1 Kings 21 3

1 Kings 21:3 kjv

And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

1 Kings 21:3 nkjv

But Naboth said to Ahab, "The LORD forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!"

1 Kings 21:3 niv

But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors."

1 Kings 21:3 esv

But Naboth said to Ahab, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers."

1 Kings 21:3 nlt

But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors."

1 Kings 21 verses

1 Kings 21 3 Meaning

This verse captures Naboth's unwavering refusal to King Ahab's request for his vineyard. Naboth's statement, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers," expresses a profound religious conviction based on the Mosaic Law. For an Israelite, land inherited from their ancestors was not merely personal property; it was a sacred, inalienable trust from God, inextricably linked to family identity, tribal allocation, and the covenant with Yahweh. Naboth prioritizes God's law and his ancestral legacy above royal desire, revealing a rare act of faithfulness amidst an apostate kingdom.

1 Kings 21 3 Context

The setting for 1 Kings 21 is the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Ahab and his Phoenician queen, Jezebel, a period marked by pervasive idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal. Ahab covets Naboth's vineyard, which is strategically located next to the royal palace in Jezreel. Ahab attempts to purchase or trade for the vineyard, but Naboth, a faithful Israelite, steadfastly refuses, invoking a divinely established law regarding ancestral land. This seemingly small incident escalates into a profound conflict between royal absolutism and the rule of divine law. Naboth's refusal, rooted in his reverence for God's covenant with Israel, highlights the spiritual bankruptcy of Ahab and Jezebel, who ultimately resort to murder and deceit to acquire the vineyard. This act of injustice ultimately triggers God's severe judgment upon Ahab and his house, prophesied by Elijah.

1 Kings 21 3 Word Analysis

• But Naboth said to Ahab: This indicates a direct, personal confrontation. Naboth, a common citizen, stands firm against the king, demonstrating remarkable courage and integrity in the face of absolute power.
• The LORD forbid: (Hebrew: חָלִילָה לִּי מֵיהוָה, chalilah li min-YHWH) This is a powerful, idiomatic expression meaning "far be it from me from Yahweh," or "may Yahweh forbid it for me." It is a strong interjection used to express moral and religious abhorrence. It's not a mere "no" but a declaration that the very idea is unthinkable because it violates God's will. It shows a deep reverence for God and His law, suggesting a willingness to defy human authority to obey divine authority.
• that I should give you: This emphasizes Naboth's agency and the sacredness of his act of giving, which would imply profaning a divine trust.
• the inheritance: (Hebrew: נַחֲלַת, nachalat) More than mere property, nachalat signifies an allotted portion, specifically ancestral land passed down through generations. This land was given by God to each family after the conquest of Canaan (Num 26, Josh 14). It was tied to tribal identity, family lineage, and was understood as a permanent possession, not to be sold outside the family except under extreme circumstances, and even then, to revert in the year of Jubilee (Lev 25).
• of my fathers: (Hebrew: אֲבֹתַי, avotai) This reinforces the sacred and historical nature of the land. It links the land directly to the patriarchs, to the initial allocation by God, and to the continuous faithfulness of previous generations. To sell or trade it would be a betrayal of his ancestors and, more importantly, a desecration of a divine covenant.

1 Kings 21 3 Bonus Section

• Naboth's adherence to God's law regarding ancestral land also reflects a key aspect of Israel's national identity. The land was not merely an economic asset but the very foundation of their covenant relationship with God (Lev 25:23). To lose or alienate one's inheritance was to sever ties with the very basis of Israelite identity and God's promises.
• The phrase chalilah li min-YHWH ("The LORD forbid") expresses a moral and religious repulsion that goes beyond mere unwillingness. It highlights Naboth's understanding that selling his inheritance would be a profound sin against God, not just a practical transaction. This profound commitment sets him apart from many in a backslidden nation.
• Naboth's unwavering stance contrasts sharply with the general acquiescence to Ahab's paganism and arbitrary rule, marking him as an unsung hero of faith, standing firm for Yahweh's decrees. His loyalty was not to the earthly king, but to the Divine King, the ultimate owner of the land.

1 Kings 21 3 Commentary

1 Kings 21:3 powerfully illustrates the clash between human covetousness and divine law. Naboth's courageous refusal stems from his adherence to the covenantal understanding of land ownership in Israel, as articulated in the Torah. His declaration, "The LORD forbid," is not a casual remark but a solemn invocation of God's name, signifying that King Ahab's request directly contradicts Yahweh's sacred laws regarding the inalienability of tribal land (Lev 25:23). Naboth embodies the rare instance of faithfulness and moral courage during a time when the king and queen actively promoted idolatry and undermined God's statutes. His integrity, born of devotion to God's commands, places him in direct opposition to royal power and highlights the pervasive spiritual corruption of Ahab's reign. This verse sets the stage for God's severe judgment on Ahab and Jezebel, underscoring the principle that divine law ultimately triumphs over human authority and injustice.