1 Kings 21:25

KJV

But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

KJV (with Strong's)

But there was none like unto Ahab {H256}, which did sell {H4376} himself to work {H6213} wickedness {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}, whom Jezebel {H348} his wife {H802} stirred up {H5496}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Truly, there was never anyone like Ach'av. Stirred up by his wife Izevel, he gave himself over to do what is evil from ADONAI's perspective.

Berean Standard Bible

(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.

American Standard Version

(But there was none like unto Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 21:25 stands as a profound and damning indictment against King Ahab, declaring him unparalleled in his commitment to evil among Israel's monarchs. This verse attributes his extraordinary depravity to a deliberate, self-willed surrender to wickedness, further exacerbated by the active, malevolent influence of his wife, Jezebel, whose persistent incitement propelled him to even greater acts of rebellion and injustice in the very presence of the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent summary verse follows immediately after the chilling narrative of [Naboth's vineyard](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard"). Ahab, king of the northern kingdom of Israel, coveted Naboth's ancestral inheritance. When Naboth steadfastly refused to sell or exchange his land, citing the Mosaic Law's prohibition against permanently alienating tribal land ([Leviticus 25:23-28](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23-28 - Land Redemption Laws")), his queen, Jezebel, took matters into her own hands. She orchestrated a heinous plot, using false witnesses to accuse Naboth of blasphemy and treason, leading to his stoning and the unlawful confiscation of his vineyard for Ahab. This act of grave injustice, a blatant disregard for divine law and human life, serves as the immediate backdrop and the climactic demonstration of the wickedness that 1 Kings 21:25 so emphatically condemns. The verse encapsulates the culmination of Ahab's moral decline and his complicity in Jezebel's schemes, solidifying his reputation as a king who actively embraced evil.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ahab reigned over the northern kingdom of Israel from approximately 874-853 BC, a period marked by significant political and religious turmoil. He was the son of Omri, a powerful king who established Samaria as the capital. Ahab's reign was characterized by a strategic alliance with Phoenicia, cemented by his marriage to Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. This alliance, while politically advantageous, brought with it the aggressive promotion of Baal worship, which directly challenged the worship of Yahweh. Jezebel was not merely a passive queen; she was a zealous devotee of Baal and Asherah, actively persecuting the prophets of the Lord and establishing Baal's cult in Israel ([1 Kings 16:31-33](/1_kings/16-31 "1 Kings 16:31-33 - Ahab's Marriage to Jezebel and Baal Worship")). The cultural landscape was one of syncretism and apostasy, with the royal court leading the nation astray. The phrase "in the sight of the LORD" underscores the pervasive belief that God was actively observing and judging the actions of kings and nations, especially those who had entered into a covenant relationship with Him.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, as God continually raises up prophets like [Elijah](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah's Ministry Begins") to confront royal apostasy and pronounce judgment on wickedness, demonstrating His ultimate authority over human rulers. Another crucial theme is **Idolatry and Apostasy**, highlighting the devastating consequences of abandoning the covenant with Yahweh for foreign gods, as seen in Ahab's promotion of Baal worship and Jezebel's zealous efforts to eradicate the worship of the true God. The verse also underscores the theme of **Moral Corruption and Personal Responsibility**, emphasizing that even with external influences, an individual is ultimately accountable for their choices. Ahab's "selling himself" illustrates a profound spiritual depravity and a deliberate embrace of evil, a stark contrast to the righteous kings who sought to uphold God's law. Finally, the theme of **Influence and Its Power** is evident in Jezebel's destructive role, serving as a cautionary tale about the impact of ungodly relationships and counsel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sell himself (Hebrew: הִתְמַכֵּר, _hitmakker'_):** This reflexive verb, derived from the root _makar_ (to sell), literally means "to sell oneself." It is a powerful idiom signifying a total, voluntary, and deliberate surrender or enslavement to a particular course of action, master, or way of life. In Ahab's case, it denotes an active, willing dedication to wickedness, as if he had entered into a binding contract with evil. It is not merely a passive yielding to temptation but an intentional, self-initiated commitment to a life of unrighteousness, implying a forfeiture of moral autonomy and a profound spiritual bondage.
* **wickedness (Hebrew: הָרָעָה, _hara'ah'_):** This term refers to evil, mischief, or moral wrong. In the biblical context, it often denotes actions that are contrary to God's revealed will and righteous character. For Ahab, this encompassed his idolatry, his persecution of prophets, and his complicity in injustices like the murder of Naboth. The definite article "the" (הַ) before "wickedness" can imply a specific, notorious type of evil, or perhaps the very essence of evil itself, suggesting Ahab's complete immersion in it.
* **stirred up (Hebrew: הֵסִיתָה, _hesitah'_):** This verb means "to incite," "to instigate," "to entice," or "to seduce." It implies an active, persuasive, and often manipulative influence that leads someone to do something, typically something negative or evil. Jezebel's role was not merely supportive but actively provocative; she was the driving force behind many of Ahab's most egregious acts, pushing him beyond his own inclinations into deeper sin and rebellion against the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But there was none like unto Ahab":** This opening clause functions as a superlative, declaring Ahab's unparalleled status in wickedness among all the kings of Israel. It emphasizes the extraordinary depth and consistency of his evil, setting him apart as uniquely depraved. This hyperbole underscores the severity of his reign in the eyes of the Deuteronomistic historian.
* **"which did sell himself to work wickedness":** This phrase elaborates on the nature of Ahab's unique depravity. It indicates that his engagement with evil was not accidental, coerced, or merely a weakness, but a deliberate, voluntary, and complete surrender. He actively chose to dedicate himself to the practice of unrighteousness, becoming a willing servant to sin rather than to God. This speaks to a profound spiritual and moral degradation.
* **"in the sight of the LORD":** This crucial theological qualifier highlights that Ahab's wickedness was not hidden or unobserved. God, the sovereign Lord of Israel, was fully aware of his actions. This phrase emphasizes divine omnipresence and omniscience, implying that such flagrant and deliberate rebellion against the covenant God would inevitably incur divine judgment. It underscores the accountability of kings and all individuals before God.
* **"whom Jezebel his wife stirred up":** This final clause identifies a significant catalyst and accomplice in Ahab's descent into evil. While Ahab's choice to "sell himself" was his own, Jezebel's active incitement and instigation played a critical role in propelling him further into idolatry and injustice. Her zealous devotion to Baal and her ruthless character served to embolden Ahab and remove any moral restraint he might have possessed, making her a powerful and destructive influence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its damning indictment of Ahab. **Hyperbole** is evident in the opening declaration, "But there was none like unto Ahab," which exaggerates his wickedness to emphasize its unprecedented nature. While other kings were evil, Ahab's commitment to it is presented as unique, setting him apart as the epitome of depravity. This serves to underscore the severity of his actions. The phrase "did sell himself" utilizes a powerful **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, likening Ahab's voluntary surrender to sin to a commercial transaction, suggesting a deliberate and binding commitment to evil as if he had sold his very soul. This vivid imagery conveys the depth of his moral degradation. Furthermore, the verse employs **Characterization** through direct statement, succinctly summarizing Ahab's essence as a king defined by his willing embrace of wickedness and his susceptibility to malign influence. Jezebel's role is presented as a **Catalyst** or **Antagonist**, whose active "stirring up" highlights the destructive power of ungodly influence and shared culpability in sin. The inclusion of "in the sight of the LORD" serves as a **Theological Statement**, emphasizing divine observation and accountability, transforming the historical account into a moral lesson about God's justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 21:25 serves as a stark theological commentary on the nature of sin, human accountability, and the consequences of spiritual apostasy. It reveals that sin is not merely a passive failing but can be a deliberate, active choice—a "selling oneself" to a master other than God. This voluntary enslavement to wickedness is a profound act of rebellion against the divine will and an affront to God's holiness, particularly when committed by a king who was meant to uphold justice and lead his people in covenant faithfulness. The verse also highlights the pervasive influence of evil relationships, demonstrating how one person's depravity can incite and deepen another's, leading to a compounding of sin that incurs severe divine judgment. Ultimately, it underscores God's unwavering justice and His omnipresent gaze, reminding all that no act of wickedness, however hidden or powerful, escapes His notice or His ultimate reckoning.

* [Romans 6:16](/romans/6-16 "Romans 6:16 - Slaves to Righteousness or Sin")
* [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")
* [Jeremiah 17:9-10](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9-10 - The Deceitful Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling summary of Ahab's reign in 1 Kings 21:25 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a potent warning against the insidious nature of deliberate sin and the dangers of allowing our hearts to become hardened through repeated acts of disobedience. Ahab's "selling himself to work wickedness" reminds us that sin is not always a stumble, but can be a willful, chosen path that leads to spiritual bondage and a forfeiture of moral autonomy. This calls us to vigilant self-examination, to repent quickly and thoroughly when we recognize sin's grip, and to cultivate a heart that truly desires to please God. Furthermore, the verse powerfully illustrates the immense impact of our closest relationships. Jezebel's destructive influence on Ahab underscores the critical importance of choosing companions wisely and discerning the counsel we receive. We must surround ourselves with those who encourage godliness and challenge us to walk in righteousness, rather than those who would "stir us up" to compromise our faith or engage in ungodly practices. Ultimately, Ahab's story is a timeless reminder that while external pressures and influences exist, we remain accountable before God for our own choices and actions, for He sees all and will bring every deed into judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly "selling myself" to something other than God's will, perhaps out of convenience, desire for approval, or personal gain?**
* **Who are the primary influences in my life, and do they "stir me up" towards godliness or away from it? How can I cultivate more godly influences?**
* **How does the knowledge that God sees all my actions ("in the sight of the LORD") impact my daily choices and my commitment to integrity?**

### FAQ
**Was Ahab truly the most wicked king in Israel's history, or is this an exaggeration?**

Answer: The phrase "none like unto Ahab" is a strong hyperbole used by the Deuteronomistic historian to emphasize the extraordinary depth of his wickedness, particularly his intentional and consistent promotion of Baal worship and his complicity in grave injustices like the murder of [Naboth](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard"). While other kings were certainly evil (e.g., Jeroboam I, Manasseh of Judah), Ahab's unique blend of active idolatry, persecution of prophets, and personal surrender to evil, significantly influenced by Jezebel, marked him as a particularly egregious example of apostasy and moral depravity. The text intends to portray him as the epitome of the northern kingdom's spiritual decline.

**What does it mean for Ahab to "sell himself to work wickedness"?**

Answer: This powerful idiom signifies a voluntary and complete dedication to evil. It suggests that Ahab's commitment to wickedness was not accidental, coerced, or merely a weakness he succumbed to, but a deliberate and intentional choice. He actively embraced and pursued unrighteousness as if he had entered into a binding contract with it, making himself a willing servant or slave to sin. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where individuals are described as being [slaves either to sin or to righteousness](/romans/6-16 "Romans 6:16 - Slaves to Righteousness or Sin"). It highlights a profound spiritual depravity where one's will is fully aligned with evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of Ahab, who "did sell himself to work wickedness," stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience and redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Ahab willingly surrendered his will to sin, becoming enslaved to its power and leading his nation deeper into spiritual darkness. His life exemplifies the human condition apart from God, where sin reigns and leads to death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). In profound opposition, Christ, though without sin, "sold himself" not to wickedness, but as a ransom for the wicked. He willingly laid down His life, becoming obedient even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humiliation and Obedience")), to purchase our freedom from the very slavery to sin that Ahab embodied. Where Jezebel "stirred up" Ahab to evil, the Holy Spirit "stirs up" believers to righteousness and obedience to Christ ([Hebrews 10:24](/hebrews/10-24 "Hebrews 10:24 - Stirring Up One Another to Love and Good Works")). The ultimate fulfillment of this narrative lies in the Lamb of God, who, unlike Ahab, perfectly obeyed the Father's will and, through His sacrifice, offers true freedom and new life to all who were once enslaved to sin, enabling them to become slaves of righteousness ([Romans 6:18](/romans/6-18 "Romans 6:18 - Freed from Sin, Enslaved to Righteousness")).

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 21:20

And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found [thee]: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

Proverbs 22:14

¶ The mouth of strange women [is] a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therein.

1 Kings 16:30

And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD above all that [were] before him.

1 Kings 16:33

And Ahab made a grove; and Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel that were before him.

Ecclesiastes 7:26

And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart [is] snares and nets, [and] her hands [as] bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.

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.

Acts 14:2

But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.