confirming Naboth's death and urging him to take possession. This demonstrates her profound callousness and complete disregard for justice and divine law, setting the stage for God's swift and severe judgment pronounced by Elijah in the verses that follow, specifically [1 Kings 21:17-24](/1_kings/21-17-24 "1 Kings 21:17-24 - Elijah's Prophecy of Judgment Against Ahab and Jezebel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds during the tumultuous reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in the Northern Kingdom of Israel (9th century BCE). Israelite law, particularly the Mosaic covenant, placed immense emphasis on land as an inheritance from God, not to be permanently alienated from families or tribes ([Numbers 36:7-9](/numbers/36-7-9 "Numbers 36:7-9 - Land Inheritance Laws")). This legal framework was designed to prevent the concentration of wealth and power, ensuring the stability of tribal lineages and a more equitable distribution of resources. Jezebel, a Phoenician princess and daughter of Ethbaal, king of Sidon, brought with her a pagan worldview and a profound disregard for Israelite covenantal law. Her actions reflect the absolute monarchical power typical of Near Eastern pagan kingdoms, where the king's word was often law and private property rights were subservient to royal desire. Her manipulation of Israelite legal forms (fasting, false witnesses) to achieve an ungodly outcome highlights the deep corruption of religious and judicial systems under her influence, contrasting sharply with the covenantal ideals of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The story of Naboth's vineyard, culminating in this verse, powerfully illustrates several major theological and narrative themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Old Testament. **Abuse of Power and Tyranny** is starkly evident, as Jezebel, an ungodly queen, exemplifies the corrupting influence of unchecked authority. She uses her position not for justice, but to facilitate murder and theft, showcasing a tyrannical disregard for the rights of the common Israelite and the very laws of God. **Covetousness and its Consequences** are central; Ahab's initial desire for Naboth's vineyard ([1 Kings 21:2](/1_kings/21-2 "1 Kings 21:2 - Ahab's Desire for Naboth's Vineyard")) escalates into a horrific act of injustice, culminating in murder. This narrative serves as a stark warning against the destructive nature of unchecked longing, echoing the Tenth Commandment found in [Exodus 20:17](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - The Tenth Commandment"). Furthermore, there is a profound **Disregard for Divine Law**, as Jezebel's plot violates multiple commandments: coveting, false witness, and murder ([Exodus 20:13-16](/exodus/20-13-16 "Exodus 20:13-16 - The Sixth, Ninth, and Tenth Commandments")). The seizure of Naboth's vineyard directly contravenes the Israelite laws regarding land inheritance, which were designed to preserve tribal family lines and prevent the accumulation of wealth by a few. Finally, the theme of **Wicked Counsel** is prominent, with Jezebel acting as a destructive influence on Ahab, pushing him towards greater sin and away from any potential for righteousness. Her counsel is purely self-serving and devoid of moral consideration, contrasting sharply with the prophetic warnings of Elijah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heard (שָׁמַע, _shama'_):** This Hebrew verb often implies not just auditory perception but also understanding, heeding, or obeying. In this context, Jezebel's "hearing" is not passive; it is an active reception of news that immediately triggers her next, decisive action. It signifies her readiness to capitalize on the outcome of her wicked plan, highlighting her cold, calculating nature and her complete control over the situation.
* **Take possession (יָרַשׁ, _yarash'_):** While this verb can mean to inherit, occupy, or possess lawfully, its usage here carries a strong connotation of dispossessing, seizing, or taking by force or unlawful means. Jezebel's command to "take possession" is not an invitation to a legal transaction, but an instruction to seize what has been unjustly acquired through murder. It underscores the illegitimacy of Ahab's claim and the violent, unethical nature of the acquisition, effectively "robbing" Naboth's family of their inheritance.
* **Dead (מֵת, _met_):** The repetition of "dead" ("Naboth was stoned, and was dead... Naboth is not alive, but dead") serves to emphasize the finality and irreversible nature of Naboth's fate. For Jezebel, Naboth's death is not a tragedy but a solution – the removal of the sole obstacle to Ahab's desire. The bluntness of the repetition highlights her chilling pragmatism and utter lack of remorse or moral compunction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead":** This opening clause immediately links Jezebel's subsequent action to the news of Naboth's execution. The passive voice ("was stoned, and was dead") subtly distances the act from Jezebel, yet the narrative has already made it clear she orchestrated it. Her hearing of the outcome marks the precise moment her wicked plan is fully realized and ready for its final, predatory phase.
* **"that Jezebel said to Ahab":** This direct address underscores Jezebel's dominant role in the relationship and her proactive leadership in wickedness. Ahab, who had been sulking in despair over his inability to acquire the vineyard, is now roused to action by her command, revealing his weakness and susceptibility to her powerful, corrupting influence.
* **"Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite":** This is the core command, revealing Jezebel's ultimate motive: the acquisition of the land. "Arise" is an imperative, urging immediate action and signaling the end of Ahab's passive dejection. The phrase "take possession" signifies an unlawful seizure, a disinheritance. The specific mention of "Naboth the Jezreelite" reinforces the identity of the victim and the locality of the crime, making it clear which vineyard is being referred to and whose rights have been trampled.
* **"which he refused to give thee for money":** This phrase serves as Jezebel's cynical justification, framing Naboth's righteous refusal as the "problem" that has now been "solved" through murder. It highlights the initial point of contention and implicitly contrasts Naboth's adherence to the law (refusing to sell ancestral land) with Ahab's covetousness and Jezebel's ruthless ambition. It's a twisted rationalization of a heinous crime.
* **"for Naboth is not alive, but dead":** This concluding statement is chillingly pragmatic and devoid of any human emotion. It reiterates the finality of Naboth's death, not with sorrow or regret, but as the decisive factor enabling the illegal transfer of property. The stark repetition of "dead" emphasizes the successful removal of the obstacle, reinforcing Jezebel's cold, calculated approach and her complete lack of empathy or moral compunction, viewing human life as expendable for material gain.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark message. **Irony** is profoundly present, as Jezebel, who orchestrated a "fast" and a "trial" under the guise of religious piety and justice ([1 Kings 21:9-10](/1_kings/21-9-10 "1 Kings 21:9-10 - Jezebel's Deceptive Fast")), now openly commands the seizure of property gained through murder. The pretense of law and piety is dropped, revealing the naked ambition and moral depravity beneath. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the striking contrast between Ahab's initial childish sulking and despondency ([1 Kings 21:4](/1_kings/21-4 "1 Kings 21:4 - Ahab's Sulking")) and Jezebel's decisive, ruthless efficiency in securing his desire through murder. This highlights her cunning, her dominant personality, and her profound moral depravity. The repeated phrase "but dead" functions as **Emphasis**, underscoring the finality of Naboth's demise and Jezebel's cold, pragmatic view of his death as merely a means to an end. This repetition also contributes to the **Foreshadowing** of divine judgment, as such blatant disregard for life and law cannot go unpunished by a righteous God. The narrative also uses **Conflict** between human desire and divine law, setting up the inevitable and dramatic confrontation with the prophet Elijah who will pronounce God's severe judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Naboth's vineyard, epitomized by Jezebel's callous command in [1 Kings 21:15](/1_kings/21-15 "1 Kings 21:15 - Jezebel's Command to Ahab"), serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of kingship, justice, and the consequences of sin. It demonstrates that true authority is not derived from absolute power but from submission to God's righteous laws. The violation of Naboth's property rights, rooted in the sacred covenantal land laws, represents a direct assault on God's sovereignty over the land and His people. This act of injustice, driven by covetousness and executed through murder, reveals the corrupting influence of ungodly leadership and the spiritual decay that permeates the kingdom when divine statutes are ignored. It underscores the Old Testament's consistent emphasis on God as the ultimate source of justice and the defender of the vulnerable, promising severe judgment for those who oppress the innocent and disregard His commands.

* [Deuteronomy 19:15-21](/deuteronomy/19-15-21 "Laws Concerning Witnesses and Justice")
* [Micah 2:1-2](/micah/2-1-2 "Woes Against Oppressors and Their Schemes")
* [Proverbs 1:10-19](/proverbs/1-10-19 "Warning Against Sinful Companions and Their Greed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling efficiency with which Jezebel orchestrates and then capitalizes on Naboth's murder in [1 Kings 21:15](/1_kings/21-15 "1 Kings 21:15 - Jezebel's Command to Ahab") offers a stark mirror for self-examination. It compels us to consider the insidious nature of unchecked desire and the corrupting influence of power when not submitted to God's moral framework. For believers today, this passage serves as a potent reminder that covetousness, even if initially a seemingly private desire, can escalate into grave injustices, impacting others and leading to profound spiritual and temporal consequences. We are called to cultivate a heart of contentment, to uphold justice in our spheres of influence, and to actively resist any counsel or temptation that encourages compromise with sin. The story challenges us to examine our own desires, our responses to authority, and our willingness to speak truth to power, ensuring that our actions are always aligned with God's righteous character and His commands, rather than succumbing to the allure of illicit gain or the pressure of ungodly influences. It reminds us that true prosperity is found not in accumulating earthly possessions through unrighteous means, but in living justly and walking humbly with our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might unchecked desires (covetousness) be subtly leading me down a path of compromise or potential injustice?**
* **How do I respond when I witness injustice or the abuse of power, whether in my personal life, community, or broader society? Am I willing to speak out or act?**
* **What kind of counsel do I seek and receive? Am I discerning about influences that might encourage me to disregard God's laws for personal gain or to justify unrighteous actions?**
* **How does the story of Naboth's vineyard challenge my understanding of true authority and the responsibilities that come with any position of influence, whether great or small?**

### FAQ

**Why was Naboth's vineyard so important that Ahab and Jezebel would resort to murder to obtain it?**

Answer: Naboth's vineyard was significant for several reasons, primarily due to Israelite land laws and its strategic location. According to Mosaic Law, inherited land (an "inheritance of his fathers") was considered an inalienable gift from God to a family or tribe and could not be permanently sold or transferred ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - God's Ownership of the Land"); [Numbers 36:7](/numbers/36-7 "Numbers 36:7 - Land Inheritance Rules")). Naboth's refusal was based on this deeply held religious and cultural principle, which preserved tribal lineages and prevented the concentration of wealth. For Ahab, the vineyard was desirable because it was "near unto his house" in Jezreel, potentially for an expansion of his palace grounds or to serve as a vegetable garden, as mentioned in [1 Kings 21:2](/1_kings/21-2 "1 Kings 21:2 - Ahab's Desire for the Vineyard"). For Jezebel, it represented an opportunity to assert royal prerogative over divine law and to satisfy her husband's desire, demonstrating her pagan disregard for Israelite customs and her ruthless efficiency in achieving her aims, even through murder. The importance was less about the land's intrinsic value and more about the clash of divine law versus royal tyranny and personal covetousness, highlighting the profound moral and spiritual decay in the Northern Kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Naboth's vineyard, culminating in his unjust death and the seizure of his inheritance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Naboth, an innocent man who suffered death at the hands of corrupt authorities for upholding a divine principle (the law of land inheritance), foreshadows Christ, the ultimate innocent victim who was unjustly condemned and executed by wicked rulers and religious leaders ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth")). Just as Naboth was dispossessed of his rightful earthly inheritance, so too was Jesus, the Son of God and rightful heir to all things, rejected by His own people and crucified outside the city gates, having "nowhere to lay his head" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him"); [Hebrews 13:12](/hebrews/13-12 "Hebrews 13:12 - Jesus Suffered Outside the Gate")). However, unlike Naboth, whose death led to the temporary triumph of evil, Christ's death was a redemptive act that decisively defeated sin and death, securing an eternal inheritance for all who believe ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"); [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Inheritance Imperishable and Undefiled")). Through His sacrifice, Jesus reclaims the inheritance of humanity lost through sin, offering believers not a physical vineyard, but an imperishable spiritual inheritance in the heavenly kingdom, a kingdom where true justice reigns and where no wicked ruler can dispossess the righteous ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"); [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")). He is the true King who establishes righteousness, unlike the corrupt kings of Israel.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 21:7

And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, [and] eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

Proverbs 1:10

¶ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Proverbs 1:16

For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

Proverbs 4:17

For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.