1 Kings 21:8
1 Kings 21:8 in Multiple Translations
Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city.
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, and that dwelt with Naboth.
So she sent a letter in Ahab's name, stamped with his stamp, to the responsible men and the chiefs who were in authority with Naboth.
So she wrote some letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal. She sent the letters to the elders and leaders in the town where Naboth lived.
So she wrote letters in Ahabs name, and sealed them with his seale, and sent the letters vnto the Elders, and to the nobles that were in his citie dwelling with Naboth.
And she writeth letters in the name of Ahab, and sealeth with his seal, and sendeth the letters unto the elders, and unto the freemen, who are in his city, those dwelling with Naboth,
So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles who were in his city, who lived with Naboth.
So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth.
So she wrote letter’s in Achab’s name, and sealed them with his ring, and sent them to the ancients, and the chief men that were in his city, and that dwelt with Naboth.
Then Jezebel wrote some letters, and she signed Ahab’s name on them. She used his official seal to seal them. Then she sent them to the older leaders and other important men who lived in Naboth’s town.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 21:8
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 21:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תִּכְתֹּ֤ב
סְפָרִים֙
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם
אַחְאָ֔ב
וַ/תַּחְתֹּ֖ם
בְּ/חֹתָמ֑/וֹ
וַ/תִּשְׁלַ֣ח
ה/ספרים
סְפָרִ֗ים
אֶל
הַ/זְקֵנִ֤ים
וְ/אֶל
הַֽ/חֹרִים֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
בְּ/עִיר֔/וֹ
הַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים
אֶת
נָבֽוֹת
וַ/תִּכְתֹּ֤ב
kâthab
H3789
to write
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
סְפָרִים֙
çêpher
H5612
scroll
N-mp
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-ms
אַחְאָ֔ב
ʼAchʼâb
H256
Ahab
N-proper
וַ/תַּחְתֹּ֖ם
châtham
H2856
to seal
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בְּ/חֹתָמ֑/וֹ
chôwthâm
H2368
signet
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/תִּשְׁלַ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
ה/ספרים
çêpher
H5612
scroll
Art | N-mp
סְפָרִ֗ים
çêpher
H5612
scroll
N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/זְקֵנִ֤ים
zâqên
H2205
old
Art | Adj
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַֽ/חֹרִים֙
chôr
H2715
noble
Art | N-mp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/עִיר֔/וֹ
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Prep | N-fs | Suff
הַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Art | V-Qal
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
נָבֽוֹת
Nâbôwth
H5022
Naboth
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 21:8
וַ/תִּכְתֹּ֤ב
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
סְפָרִים֙
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
N-mp
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
בְּ/שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אַחְאָ֔ב
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.
וַ/תַּחְתֹּ֖ם
châtham
H2856
"to seal"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To seal means to close or lock something, like a document or container. This word is used in the Bible to describe marking or sealing something, often with a signet ring.
Definition: 1) to seal, seal up, affix a seal 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to seal, affix one's seal 1a2) to seal up, fasten up by sealing 1b) (Niphal) to seal 1c) (Piel) to lock up 1d) (Hiphil) to be stopped Aramaic equivalent: cha.tam (חֲתַם "to seal" H2857)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: make an end, mark, seal (up), stop. See also: Leviticus 15:3; Job 37:7; Isaiah 8:16.
בְּ/חֹתָמ֑/וֹ
chôwthâm
H2368
"signet"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A signet or seal was a ring used to sign important documents, like a signature ring. It is mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of authority and ownership.
Definition: seal, signet, signet-ring
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: seal, signet. See also: Genesis 38:18; Exodus 39:30; Jeremiah 22:24.
וַ/תִּשְׁלַ֣ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
ה/ספרים
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
Art | N-mp
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
סְפָרִ֗ים
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
N-mp
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/זְקֵנִ֤ים
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Art | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַֽ/חֹרִים֙
chôr
H2715
"noble"
Art | N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means noble or pure, like something made clean by fire. It describes someone of high rank or birth, like a freeborn person. It appears in various Bible translations as 'noble'.
Definition: a noble, freeborn one
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: noble. See also: 1 Kings 21:8; Nehemiah 6:17; Isaiah 34:12.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/עִיר֔/וֹ
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/יֹּשְׁבִ֖ים
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Art | V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
נָבֽוֹת
Nâbôwth
H5022
"Naboth"
N-proper
Naboth was an Israelite who owned a vineyard in Jezreel, and is mentioned in 1 Kings 21:1. He was wrongly accused and killed by Ahab and Jezebel, who wanted to take his vineyard for themselves. His name means fruits, and his story is a notable example of greed and corruption in the Bible.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.21.1 § Naboth = "fruits" the vineyard owner of Jezreel who Ahab and Jezebel had killed so that they could have his vineyard
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Naboth. See also: 1 Kings 21:1; 1 Kings 21:13; 2 Kings 9:26.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 21:8
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Context — Jezebel’s Plot
6Ahab 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!’”
7But his wife Jezebel said to him, “Do you not reign over Israel? Get up, eat some food, and be cheerful, for I will get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”
8Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city.
9In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. 10But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 6:5 | The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter |
| 2 | 2 Kings 10:11 | So Jehu killed everyone in Jezreel who remained of the house of Ahab, as well as all his great men and close friends and priests, leaving him without a single survivor. |
| 3 | Ezra 4:7–8 | And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated. Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows: |
| 4 | 2 Kings 10:1–7 | Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria to the officials of Jezreel, to the elders, and to the guardians of the sons of Ahab, saying: “When this letter arrives, since your master’s sons are with you and you have chariots and horses, a fortified city and weaponry, select the best and most worthy son of your master, set him on his father’s throne, and fight for your master’s house.” But they were terrified and reasoned, “If two kings could not stand against him, how can we?” So the palace administrator, the overseer of the city, the elders, and the guardians sent a message to Jehu: “We are your servants, and we will do whatever you say. We will not make anyone king. Do whatever is good in your sight.” Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city. And when the letter arrived, they took the sons of the king and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 16:18–19 | You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment. Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 32:17 | He also wrote letters mocking the LORD, the God of Israel, and saying against Him: “Just as the gods of the nations did not deliver their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah will not deliver His people from my hand.” |
| 7 | Esther 8:8–13 | Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.” At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan ), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush —writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares. By these letters the king permitted the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province hostile to them, including women and children, and to plunder their possessions. The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 20:7 | Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him.” |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 21:1–9 | If one is found slain, lying in a field in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who killed him, your elders and judges must come out and measure the distance from the victim to the neighboring cities. Then the elders of the city nearest the victim shall take a heifer that has never been yoked or used for work, bring the heifer to a valley with running water that has not been plowed or sown, and break its neck there by the stream. And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come forward, for the LORD your God has chosen them to serve Him and pronounce blessings in His name and to give a ruling in every dispute and case of assault. Then all the elders of the city nearest the victim shall wash their hands by the stream over the heifer whose neck has been broken, and they shall declare, “Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it. Accept this atonement, O LORD, for Your people Israel whom You have redeemed, and do not hold the shedding of innocent blood against them.” And the bloodshed will be atoned for. So you shall purge from among you the guilt of shedding innocent blood, since you have done what is right in the eyes of the LORD. |
| 10 | Esther 3:12–15 | On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day. The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. |
1 Kings 21:8 Summary
[This verse shows how Jezebel used Ahab's authority to get what she wanted, which was Naboth's vineyard. She wrote letters in Ahab's name and sent them to the elders and nobles in Naboth's city, which was a deceitful and manipulative thing to do. This is similar to how Satan uses deceit to tempt us, as seen in Genesis 3:1-7. We should strive to be honest and transparent in our actions, just like God is, as seen in Psalm 92:15, which says, 'He is upright and just.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jezebel's motive for writing letters in Ahab's name?
Jezebel's motive was to get rid of Naboth and obtain his vineyard for her husband Ahab, as seen in 1 Kings 21:7 where she says, 'I will get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.'
Why did Jezebel involve the elders and nobles in her plan?
Jezebel involved the elders and nobles to make it seem like the idea to accuse Naboth came from them, and not from her or Ahab, similar to how Satan used deceit in the Garden of Eden, as described in Genesis 3:1-7.
Is it ever okay to use someone else's authority for personal gain?
No, it is not okay to use someone else's authority for personal gain, as this is a form of deception and manipulation, which is condemned in Scripture, such as in Proverbs 11:1 where it says, 'The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.'
How does this verse relate to the concept of integrity in leadership?
This verse highlights the importance of integrity in leadership, as seen in the lack of integrity in Ahab and Jezebel's actions, and is a reminder that leaders should act with honesty and transparency, as encouraged in Proverbs 28:2, which says, 'When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be using manipulation or deceit to get what I want, and how can I change my behavior to be more honest and transparent?
- How can I ensure that I am acting with integrity in my own life and leadership, and what are some areas where I may need to improve?
- What are some potential consequences of using someone else's authority for personal gain, and how can I avoid falling into this trap?
- How does this verse relate to the concept of accountability, and what are some ways that I can be more accountable in my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 21:8
So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal,.... He giving her leave, no doubt, to take his seal; though she might not communicate her scheme to him, lest he should object to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 21:8
So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth. So she wrote letters ... and sealed them with his seal.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:8
Whom she very well knew to be fit for her purpose. In his city, i.e. in Jezreel. So she seeks to destroy him with a pretence of justice, and with as little reflection upon Ahab as might be.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:8
1 Kings 21:8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’ s name, and sealed [them] with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that [were] in his city, dwelling with Naboth. Ver. 8. So she wrote letters in Ahab’ s name, and sealed them with his seal.] She was king, and he queen, as was afore noted; she wrought upon his impotencies, and did what she listed. The he-viper putteth his head into the she-viper’ s mouth, and she biteth it off: so the uxorious person parteth with his authority. Unto the elders.] Who were her creatures likely, and therefore so morigerous.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:8
(8) Sealed them with his seal—with the name, or token, of the king, engraved on stone, and impressed (see Job 38:14) on a lump of clay attached to the letter. The sealing (as the modern sense of “signature” implies) was the pledge of authenticity and authority. (See Genesis 38:18; Nehemiah 9:38; Nehemiah 10:1; Esther 3:10; Esther 3:12, Daniel 6:17, &c.) The use of the seal—ordinarily worn or carried on the person—implies Ahab’s knowledge that something is being done in his name, into which he takes care not to inquire. In his city.—This would be most naturally interpreted as Jezreel; but if Naboth dwelt or sojourned at Samaria, it may be Samaria. Jezebel naturally desires that neither Ahab nor she herself, though close at hand, should appear in the matter; but gives the necessary authority in writing, because without it the deed could not be done.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:8
Verse 8. She wrote letters in Ahab's name] She counterfeited his authority by his own consent; and he lent his signet to stamp that authority.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 21:8
8. she wrote letters in Ahab’s name] She was the real ruler, he only king in name. The letters would be prepared for her by the royal secretaries. Jezebel’s part was to take the signet ring of her husband, and therewith affix the royal seal that the document might go forth with authority. Apparently Ahab asked no question about the means which his wife meant to employ. the elders and to the nobles] The law ordered (Deuteronomy 16:18) that there should be judges appointed in every city, and we cannot doubt the existence of such a tribunal in a place so important as Jezreel, where the elders and nobles would form the bench of magistrates. The sequel shews that for such an offence as that charged against Naboth they had the power of life and death. But the whole proceeding is very Oriental. The royal letter dictates the sentence, and how it is to be obtained, and the persons to whom it is addressed make no scruple about obeying, although the last words of this verse increase the enormity of their proceeding by telling that they ‘were in his city, dwelling with Naboth’, and so it would seem well acquainted with his character. The words ‘in his city’ are omitted in the LXX.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 21:8
Seal - The seal is a very ancient invention. Judah’s signet and Pharaoh’s signet-ring are mentioned in Genesis Genesis 38:18; Genesis 41:42. Signets of Egyptian kings have been found which are referred to about 2000 B.C.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 21:8
8. Sealed them with his seal — “In giving validity to documents, names were not in those days, nor are they now in the East, signed by the hand in writing, but impressed by a seal on which the name is engraved.
Sermons on 1 Kings 21:8
| Sermon | Description | |
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Epistle 367 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi |
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Sealed With the King's Ring. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of being sealed with the Holy Spirit, drawing parallels between the king's ring given to Mordecai and the divine sealing of believers. Just a |
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Commutation as Unto Sin and Righteousness by John Owen | John Owen preaches about the commutation between Christ and believers in sin and righteousness, emphasizing the imputation of sins to Christ and His righteousness to believers. Thi |
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Church Government by J.W. McGarvey | J.W. McGarvey preaches about the importance of Church Government, focusing on the qualifications and roles of elders within congregations. He addresses the need for elders to posse |