### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Nâbôwth**, represented by `{{H5022}}`, is the proper name of **Naboth, an Israelite**. It appears 22 times across 18 unique verses, exclusively detailing the story of Naboth the Jezreelite and his tragic confrontation with the monarchy of Israel. The name itself is associated with the idea of "fruits," but its scriptural usage is entirely focused on this one individual's narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative centers on **Naboth**'s refusal to sell his property to King Ahab `{{H256}}`. Ahab desired Naboth's **vineyard** `{{H3754}}` because it was near his **palace** `{{H1964}}` in Jezreel `{{H3157}}` and offered him a better one or its worth in money `{{H3701}}` in exchange [[1 Kings 21:1-2]]. **Naboth** `{{H5022}}` refused, stating, "The LORD `{{H3068}}` forbid `{{H2486}}` it me, that I should give the inheritance `{{H5159}}` of my fathers `{{H1}}` unto thee" [[1 Kings 21:3]]. Angered by this refusal, Ahab's wife, Jezebel `{{H348}}`, conspired with the elders `{{H2205}}` and nobles `{{H2715}}` of the city `{{H5892}}`. She had them proclaim a fast `{{H6685}}` and accuse **Naboth** `{{H5022}}` of blasphemy `{{H1288}}` against God `{{H430}}` and the king `{{H4428}}`, using two false witnesses described as "children of Belial" `{{H1121}}` `{{H1100}}` [[1 Kings 21:13]]. Consequently, **Naboth** `{{H5022}}` was taken outside the city and stoned `{{H5619}}` until he was dead `{{H4191}}` [[1 Kings 21:13]]. This act of murder `{{H7523}}` and theft `{{H3423}}` brought a divine judgment, with the LORD promising that dogs `{{H3611}}` would lick `{{H3952}}` Ahab's blood in the same place `{{H4725}}` they licked the blood `{{H1818}}` of **Naboth** `{{H5022}}` [[1 Kings 21:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding the narrative of Naboth:
* `{{H3754}}` **kerem** (a garden or vineyard): The entire conflict begins with King Ahab's desire for Naboth's **vineyard** to use as a **garden** `{{H1588}}` of herbs `{{H3419}}` [[1 Kings 21:2]].
* `{{H256}}` **ʼAchʼâb** (Ahab): The king of Israel whose covetousness leads to the conspiracy against Naboth. When his offer is rejected, he becomes **heavy** `{{H5620}}` and **displeased** `{{H2198}}` [[1 Kings 21:4]].
* `{{H5159}}` **nachălâh** (something inherited, i.e. an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion): This is the core of Naboth's principled stand. He refuses to give up the **inheritance** of his fathers `{{H1}}`, viewing it as an act forbidden by the LORD [[1 Kings 21:3]].
* `{{H348}}` **ʼÎyzebel** (Jezebel): Ahab's wife, who orchestrates the false accusation and murder of Naboth in order to seize his property for the king [[1 Kings 21:7-8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5022}}` is found in the principles demonstrated through Naboth's life and death.
* **Faithfulness to Inheritance:** Naboth’s story underscores the sanctity of ancestral land as a divine **inheritance** `{{H5159}}`. His refusal was not simple defiance but an act of obedience to what he believed the LORD `{{H3068}}` had forbidden `{{H2486}}` him to do [[1 Kings 21:3]].
* **Injustice and Abuse of Power:** The narrative is a stark depiction of how royal authority can be corrupted. Jezebel `{{H348}}` manipulates the legal system, using false witnesses and the city's leaders to murder `{{H7523}}` an innocent man `{{H376}}` for personal gain [[1 Kings 21:8-13]].
* **Divine Retribution:** The account strongly affirms that God sees injustice and acts as a righteous judge. The LORD `{{H3068}}` places a **burden** `{{H4853}}` upon Ahab and his house, decreeing a specific and fitting punishment for the shedding of the **blood** `{{H1818}}` of Naboth and his sons `{{H1121}}` ([[1 Kings 21:19]], [[2 Kings 9:26]]).
### Summary
In summary, the name **Nâbôwth** `{{H5022}}` represents a pivotal story of integrity, greed, and divine justice. Though he is an ordinary Israelite, his refusal to relinquish his family's God-given inheritance in the face of a powerful and corrupt king `{{H4428}}` makes him a significant figure. The events surrounding his vineyard `{{H3754}}` and subsequent murder serve as a powerful biblical illustration of the conflict between righteous obedience and wicked abuse of authority, culminating in the inescapable judgment of God.
TRV