1 Kings 21:21

KJV

Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will bring {H935} evil {H7451} upon thee, and will take away {H1197} thy posterity {H310}, and will cut off {H3772} from Ahab {H256} him that pisseth {H8366} against the wall {H7023}, and him that is shut up {H6113} and left {H5800} in Israel {H3478},

Complete Jewish Bible

'Here,' [says ADONAI,] 'I am bringing disaster on you! I will sweep you away completely; I will cut off from Ach'av every male, whether a slave or free in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: ‘I will bring calamity on you and consume your descendants; I will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both slave and free.

American Standard Version

Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will utterly sweep thee away and will cut off from Ahab every man-child, and him that is shut up and him that is left at large in Israel:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 21:21 records a severe divine pronouncement of judgment delivered by the prophet Elijah against King Ahab of Israel. This solemn prophecy details the impending calamity and the utter destruction of Ahab's royal lineage, signifying that every male descendant, from the least significant to the most prominent, would be cut off. This comprehensive judgment was a direct consequence of Ahab's egregious sins, particularly his covetousness, the unjust murder of Naboth, and his persistent promotion of idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The prophetic declaration in 1 Kings 21:21 serves as the climactic divine response to one of the most egregious acts of injustice recorded in Ahab's reign: the murder of Naboth and the seizure of his vineyard. The preceding verses of [1 Kings 21](/1-kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard") meticulously detail how King Ahab, consumed by covetousness, desired Naboth's ancestral vineyard. When Naboth refused to sell, citing the inviolable nature of his family inheritance, Ahab's wicked wife, Jezebel, orchestrated a heinous plot. She used false witnesses to accuse Naboth of blasphemy and treason, leading to his unjust execution by stoning. Ahab then proceeded to take possession of the vineyard. God's immediate response was to send Elijah, His faithful prophet, to confront Ahab directly in the very vineyard he had so wickedly acquired. This confrontation underscores God's active involvement in human affairs, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His readiness to hold even the most powerful monarchs accountable for their transgressions against His law and His people. The prophecy sets the stage for the grim fulfillment of this judgment, which unfolds in subsequent chapters, particularly in [2 Kings 9-10](/2-kings/9-10 "2 Kings 9-10 - Jehu's Purge and the Fall of Ahab's House").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Ahab ruled the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the 9th century BCE, a tumultuous era marked by significant political and religious struggles. His reign was characterized by a deep apostasy, largely influenced by his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who aggressively promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah throughout Israel. This challenged the exclusive worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, as mandated by the Mosaic Covenant. The cultural significance of ancestral land, like Naboth's vineyard, cannot be overstated. According to Israelite law, land was considered an inalienable family inheritance, divinely apportioned and not to be permanently sold or alienated from the family (cf. [Leviticus 25:23-28](/leviticus/25-23-28 "Leviticus 25:23-28 - The Law of Redemption of Land")). Ahab's seizure of Naboth's vineyard was therefore not merely a personal act of greed but a profound violation of covenant law, property rights, and social justice. It represented a tyrannical abuse of royal power that disregarded both divine statutes and established legal norms. The judgment of dynastic annihilation, as pronounced against Ahab, was a common and severe form of divine retribution for wicked kings in the Ancient Near East, ensuring that their evil influence and legacy would not continue through their descendants.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several foundational theological themes central to the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua-Kings). Firstly, it vividly illustrates **Divine Judgment and Justice**, demonstrating God's active sovereignty over human rulers and His commitment to upholding His moral order. Ahab's actions, particularly the covetousness, manipulation, and murder of Naboth, directly provoked God's righteous wrath, leading to a swift and severe divine response. Secondly, the passage highlights the **Consequences of Sin**, emphasizing that persistent and unrepentant rebellion against God's commands—especially idolatry, injustice, and abuse of power—inevitably leads to devastating divine retribution. This serves as a stark reminder of the principle that "the wages of sin is death," a truth echoed in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin"). Thirdly, the prophecy underscores the theme of **Dynastic Destruction** as a specific form of divine punishment for unrighteous kingship. By eradicating a king's lineage, God publicly declared His rejection of their unrighteous rule and ensured that their evil legacy would not be perpetuated, as seen in the broader narrative of [1 Kings](/1-kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reigns of Kings"). Finally, the verse powerfully affirms the **Authority and Role of the Prophet**, with Elijah serving as God's fearless messenger, delivering an unpopular but truthful word to a powerful monarch, thus underscoring the prophet's crucial role in holding leaders accountable to divine standards and proclaiming God's sovereign will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** In this context, "evil" (רָע, _raʻ_) refers to calamity, disaster, or misfortune that God will bring upon Ahab. It signifies the severe nature of the punishment—a comprehensive and devastating series of events designed to dismantle his power and lineage. This is a punitive "evil" that God *brings* as a consequence of Ahab's moral evil, which is also encompassed by the broad meaning of _raʻ_.
* **Posterity (Hebrew, _ʼachar'_):** The term "posterity" (אַחַר, _ʼachar_) refers to one's descendants, future, or "hind part." Here, it specifically denotes the complete eradication of Ahab's male lineage, ensuring that no son, grandson, or male relative would survive to inherit his throne or carry on his name. This was the ultimate curse for an ancient king, signifying the utter failure of his reign and the end of his dynastic aspirations.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** The verb "cut off" (כָּרַת, _kârath_) is a primitive root meaning to cut (off, down, or asunder). By implication, it means to destroy or consume. In this context, it signifies the complete and decisive termination of Ahab's male line. This is a strong term indicating utter destruction, leaving no remnant of his male descendants to continue his royal house.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will bring evil upon thee":** This opening declaration is a direct, emphatic statement from God, delivered through Elijah, signaling the immediate and personal nature of the impending judgment. The "evil" refers to the comprehensive disaster and calamity that God Himself will orchestrate against Ahab and his household as a direct consequence of his actions.
* **"and will take away thy posterity":** This clause specifies the primary form of the "evil"—the complete eradication of Ahab's descendants. This is a severe judgment, as dynastic continuity was paramount in ancient kingship. It means no male heir would survive to continue his line on the throne, ensuring the end of his royal house. The verb "take away" (H1197, _bâʻar_) here implies consuming or making brutish, underscoring the destructive nature of this removal.
* **"and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall":** This is a vivid and forceful idiomatic expression emphasizing the totality of the destruction of Ahab's male lineage. It means every single male, without exception, will be eliminated. This brutal imagery underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, leaving no male to perpetuate his name or legacy. The term "pisseth against the wall" (H8366, _shâthan_ and H7023, _qîyr_) is a crude but common expression for "every male."
* **"and him that is shut up and left in Israel":** This phrase further reinforces the completeness of the judgment. "Him that is shut up" (H6113, _ʻâtsâr_) could refer to those confined or protected (e.g., in a city or prison), while "him that is left" (H5800, _ʻâzab_) refers to those who remain or survive. Together, these phrases signify that no male from Ahab's line, whether prominent or obscure, free or imprisoned, would escape the divine decree of annihilation. The judgment is absolute and all-encompassing, ensuring the utter extinction of his male descendants in Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey the severity and certainty of God's judgment. The most striking is the use of **Idiom** in "him that pisseth against the wall," a crude but effective Hebrew expression for "every male." This idiom functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the absolute and total annihilation of Ahab's male descendants, leaving no one to carry on his name. The bluntness of the language reflects the uncompromising nature of divine justice. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing**, detailing the future downfall of Ahab's house, which is later fulfilled with grim precision by Jehu in [2 Kings 10](/2-kings/10 "2 Kings 10 - Jehu's Purge"). The direct address from God ("I will bring evil upon thee") uses **Direct Discourse** to underscore the divine origin and certainty of the pronouncement, making it an undeniable decree rather than a mere warning. The repetition of phrases emphasizing totality ("take away thy posterity," "cut off... him that pisseth against the wall," "him that is shut up and left") serves as a form of **Anaphora** and **Emphasis**, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the impending doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates God's sovereign justice and His unwavering commitment to righteousness. It reveals that God is not a passive observer of human affairs but actively intervenes to uphold His moral order, especially when those in power abuse their authority and disregard His covenant. Ahab's covetousness, manipulation, and murder of Naboth, coupled with his promotion of idolatry, constituted a direct affront to God's character and law. The judgment of dynastic destruction signifies the ultimate consequence for unrepentant sin and rebellion against divine authority, demonstrating that God will not permit wickedness to go unpunished indefinitely. This serves as a stark reminder that all earthly power is ultimately subject to divine accountability and that God's justice will ultimately prevail.

* [1 Kings 21:29](/1-kings/21-29 "God's Response to Ahab's Humility")
* [2 Kings 10:11](/2-kings/10-11 "Fulfillment of Prophecy Against Ahab's House")
* [Psalm 7:11](/psalm/7-11 "God is a Righteous Judge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The judgment pronounced against Ahab in 1 Kings 21:21 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's absolute justice and the profound consequences of sin, particularly for those in positions of power. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for any inclination towards covetousness, injustice, or the abuse of influence, recognizing that such desires can lead to destructive outcomes. This passage underscores that God sees every act of unrighteousness, and while His patience is vast, His justice is certain. For believers, it calls us to live with integrity, humility, and a deep respect for the rights and dignity of others, understanding that our actions have far-reaching implications, not only for ourselves but potentially for those connected to us. It also encourages us to trust in God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to righting all wrongs, even when justice seems delayed in the world around us. We are called to be agents of righteousness, speaking truth to power and advocating for justice, just as Elijah, a solitary prophet, courageously confronted a powerful and wicked king.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ahab's sin against Naboth illustrate the dangers of unchecked covetousness and abuse of power in our own lives or society today?**
* **What does God's severe judgment against Ahab's house reveal about His character and His unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise our integrity or ethical standards for personal gain, and how can this passage serve as a powerful warning against such temptations?**
* **How does the prophetic confrontation by Elijah inspire us to speak truth to power and advocate for justice, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**

### FAQ

**What does "him that pisseth against the wall" mean in this context?**

Answer: This is a vivid and somewhat crude Hebrew idiom (מַשְׁתִּין בְּקִיר, _mashtin b'kir_) used in the Old Testament to refer to every male, without exception. Its inclusion in the prophecy against Ahab signifies the complete and utter annihilation of his male descendants, ensuring that no son, grandson, or any male from his lineage would survive to carry on his name or inherit his throne. It emphasizes the totality of the judgment, leaving no male to perpetuate his dynasty, as seen in its fulfillment in [2 Kings 10:11](/2-kings/10-11 "Jehu's Purge of Ahab's House").

**Why was God's judgment against Ahab so severe, extending to his entire posterity?**

Answer: God's judgment was exceptionally severe because Ahab's sins were egregious and multi-layered, representing a profound affront to God's character and covenant. Beyond his long history of promoting Baal worship and widespread idolatry, his actions concerning Naboth's vineyard involved covetousness, manipulation, false witness, and ultimately, the premeditated murder of an innocent man to seize his ancestral property. This was a direct violation of God's covenant law and a profound abuse of royal power. The destruction of his posterity was a common form of divine judgment against wicked kings in the Old Testament, signifying a complete rejection of their rule and ensuring that their unrighteous influence would not continue through their descendants. It underscored God's commitment to justice, the sanctity of life, and the inviolability of property rights, as detailed in the Ten Commandments (e.g., [Exodus 20:13-17](/exodus/20-13-17 "Exodus 20:13-17 - The Ten Commandments")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 21:21 details a severe judgment against a wicked king in the Old Testament, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate triumph of God's perfect justice and the establishment of an eternal, righteous kingdom through Jesus Christ. Ahab's dynasty was cut off due to his profound sin, illustrating the destructive power of unrighteousness and the certainty of divine judgment against all who rebel against God. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King, perfectly fulfilled God's law, living a life of absolute righteousness and justice. He did not covet or seize earthly possessions, but rather gave His life as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Unlike Ahab's temporary and corrupt kingdom, Christ's kingdom is eternal and incorruptible, founded on grace and truth ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). The judgment against Ahab foreshadows the final judgment where all unrighteousness will be dealt with decisively ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")), but it also highlights the profound mercy offered in Christ. Through faith in Him, believers are spared the judgment due to sin, receiving eternal life and an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1-peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope")). Jesus, the "seed" of Abraham, establishes a lineage not of physical descent but of spiritual adoption, ensuring that all who are "in Christ" will never be cut off from God's presence ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). He is the righteous King whose dominion will have no end ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")), guaranteeing ultimate justice and eternal life for all who believe.

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 14:10

Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, [and] him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

Exodus 20:5

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;

Exodus 20:6

And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

2 Kings 9:7

And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.

2 Kings 9:9

And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:

2 Kings 10:17

And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, till he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the LORD, which he spake to Elijah.

1 Samuel 25:34

For in very deed, [as] the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.