And it came to pass after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

1 KINGS 21:1KJV
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1 Kings 21:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 21:1 mean?

1 Kings 21:1 introduces a situation where Naboth, a man from Jezreel, owns a vineyard located right next to the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. This sets the stage for the events that follow, highlighting the close proximity of Naboth’s land to the king’s residence.

This verse opens a new story in the book of 1 Kings, focusing on Naboth, a local landowner, and King Ahab, the ruler of Samaria. The detail that Naboth’s vineyard is “hard by” (right next to) Ahab’s palace is important, as it hints at a potential conflict or interaction between the two men over this piece of land.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 21:1

  • “Vineyard” (כֶּרֶם, kerem): This word refers to a plot of land used for growing grapes, which in ancient Israel was valuable property, often passed down through families. The mention of a vineyard signals both economic and personal significance.
  • “By” (עַל־יַד, ‘al-yad): This phrase means “next to” or “beside.” The closeness of Naboth’s vineyard to Ahab’s palace is not just a passing detail; it sets up the reason for Ahab’s interest and the tension that follows.
  • “Palace” (הֵיכָל, heikhal): This term describes a royal or important building, emphasizing the status and power of Ahab compared to Naboth, an ordinary citizen.

Why 1 Kings 21:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Naboth’s vineyard is not just any property, but one that is directly adjacent to royal land, making it especially desirable to King Ahab.
  • By introducing both Naboth and Ahab in this context, the verse sets up a contrast between the king’s power and a private citizen’s rights, which becomes central to the story.
  • Understanding this setup helps readers see why the following events unfold as they do, with land ownership and royal authority coming into direct conflict.

Where else these words appear

“Jezreelite” Hebrew H3158 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Kings 21:4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.
  • 1 Kings 21:7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.
  • 1 Kings 21:16 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

“Naboth” Hebrew H5022 · used in 18 verses

  • 1 Kings 21:2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, Give me thy vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near unto my house: and I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; or, if it seem good to thee, I will give thee the worth of it in money.
  • 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.
  • 1 Kings 21:16 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

“Jezreel” Hebrew H3157 · used in 32 verses

  • Joshua 15:56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,
  • 1 Kings 18:45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
  • 2 Kings 9:37 And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.

“by” Hebrew H681 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
  • 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
  • Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;