1 Kings 21:3

And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

And Naboth {H5022} said {H559} to Ahab {H256}, The LORD {H3068} forbid {H2486} it me, that I should give {H5414} the inheritance {H5159} of my fathers {H1} unto thee.

But Navot said to Ach'av, "ADONAI forbid that I should give you my ancestral heritage!"

But Naboth replied, โ€œThe LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.โ€

And Naboth said to Ahab, Jehovah forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

Commentary

Context of 1 Kings 21:3

This verse is central to the tragic narrative of Naboth's vineyard, illustrating a pivotal moment in the reign of King Ahab of Israel. Ahab, residing in his palace at Jezreel, coveted a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite, conveniently located next to the royal property. Ahab offered to buy it or exchange it for a better vineyard, but Naboth's response, "The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee," reveals a deep-seated adherence to Israelite law and tradition.

Under the Mosaic Law, land within Israel was considered a perpetual inheritance, divided among families and tribes as a gift from God. It was not to be sold permanently, as God Himself declared ownership of the land (Leviticus 25:23). While temporary leases were permitted, permanently alienating family land was strictly forbidden and seen as dishonoring God's covenant. Naboth's refusal was therefore not a personal slight to the king, but a faithful act of obedience to divine command, highlighting the clash between royal prerogative and established religious law.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity of Inheritance: The verse underscores the profound significance of land inheritance in ancient Israel. It was more than just property; it was a foundational element of family identity, tribal lineage, and spiritual connection to God's covenant promises. Naboth's firm stance protected this sacred trust.
  • Obedience to God's Law: Naboth exemplifies faithfulness by prioritizing God's law over the king's desire. His refusal demonstrates a commitment to divine principles, even when facing pressure from the most powerful figure in the land.
  • Covetousness and Injustice: King Ahab's insatiable desire for Naboth's vineyard directly violates the Tenth Commandment against coveting. This covetousness sets the stage for a grave act of injustice, leading to Naboth's wrongful death and divine judgment against Ahab and his house.
  • Divine Authority vs. Royal Power: The narrative highlights the tension between God's established laws and the arbitrary exercise of royal power. Naboth's stand, rooted in divine authority, implicitly challenges the king's perceived right to do as he pleases.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The LORD forbid it me" (KJV) is a powerful expression in Hebrew: chalilah li Yahweh (ื—ึธืœึดื™ืœึธื” ืœึดื™ ื™ึฐื”ื•ึธื”). This translates literally as "Far be it from me, O LORD!" or "God forbid!" It is a strong declaration of moral or religious impossibility, indicating an absolute rejection based on a deep reverence for God's law and a clear understanding that such an action would be a grave offense against Him. It emphasizes Naboth's conviction that giving up his ancestral inheritance would be an act of disloyalty to God Himself.

Practical Application

The story of Naboth's vineyard carries timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Respect for Others' Rights: We are called to respect the property and rights of others, resisting the temptation to acquire what is not rightfully ours, even if we have the power or means to do so.
  • Dangers of Covetousness: This narrative serves as a stark warning about the destructive nature of covetousness, showing how unchecked desire can lead to sin, injustice, and severe consequences.
  • Standing for Truth and Justice: Like Naboth, believers are sometimes called to stand firm on God's principles, even when it is unpopular, inconvenient, or challenges powerful societal norms.
  • God's Concern for Justice: The subsequent divine judgment against Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21:19) underscores God's deep concern for justice and His unwavering commitment to upholding His laws and protecting the innocent.

Naboth's refusal, though it cost him his life, stands as a testament to faithfulness and integrity in the face of immense pressure. This pivotal moment set the stage for Queen Jezebel's wicked plot (1 Kings 21:7) and ultimately, the downfall of Ahab's dynasty.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 25:23 (8 votes)

    ยถ The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land [is] mine; for ye [are] strangers and sojourners with me.

  • Numbers 36:7 (8 votes)

    So shall not the inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe: for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers.

  • Ezekiel 46:18 (7 votes)

    Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; [but] he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.

  • Romans 6:15 (3 votes)

    What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

  • Romans 7:13 (2 votes)

    Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

  • Romans 7:7 (2 votes)

    ยถ What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.

  • Genesis 44:17 (2 votes)

    And he said, God forbid that I should do so: [but] the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant; and as for you, get you up in peace unto your father.