1 Kings 21:27
1 Kings 21:27 in Multiple Translations
When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.
And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.
And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.
Hearing these words, Ahab, in great grief, put haircloth on his flesh and went without food, sleeping in haircloth, and going about quietly.
As soon as Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He even went to bed in sackcloth, and walked around repentantly.
Nowe when Ahab heard those wordes, he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth vpon him and fasted, and lay in sackecloth and went softely.
And it cometh to pass, at Ahab's hearing these words, that he rendeth his garments, and putteth sackcloth on his flesh, and fasteth, and lieth in sackcloth, and goeth gently.
When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his body, fasted, lay in sackcloth, and went about despondently.
And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.
And when Achab had heard these words, he rent his garments, and put haircloth upon his flesh, and fasted and slept in sackcloth, and walked with his head cast down.
After Elijah finished talking to Ahab, Ahab tore his clothes to show that he was sorry for all the sins that he had committed. He put on rough clothes that were made from sacks, and he refused to eat anything. He even wore those rough clothes made from sacks when he slept, to show that he was sorry.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 21:27
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 21:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִי֩
כִ/שְׁמֹ֨עַ
אַחְאָ֜ב
אֶת
הַ/דְּבָרִ֤ים
הָ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙
וַ/יִּקְרַ֣ע
בְּגָדָ֔י/ו
וַ/יָּֽשֶׂם
שַׂ֥ק
עַל
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ
וַ/יָּצ֑וֹם
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֣ב
בַּ/שָּׂ֔ק
וַ/יְהַלֵּ֖ךְ
אַֽט
וַ/יְהִי֩
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִ/שְׁמֹ֨עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אַחְאָ֜ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/דְּבָרִ֤ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Art | Pron
וַ/יִּקְרַ֣ע
qâraʻ
H7167
to tear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּגָדָ֔י/ו
beged
H899
treachery
N-mp | Suff
וַ/יָּֽשֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שַׂ֥ק
saq
H8242
sackcloth
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יָּצ֑וֹם
tsûwm
H6684
to fast
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֣ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בַּ/שָּׂ֔ק
saq
H8242
sackcloth
Prep | N-ms
וַ/יְהַלֵּ֖ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אַֽט
ʼaṭ
H328
mutterer
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 21:27
וַ/יְהִי֩
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִ/שְׁמֹ֨עַ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אַחְאָ֜ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
"Ahab"
N-proper
Ahab was a king of Israel who lived a long time ago. He was married to a queen named Jezebel and did many bad things. The prophet Jeremiah also wrote about a different man named Ahab.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.29.21; son of: Kolaiah (H6964H) § Ahab = "father's brother" 1) king of Israel, son of Omri, husband of Jezebel 2) false prophet executed by Nebuchadrezzar, time of Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: Ahab. See also: 1 Kings 16:28; 1 Kings 22:40; Jeremiah 29:21.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/דְּבָרִ֤ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
וַ/יִּקְרַ֣ע
qâraʻ
H7167
"to tear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to tear or rend something, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in the case of reviling or enlarging the eyes. In the book of the Prophet Joel, it describes the heavens being torn open. It can also describe the action of wild beasts.
Definition: 1) to tear, tear in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear, rend 1a2) to tear away or out 1a3) to tear, rend asunder 1a3a) to make wide or large (of eyes) 1a3b) to rend open (of heavens) 1a4) to tear, rend (of wild beasts) 1b) (Niphal) to be rent, be split asunder
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cut out, rend, [idiom] surely, tear. See also: Genesis 37:29; 2 Kings 5:8; Psalms 35:15.
בְּגָדָ֔י/ו
beged
H899
"treachery"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to clothing or a covering, like a garment or robe. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus, describing what people wore. The word is often translated as 'apparel' or 'raiment'.
Definition: treachery, deceit
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: apparel, cloth(-es, ing), garment, lap, rag, raiment, robe, [idiom] very (treacherously), vesture, wardrobe. See also: Genesis 24:53; Judges 17:10; Psalms 22:19.
וַ/יָּֽשֶׂם
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
שַׂ֥ק
saq
H8242
"sackcloth"
N-ms
This term refers to a coarse cloth or sack used for mourning or carrying grain. People wore sackcloth to show humility or grief, like in the book of Esther. It symbolized repentance and sorrow.
Definition: 1) mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking 1a) sack (for grain) 1b) sackcloth 1b1) worn in mourning or humiliation 1b2) same material spread out to lie on
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: sack(-cloth, -clothes). See also: Genesis 37:34; Psalms 69:12; Psalms 30:12.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְּשָׂר֖/וֹ
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
וַ/יָּצ֑וֹם
tsûwm
H6684
"to fast"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To fast or abstain from food, often for spiritual reasons. In the Bible, fasting is a way to show devotion to God, as seen in the examples of Moses and Elijah.
Definition: (Qal) to abstain from food, fast
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, fast. See also: Judges 20:26; 1 Kings 21:27; Isaiah 58:3.
וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֣ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
בַּ/שָּׂ֔ק
saq
H8242
"sackcloth"
Prep | N-ms
This term refers to a coarse cloth or sack used for mourning or carrying grain. People wore sackcloth to show humility or grief, like in the book of Esther. It symbolized repentance and sorrow.
Definition: 1) mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking 1a) sack (for grain) 1b) sackcloth 1b1) worn in mourning or humiliation 1b2) same material spread out to lie on
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: sack(-cloth, -clothes). See also: Genesis 37:34; Psalms 69:12; Psalms 30:12.
וַ/יְהַלֵּ֖ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
אַֽט
ʼaṭ
H328
"mutterer"
Adv
This word means doing something gently or softly, like a necromancer's incantations. It can also mean flowing or being smooth.
Definition: enchanter, necromancer (substantive)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: charmer, gently, secret, softly. See also: Genesis 33:14; Job 15:11; Isaiah 8:6.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 21:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 21:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:27
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:27
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
- Sermons on 1 Kings 21:27
Context — Ahab’s Repentance
25(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.
26He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.)
27When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.
28Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying: 29“Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 6:30 | When the king heard the words of the woman, he tore his clothes. And as he passed by on the wall, the people saw the sackcloth under his clothes next to his skin. |
| 2 | Genesis 37:34 | Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 3:31 | Then David ordered Joab and all the people with him, “Tear your clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David himself walked behind the funeral bier. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 12:16–17 | David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. |
| 5 | Isaiah 58:5–8 | Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. |
| 6 | Job 16:15 | I have sewn sackcloth over my skin; I have buried my horn in the dust. |
| 7 | Joel 1:13 | Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, because the grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God. |
| 8 | Isaiah 22:12 | On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. |
| 9 | Isaiah 38:15 | What can I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done this. I will walk slowly all my years because of the anguish of my soul. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 18:37 | Then Hilkiah’s son Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Asaph’s son Joah the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and they relayed to him the words of the Rabshakeh. |
1 Kings 21:27 Summary
In 1 Kings 21:27, Ahab shows us what it means to be truly sorry for our sins and humble ourselves before the Lord. When Ahab heard the words of judgment against him, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted, demonstrating a genuine desire to turn away from his sinful ways and seek the Lord's mercy. This response is reminiscent of the humility shown by the people of Nineveh in Jonah 3:5-10, and it teaches us that humility is essential in our relationship with the Lord, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and Proverbs 28:13. By acknowledging our sins and humbling ourselves before Him, we can receive the Lord's mercy and forgiveness, just like Ahab did, and experience the blessings of a right relationship with Him, as promised in 1 Peter 5:6 and James 4:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Ahab's sudden change of heart in 1 Kings 21:27?
Ahab's change of heart was prompted by the words of judgment spoken against him, which led him to recognize the gravity of his sins and humble himself before the Lord, as seen in his actions of tearing his clothes, putting on sackcloth, and fasting, reminiscent of the humility shown by the people of Nineveh in Jonah 3:5-10.
Is Ahab's fasting and wearing of sackcloth a genuine expression of repentance?
While Ahab's actions in 1 Kings 21:27 may appear to be a genuine expression of repentance, it is essential to consider the context and the Lord's assessment of his heart, as stated in 1 Kings 21:29, where the Lord acknowledges Ahab's humility but also notes that the calamity will still come upon his house in the days of his son, suggesting that Ahab's repentance may have been partial or temporary, much like the experience of the Israelites in Exodus 33:4-6.
How does the Lord respond to Ahab's humility in 1 Kings 21:27-29?
The Lord responds to Ahab's humility by delaying the calamity that was to come upon his house, as stated in 1 Kings 21:29, demonstrating the Lord's mercy and willingness to forgive those who genuinely humble themselves before Him, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and Proverbs 28:13.
What can we learn from Ahab's example in 1 Kings 21:27 about the importance of humility?
Ahab's example teaches us that humility is essential in our relationship with the Lord, and that acknowledging our sins and humbling ourselves before Him can lead to mercy and forgiveness, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6 and James 4:10, where we are encouraged to humble ourselves before the Lord to receive His grace and mercy.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to humble myself before the Lord, and what steps can I take to demonstrate genuine repentance, like Ahab in 1 Kings 21:27?
- How can I balance the desire to seek the Lord's mercy and forgiveness with the need to acknowledge and turn away from my sins, as Ahab did in 1 Kings 21:27?
- What does it mean to 'walk meekly' before the Lord, as Ahab did in 1 Kings 21:27, and how can I cultivate this attitude in my daily life, especially in times of challenge or uncertainty?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of humility seen in Ahab's actions in 1 Kings 21:27 to my relationships with others, and how can I demonstrate humility in my interactions with those around me?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:27
Ver. 27 And it came to pass when Ahab heard these words,.... Delivered in 1 Kings 21:21, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon, his flesh, tore off his clothes, and stripped himself of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:27
And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly. Ahab ... rent his clothes ... went softly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
i. e. Slowly and silently, after the manner of mourners, or those who are under a great consternation, and in deep consideration.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
1 Kings 21:27 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.Ver. 27. When Ahab heard these words,] viz., Concerning the utter excision of his wife and posterity, this troubled him more than the loss of his own life forethreatened. And fasted and lay in sackcloth.] So do the Turks still in their greatest fears and distresses. This wicked men do, not out of hatred of sin, as it is offensivum Dei, et aversivum a Deo, but for fear of punishment. Aυτοςακιπαιδες, καιπαιδωνουκετιπαιδες.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
(27) And went softly.—The translation seems correct; the meaning is variously conjectured. The LXX. (in some MSS.) has “bent down” in sorrow; the Vulgate similarly “with head bent down;” the Eastern versions and Josephus, “barefooted,” which seems far the most probable meaning.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
Verse 27. He rent his clothes] He was penetrated with sorrow, and that evidently unfeigned. Put sackcloth upon his flesh] He humbled himself before God and man. And fasted] He afflicted his body for his soul's benefit. Lay in sackcloth] Gave the fullest proof that his repentance was real. And went softly.] Walked barefooted; so the Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic. The Vulgate has demisso capite, "with his head hanging down." Houbigant translates went groaning. Jarchi says that the word אט at, used here, signifies to be unshod. This is its most likely sense. All these things prove that Ahab's repentance was genuine; and God's approbation of it puts it out of doubt.
The slow and measured pace which always accompanies deep and reflective sorrow is also alluded to by AEschylus, where the Chorus are thus shortly addressed on the defeat of Xerxes. - AESCH. Pers. 1073. Γοασθ ' ἁβροβαται "With light and noiseless step lament."
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:27
27. The LXX. gives for this verse ‘And when Ahab was pricked (in his heart) on account of this word (coming) from the presence of the Lord, he went and wept, and rent his robe, and girded sackcloth upon his body, and fasted. And he put on sackcloth in the day on which he slew Naboth the Jezreelite, and went [softly]’. There is nothing to represent the last word, which is in brackets, and thus the sentence is incomplete. Josephus explains that the king went barefoot. On the mention of the day of Naboth’s murder, see above on 1 Kings 21:16.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:27
The repentance of Ahab resembles that of the Ninevites Jonah 3:5. It has the same outward signs - fasting and sackcloth - and it has much the same inward character.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:27
27. Went softly — Walked in the slow and silent manner of a mourner. So he put on every appearance of humiliation and penitence. Many have supposed that Ahab’s repentance was altogether false and hypocritical.
Sermons on 1 Kings 21:27
| Sermon | Description | |
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Change for Fresh Beginning by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye preaches about the opportunity for a fresh start with God, emphasizing the need for humility, repentance, and a turning away from sinful ways. He uses the example of K |
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John 21:15-25 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the interaction between Jesus and Peter after His resurrection, emphasizing the importance of love for God and care for others. Jesus questions Peter's |
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Will There Be Another Revival? by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches on the story of the siege of Samaria in 2 Kings, highlighting the tragic consequences of spiritual famine and unbelief among God's people. The chapter reve |
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Letter 1 by St. Athanasius | Athanasius preaches about the importance of observing the season of feasts, fasting, and trumpets, emphasizing the need to discern the time for celebrating the salvation of God. He |
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The Kind of Outpouring I Would Like to See by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the urgent need for the church to move beyond mere prayer for revival and actively engage in addressing the pressing issues of society. He reflects on th |
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 1 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of viewing the Bible as an absolute truth. He encourages believers to have a deep conviction in the authority and power of Go |
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Weeping Between Porch and the Altar by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker contrasts the superficiality of modern Christian gatherings with the deep devotion and sacrifice of believers in the past. He highlights the story of a |