1 Kings 21:6

KJV

And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee [another] vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H1696} unto her, Because I spake {H1696} unto Naboth {H5022} the Jezreelite {H3158}, and said {H559} unto him, Give {H5414} me thy vineyard {H3754} for money {H3701}; or else, if it please {H2655} thee, I will give {H5414} thee another vineyard {H3754} for it: and he answered {H559}, I will not give {H5414} thee my vineyard {H3754}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered her, "Because I spoke to Navot the Yizre'eli and said to him, "Sell me your vineyard for money; or else, if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard for it"; but he answered, "I won't give you my vineyard."

Berean Standard Bible

Ahab answered, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and told him, ‘Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you wish, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ And he replied, ‘I will not give you my vineyard!’”

American Standard Version

And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money; or else, if it please thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it: and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures King Ahab's dejected explanation to his wife, Queen Jezebel, regarding his sour mood. He recounts his failed attempt to acquire Naboth's vineyard, which was strategically located near Ahab's palace in Jezreel. Despite Ahab's seemingly reasonable offers of money or an alternative vineyard, Naboth steadfastly refused, citing a profound commitment to his ancestral inheritance and the divine law governing land ownership in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the pivotal moment revealing the source of King Ahab's profound displeasure, setting the stage for the dramatic and tragic events that follow in [1 Kings 21](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard"). Prior to this, [verses 1-4](/1_kings/21-1 "1 Kings 21:1-4 - Ahab's Desire for Naboth's Vineyard") describe Ahab's initial desire for the vineyard due to its proximity to his palace and his subsequent sulking after Naboth's refusal. Verse 6 directly quotes Naboth's unyielding response, which then triggers Jezebel's ruthless intervention in [verses 7-16](/1_kings/21-7 "1 Kings 21:7-16 - Jezebel's Plot Against Naboth"). The entire narrative arc of the chapter hinges on this refusal, culminating in Elijah's prophetic condemnation of Ahab and Jezebel in [verses 17-26](/1_kings/21-17 "1 Kings 21:17-26 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jezreel, a royal city where Ahab maintained a palace. The core of the conflict lies in the Israelite understanding of land ownership. Unlike modern concepts of private property, land in Israel was considered a divine inheritance (Hebrew: _nachalah_) from God, allotted to specific tribes and families during the conquest of Canaan. [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God") explicitly states that "the land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine." This law prevented the permanent alienation of ancestral land, ensuring the preservation of tribal boundaries and family heritage. Naboth's refusal was not an act of defiance against the king personally, but a faithful adherence to this foundational Mosaic Law, which protected the integrity of the tribal land allotments. Ahab, influenced by his Phoenician wife Jezebel, often disregarded Israelite law and custom, making this clash between royal desire and divine command particularly significant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the destructive nature of **covetousness and discontent**. Ahab, despite his royal power and vast possessions, was consumed by a desire for what was not his, illustrating a direct violation of the [Tenth Commandment](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - The Tenth Commandment"). Secondly, it underscores the critical importance of **respect for divine law and property rights**. Naboth's steadfast refusal demonstrates unwavering integrity and a prioritization of God's command over the king's desire, even at great personal risk. Finally, the verse implicitly sets the stage for the theme of **abuse of power**, as Ahab's dejection leads directly to Jezebel's ruthless and unjust machinations, demonstrating the corrupting influence of unchecked authority when it encounters perceived obstacles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vineyard (Hebrew, כֶּרֶם _kerem'_):** While literally referring to a plot of land for growing grapes, in this context, "vineyard" carries immense symbolic weight. It represents not just agricultural property but a family's ancestral inheritance (_nachalah_), passed down through generations. Its significance was tied to family identity, economic stability, and spiritual heritage, making its permanent sale unthinkable under Mosaic Law.
* **Give (Hebrew, נָתַן _natan'_):** This verb appears twice, first in Ahab's offer ("Give me thy vineyard") and then in Naboth's resolute refusal ("I will not give thee my vineyard"). The repetition emphasizes the direct confrontation of wills and the stark opposition between a king's desire for acquisition and a loyal subject's adherence to divine principle regarding transfer of ownership.
* **My vineyard (Hebrew, כַּרְמִי _karmi'_):** The possessive suffix ("my") on "vineyard" is crucial. It highlights Naboth's personal and familial connection to the land, rooted in his heritage. His declaration, "I will not give thee _my_ vineyard," is a powerful assertion of his God-given right and responsibility to preserve his family's inheritance, not merely a statement of personal preference.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto her, Because I spake unto Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give me thy vineyard for money;":** This clause reveals Ahab's complaint to Jezebel, detailing his failed attempt to acquire Naboth's vineyard. It highlights Ahab's direct engagement with Naboth and his initial offer, which, from a purely transactional perspective, seemed reasonable. Ahab is explaining the source of his profound sulking, indicating his expectation that his royal request would be easily granted.
* **"or else, if it please thee, I will give thee [another] vineyard for it:":** This part of Ahab's account demonstrates his willingness to offer an alternative, further emphasizing his desire for Naboth's specific plot. The offer of "another vineyard" or monetary compensation suggests Ahab believed he was making a generous and fair proposal, failing to grasp the deeper theological and cultural significance of Naboth's ancestral land.
* **"and he answered, I will not give thee my vineyard.":** This final, concise statement is Naboth's unwavering, principled refusal. It is a direct quote that encapsulates Naboth's firm adherence to the Mosaic Law concerning ancestral land. His response is not a negotiation tactic but a declaration of his inability, under divine law, to permanently alienate his family's sacred inheritance. This refusal is the catalyst for the subsequent tragic events.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Dialogue** to reveal character and advance the plot. Ahab's recounting of his conversation with Naboth, including Naboth's direct response, immediately establishes the central conflict between royal desire and divine law. The direct quotation of Naboth's refusal, "I will not give thee my vineyard," serves as a moment of **Climax** within Ahab's narrative to Jezebel, highlighting the insurmountable obstacle to his desire. Furthermore, the entire interaction serves as **Foreshadowing**, as Ahab's dejection and Naboth's steadfastness strongly hint at the drastic and unjust measures Jezebel will soon take to fulfill her husband's covetous wish. The **Contrast** between Ahab's immense power and Naboth's humble, yet resolute, adherence to principle underscores the moral and spiritual stakes of the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Ahab and Naboth profoundly illustrates the tension between human desire and divine law, particularly concerning the concept of ownership and stewardship. God is presented as the ultimate owner of all land and resources, with humanity acting as stewards. Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard is a powerful act of faith, valuing God's command over the king's demand, thereby upholding the sacred trust of his ancestral inheritance. This story serves as a stark warning against covetousness, demonstrating how unchecked desire can lead to grave injustice, abuse of power, and ultimately, divine judgment. It underscores that true contentment is not found in accumulation but in aligning one's desires with God's will and being faithful with what has been entrusted.

* [Exodus 20:17](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - The Tenth Commandment")
* [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God")
* [Numbers 36:7](/numbers/36-7 "Numbers 36:7 - Land Inheritance Rules")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of Naboth's vineyard, encapsulated in this verse, offers timeless lessons for believers. It challenges us to examine the desires of our hearts, asking whether we are content with what God has provided or if we are consumed by covetousness for what belongs to others. Naboth's unwavering integrity in the face of royal pressure serves as a powerful model for standing firm on biblical principles, even when it is costly or unpopular. It reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God's law, not human authority, when those authorities contradict divine commands. Furthermore, it calls us to respect the property, rights, and boundaries of others, recognizing that true justice and peace are built on mutual respect and adherence to God-given principles, rather than self-serving ambition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What possessions or desires in my life might be leading me away from contentment and towards covetousness?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to compromise my integrity or God's principles for personal gain or convenience?**
* **How does Naboth's steadfastness inspire me to stand firm for what is right, even when facing opposition?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and stewardship for the blessings God has already given me?**

### FAQ

**Why was Naboth's vineyard so important that he would refuse a king?**

Answer: Naboth's vineyard was not merely a piece of land; it was his ancestral inheritance, or _nachalah_, which was deeply significant in ancient Israelite culture and law. According to [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - The Land Belongs to God"), the land ultimately belonged to God and could not be permanently sold. It was passed down through families to preserve tribal allotments and ensure each family's heritage and economic stability. For Naboth to sell or exchange it would have been a profound violation of divine law and a betrayal of his family's legacy. His refusal was an act of faithfulness to God, not stubbornness towards the king.

**Was King Ahab's offer to buy the vineyard or exchange it a fair one?**

Answer: From a purely commercial or secular perspective, Ahab's offer might seem fair, as he proposed either monetary compensation or an even better vineyard. However, within the specific cultural and theological context of Israel, it was not a fair or acceptable offer. It failed to acknowledge the non-negotiable spiritual and familial significance of ancestral land. Ahab, as king, should have been a guardian of God's law, but his desire for personal convenience overrode his understanding or respect for the sacredness of Naboth's inheritance.

**What does this verse tell us about the nature of covetousness?**

Answer: This verse powerfully illustrates that covetousness is not merely a desire for something someone else has, but a deep discontent with what one already possesses. Ahab, a king with vast wealth and multiple palaces, was so consumed by the desire for this one vineyard that he became physically ill with dejection. This shows that covetousness is an insatiable sin that leads to unhappiness, regardless of one's material abundance. It also highlights how covetousness can pave the way for greater sins, such as injustice, deception, and even murder, as seen in Jezebel's subsequent plot against Naboth. It fundamentally violates the [Tenth Commandment](/exodus/20-17 "Exodus 20:17 - The Tenth Commandment") and disrupts peace and justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Ahab and Naboth, centered on the king's covetous desire for an earthly vineyard, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While Ahab sought to dispossess Naboth of his rightful, albeit earthly, inheritance through unjust means, Christ, the true King, came not to take but to give, offering a heavenly and eternal inheritance. Unlike Ahab, who was consumed by worldly possessions, Jesus taught His disciples to seek first the [kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom"), modeling perfect contentment and detachment from material wealth (cf. [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness")). Naboth's steadfast adherence to God's law regarding his inheritance foreshadows Christ's own unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death, securing for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (cf. [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Ahab's abuse of power stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who, though King of kings, came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (cf. [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Ultimately, the story of Naboth's vineyard highlights the futility of earthly gain when compared to the eternal spiritual riches and true justice brought by the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy of all honor and praise.

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

Esther 5:9

¶ Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

Esther 5:14

Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

James 4:2

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

James 4:7

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Esther 6:12

¶ And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.