feminine plural from the same as נֹב; fruits; Naboth, an Israelite; Naboth.
Transliteration:Nâbôwth
Pronunciation:naw-both'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5022}}` (Nâbôwth) primarily functions as a proper noun, designating a specific Israelite figure. Its etymological root is linked to נֹב (nob), which conveys the concept of "fruits" or "produce." This suggests that the name Naboth itself might have carried connotations of fertility, abundance, or perhaps a connection to agricultural life, fitting for one who owned a vineyard. While the direct semantic range for the proper noun `{{H5022}}` is limited to the individual, its underlying etymology provides a subtle layer of meaning, ironically contrasting with the tragic events of his life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name `{{H5022}}` appears exclusively in the Books of Kings, specifically in the narrative concerning his vineyard and the subsequent divine judgment upon King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. The primary account is found in [[1 Kings 21]], with a significant follow-up in [[2 Kings 9]].
In [[1 Kings 21:1-19]], Naboth of Jezreel is introduced as the owner of a vineyard adjacent to King Ahab's palace. Ahab desires this vineyard, offering to purchase it or exchange it for a better one. Naboth, however, steadfastly refuses, stating, "The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers" ([[1 Kings 21:3]]). This refusal is rooted in the Mosaic Law, which prohibited the permanent sale of ancestral land, as it was considered a divine trust and an inalienable inheritance ([[Leviticus 25:23-28]], [[Numbers 36:7]]).
Ahab's covetousness and subsequent sulking lead Queen Jezebel to orchestrate a malicious plot. She arranges for Naboth to be falsely accused of blasphemy against God and the king by "worthless men" ([[1 Kings 21:10]], [[1 Kings 21:13]]), leading to his stoning and death. This act of judicial murder, driven by greed and a disregard for divine law and human rights, provokes the direct intervention of the prophet Elijah. Elijah confronts Ahab, pronouncing God's judgment that dogs would lick Ahab's blood where they licked Naboth's, and that Jezebel would be devoured by dogs by the wall of Jezreel ([[1 Kings 21:19]], [[1 Kings 21:23]]).
The fulfillment of this prophecy is recounted in [[2 Kings 9:21-26]], where Jehu, anointed by God to execute judgment on the house of Ahab, confronts King Joram (Ahab's son) in Naboth's very field. Jehu recalls Elijah's prophecy, emphasizing the "blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons" ([[2 Kings 9:26]]), indicating that Naboth's entire family may have been eradicated to secure the land, further compounding the atrocity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The story of `{{H5022}}` engages with several crucial biblical concepts:
* **Inheritance** (נַחֲלָה - `{{H5159}}`): Central to Naboth's refusal, highlighting the sacred nature of ancestral land in Israelite theology.
* **Vineyard** (כֶּרֶם - `{{H3754}}`): The physical object of desire and the setting for the crime.
* **Justice** (מִשְׁפָּט - `{{H4941}}`) and **Righteousness** (צֶדֶק - `{{H6664}}`): The perversion of these principles by Jezebel's false accusations and the corrupt legal process.
* **Covetousness** (חָמַד - `{{H2530}}`): Ahab's initial sin, violating the Tenth Commandment ([[Exodus 20:17]]).
* **False Witness** (עֵד שֶׁקֶר - `{{H5707}}` `{{H8267}}`): The means by which Naboth was condemned, violating the Ninth Commandment ([[Exodus 20:16]]).
* **Bloodguilt** (דָּם - `{{H1818}}`): The shedding of innocent blood, which cries out for divine retribution ([[Genesis 4:10]]).
* **Prophetic Confrontation**: The role of Elijah in speaking truth to power and declaring divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{H5022}}` is profoundly significant for understanding several theological themes:
* **The Sanctity of God's Law**: Naboth's unwavering adherence to the law regarding ancestral land underscores the importance of obedience to divine statutes, even in the face of royal pressure. His refusal was not merely stubbornness but faithfulness.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Creation and Property**: The land of Israel was a divine gift, not merely a commodity. God's ownership of the land ([[Leviticus 25:23]]) meant that human claims were always subordinate to His will, making the permanent alienation of ancestral land a theological transgression.
* **God's Justice Against Oppression**: The story vividly illustrates God's commitment to justice for the oppressed and His condemnation of those who abuse power. The swift and severe judgment pronounced by Elijah against Ahab and Jezebel demonstrates that no one, not even a monarch, is above God's law or beyond His righteous judgment.
* **Consequences of Sin**: Ahab's covetousness, Jezebel's murderous deceit, and the perversion of justice lead directly to the downfall of their dynasty, serving as a stark warning about the destructive nature of unchecked sin.
* **The Voice of Prophecy**: Elijah's courageous confrontation of Ahab exemplifies the prophetic role as God's messenger, holding even kings accountable to divine standards.
* **Martyrdom for Righteousness**: Naboth can be seen as an early example of one who dies for upholding God's commandments and maintaining integrity, foreshadowing later instances of martyrdom for faith.
### Summary
`{{H5022}}` (Nâbôwth) refers to the Israelite whose vineyard became the object of King Ahab's covetousness and Queen Jezebel's murderous plot, as detailed in [[1 Kings 21]]. Naboth's steadfast refusal to sell his ancestral inheritance, rooted in his faithfulness to the Mosaic Law, led to his unjust execution through false witness. This tragic event provoked the direct intervention of the prophet Elijah, who pronounced God's severe judgment upon Ahab and Jezebel, emphasizing divine retribution for the shedding of innocent blood and the abuse of power. The story of Naboth stands as a powerful testament to the sanctity of God's law, His unwavering commitment to justice, and the inevitable consequences of sin, even for those in positions of ultimate authority.
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