1 Kings 21:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 21:3 captures Naboth's unwavering refusal to sell his ancestral vineyard to King Ahab, a refusal rooted deeply in the Mosaic Law concerning land inheritance. This pivotal declaration highlights Naboth's faithfulness to God's commands over royal prerogative, setting the stage for Ahab's covetousness, Jezebel's wicked plot, and the subsequent divine judgment pronounced against the Omride dynasty. It underscores the sanctity of God-given inheritance and the profound clash between human desire and divine law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the linchpin of the narrative in [1 Kings 21](/1-kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard"). It immediately follows King Ahab's request to purchase or exchange Naboth's vineyard, which was conveniently located next to Ahab's palace in Jezreel. Naboth's firm and religiously motivated refusal directly precipitates Ahab's sulking and, more significantly, Queen Jezebel's ruthless intervention. Her subsequent plot to falsely accuse and execute Naboth, detailed in [1 Kings 21:8-14](/1-kings/21-8 "1 Kings 21:8-14 - Jezebel's Plot Against Naboth"), is a direct consequence of Naboth's adherence to the law expressed in this verse. The narrative then culminates in the prophet Elijah's pronouncement of severe divine judgment against Ahab and his house in [1 Kings 21:17-24](/1-kings/21-17 "1 Kings 21:17-24 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab and Jezebel"), demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land was not merely property but a perpetual inheritance, a divine gift allotted to families and tribes by God (e.g., [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of the Land by Lot")). The Mosaic Law, particularly in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Year of Jubilee"), stipulated that land could not be permanently sold, as "the land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me" ([Leviticus 25:25](/leviticus/25-25 "Leviticus 25:25 - God's Ownership of the Land")). While temporary leases were permitted, permanently alienating ancestral land was strictly forbidden and seen as a violation of God's covenant and a betrayal of one's family lineage. Naboth's refusal was therefore not an act of defiance against the king personally, but an act of profound faithfulness to God and the sacred trust of his family inheritance. This context highlights the clash between the Israelite covenantal understanding of land and the typical absolute monarchy practices of surrounding nations, which Ahab and Jezebel, a Sidonian princess, seemed to embody.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Kings](/1-kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Firstly, it underscores the **sanctity of inheritance** and the covenantal relationship between God, His people, and the land. Naboth's stance exemplifies **obedience to God's law** even in the face of immense pressure from royal authority, contrasting sharply with Ahab's disregard for divine commands. The narrative immediately following this verse vividly illustrates the destructive nature of **covetousness** (violating the [Tenth Commandment](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - The Tenth Commandment")) and the resulting **injustice** perpetrated by those in power. Ultimately, Naboth's refusal sets the stage for a profound demonstration of **divine authority triumphing over corrupt royal power**, as God intervenes to avenge the innocent and uphold His righteous standards.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"The LORD forbid it me" (Hebrew, _chalilah li Yahweh'_):** This powerful Hebrew idiom, חָלִילָה לִי יְהוָה, literally translates to "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. It conveys that the proposed action (giving up his inheritance) is not merely undesirable but utterly unthinkable and an offense against God Himself. Naboth invokes divine authority to justify his refusal, making it clear that his stance is not personal stubbornness but a matter of covenantal fidelity.
* **"inheritance of my fathers" (Hebrew, _nachalat avotai'_):** The phrase נַחֲלַת אֲבֹתַי refers to the ancestral land, a "possession" or "heritage" passed down through generations. In Israelite theology, this inheritance was not merely a piece of property but a sacred trust, a tangible link to God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants, and a foundational element of family identity and tribal lineage. To sell or permanently alienate this land was to dishonor one's ancestors, betray God's gift, and undermine the very structure of Israelite society as ordained by divine law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Naboth said to Ahab,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes a direct confrontation between a humble citizen and the most powerful man in the kingdom. It highlights Naboth's courage and conviction in speaking truth to power, a rare and risky act in an absolute monarchy.
* **"The LORD forbid it me,"**: This is the core of Naboth's response, a solemn oath invoking God's name to underscore the absolute impossibility of Ahab's request. It frames his refusal not as a personal slight or a negotiation tactic, but as a non-negotiable adherence to divine principle. Naboth makes it clear that his loyalty to God's law supersedes any obligation to the king's desires.
* **"that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee."**: This final clause explicitly states the reason for Naboth's resolute refusal. It clarifies that the issue is not the value of the vineyard, but its sacred status as "the inheritance of my fathers." This phrase encapsulates the theological and cultural significance of land in Israel, emphasizing its inalienable nature as a divine trust, not a commodity to be bought and sold at will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **literary devices**. Naboth serves as a **foil** to King Ahab, representing faithfulness and adherence to divine law in stark contrast to Ahab's covetousness and disregard for God's commands. There is a strong sense of **irony** in that the king, who ostensibly holds ultimate power, is thwarted by a common citizen's unwavering commitment to a higher authority—God's law. This highlights the theological premise that even kings are subject to divine decree. The verse also functions as **foreshadowing**, as Naboth's principled stand and Ahab's immediate reaction set the stage for the tragic injustice that follows, ultimately leading to divine judgment. The **conflict** between human desire (Ahab's covetousness) and divine law (Naboth's adherence to the inheritance law) is sharply drawn, forming the central tension of the entire narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Naboth's unwavering declaration in 1 Kings 21:3 profoundly illustrates the Israelite understanding of God's sovereignty over the land and His people. It underscores that the land was not merely a possession but a sacred trust, a perpetual inheritance given by God and governed by His covenantal laws. This perspective challenged the common ancient Near Eastern view of absolute monarchy, where a king's desires often superseded all other claims. Naboth's refusal highlights the moral and spiritual obligation to prioritize divine commands over personal gain or royal pressure, even at great personal cost. It also serves as a stark warning against the destructive power of covetousness, which, when unchecked, can lead to grave injustice and provoke divine wrath.

* [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 Not to Pass from Tribe to Tribe")
* [Deuteronomy 5:21](/deuteronomy/5-21 "Deuteronomy 5:21 - The Tenth Commandment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Naboth's steadfast refusal in 1 Kings 21:3 offers a powerful model of integrity and faithfulness for believers today. In a world that often prioritizes personal gain, convenience, or power, Naboth chose to uphold a divine principle, even when it meant defying a king and ultimately sacrificing his life. This narrative challenges us to examine our own values: are we willing to stand firm on God's truth when it is unpopular, inconvenient, or costly? It warns against the insidious nature of covetousness, reminding us that unchecked desires can lead to sin, injustice, and severe consequences. Furthermore, it reassures us of God's unwavering concern for justice, His commitment to protecting the innocent, and His ultimate vindication of those who faithfully obey Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Naboth's example challenge our modern understanding of property rights and personal possessions?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to compromise a divine principle for personal gain or to please powerful figures?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reverence for God's commands and resist the temptation of covetousness?**

### FAQ
**Why was Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard so firm, even to the king?**

Answer: Naboth's refusal was not an act of disrespect but an act of profound obedience to God's law. Under the Mosaic Law, land in Israel was considered a perpetual inheritance, allotted by God to families and tribes (e.g., [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of the Land by Lot")). It could not be permanently sold because God declared, "The land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me" ([Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - God's Ownership of the Land")). To alienate ancestral land was to violate a sacred trust, dishonor one's family, and betray God's covenant. Naboth's declaration, "The LORD forbid it me," underscores that he viewed selling his inheritance as a direct offense against God.

**Was Naboth being disrespectful to King Ahab by refusing his request?**

Answer: From an ancient Israelite perspective rooted in Mosaic Law, Naboth was not being disrespectful; he was being faithful. His refusal was not a personal affront but a declaration based on a higher authority—God's divine command. While King Ahab might have perceived it as a challenge to his royal prerogative, Naboth's conscience was bound by the covenantal stipulations regarding land. His loyalty to God superseded his obligation to the king's personal desires, highlighting the tension between human kingship and divine law in Israel.

**What was the significance of "the inheritance of my fathers" in this context?**

Answer: "The inheritance of my fathers" refers to the ancestral land passed down through generations, which held immense theological, social, and economic significance in ancient Israel. It was more than just property; it was a tangible link to God's covenant promises, a symbol of family identity, tribal lineage, and a direct connection to the land given by God. This land was meant to remain within the family, ensuring the continuity of the tribal structure and the equitable distribution of resources. To give it up was to sever a foundational link to one's heritage and God's provision, a concept deeply ingrained in Israelite culture and law (e.g., [Numbers 36:7](/numbers/36-7 "Numbers 36:7 - Land Not to Pass from Tribe to Tribe")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Naboth's steadfast obedience to God's law concerning his inheritance, even unto death, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate obedience and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as Naboth refused to relinquish his earthly inheritance, Christ, the true Son and heir, never deviated from His divine inheritance—the will of His Father. He came not to acquire earthly possessions, but to fulfill God's eternal purposes, demonstrating perfect obedience even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, the injustice suffered by Naboth at the hands of a covetous king and a corrupt queen finds its ultimate parallel in Christ, the innocent Lamb of God, who was unjustly condemned and executed by earthly powers driven by envy and fear. Through His sacrifice, Christ secures for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")), an inheritance far greater than any earthly vineyard. He is the one who truly takes away the sin of the world, including the covetousness and injustice exemplified by Ahab and Jezebel, offering us true life and a share in His eternal kingdom ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

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

Leviticus 25:23

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

Numbers 36:7

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

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

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

Romans 7:13

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

¶ 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

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.