New International Version But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them bring charges that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” New Living Translation And then seat two scoundrels across from him who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death.” English Standard Version And set two worthless men opposite him, and let them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” Berean Standard Bible But 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.” Berean Literal Bible And seat two men, sons of worthlessness, before him to bear witness against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ And take him out and stone him, that he may die.” King James Bible And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. New King James Version and seat two men, scoundrels, before him to bear witness against him, saying, “You have blasphemed God and the king.” Then take him out, and stone him, that he may die. New American Standard Bible and seat two worthless men opposite him, and have them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” NASB 1995 and seat two worthless men before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” NASB 1977 and seat two worthless men before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” Legacy Standard Bible and seat two vile men before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him so that he will die.” Amplified Bible and seat two worthless and unprincipled men opposite him, and have them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” Berean Annotated Bible But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God {Elohim} and the king! Then take him out and stone him to death. Christian Standard Bible Then seat two wicked men opposite him and have them testify against him, saying, “You have cursed God and the king! ” Then take him out and stone him to death. Holman Christian Standard Bible Then seat two wicked men opposite him and have them testify against him, saying, “You have cursed God and the king!” Then take him out and stone him to death. American Standard Version and set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst curse God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him to death. English Revised Version and set two men, sons of Belial, before him, and let them bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst curse God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he die. GOD'S WORD® Translation Have two good-for-nothing men sit opposite him and accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then stone him to death outside the city." Good News Translation Get a couple of scoundrels to accuse him to his face of cursing God and the king. Then take him out of the city and stone him to death." International Standard Version Seat two wicked men in front of him, and make them testify against him. Tell them to claim 'You cursed God and the king.' Then take him out and stone him to death." NET Bible Also seat two villains opposite him and have them testify, 'You cursed God and the king.' Then take him out and stone him to death." New Heart English Bible Set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, 'You cursed God and the king.' Then carry him out, and stone him to death." Webster's Bible Translation And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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.” World English Bible Set two men, wicked fellows, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, ‘You cursed God and the king!’ Then carry him out, and stone him to death.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand cause two men—sons of worthlessness—to sit opposite him, and they testify of him, saying, You have blessed [[or cursed]] God and [the] king; and they have brought him out, and stoned him, and he dies.” Berean Literal Bible And seat two men, sons of worthlessness, before him to bear witness against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ And take him out and stone him, that he may die.” Young's Literal Translation and cause two men -- sons of worthlessness -- to sit over-against him, and they testify of him, saying, Thou hast blessed God and Melech; and they have brought him out, and stoned him, and he dieth.' Smith's Literal Translation And set two men, sons of Belial, over against him, and they shall bear witness, saying, Thou didst praise God and the king. And they shall bring him forth and stone him, and he shall die. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd suborn two men, sons of Belial against him, and let them bear false witness: that he hath blasphemed God and the king: and then carry him out, and stone him, and so let him die. Catholic Public Domain Version And send out two men, sons of Belial, against him. And let them speak the false testimony: ‘He has blasphemed God and king.’ And then lead him away, and stone him, and so let him die.” New American Bible Next, set two scoundrels opposite him to accuse him: ‘You have cursed God and king.’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” New Revised Standard Version seat two scoundrels opposite him, and have them bring a charge against him, saying, ‘You have cursed God and the king.’ Then take him out, and stone him to death.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen bring two wicked men and set them opposite him, and let them testify against him, saying, Naboth has reviled God and the king. And then take him out, and stone him, that he may die. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And bring two men, sons of evil, and set them opposite him and they shall testify against him and they shall say:’Nabuth cursed God and the King!’ And bring him out and stone him and he shall die.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and set two men, base fellows, before him, and let them bear witness against him, saying: Thou didst curse God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he die.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And set two men, sons of transgressors, before him, and let them testify against him, saying, He blessed God and the king: and let them lead him forth, and stone him, and let them die. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Jezebel's Plot…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.” 11So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city did as Jezebel had instructed in the letters she had written to them.… Cross References But seat two scoundrels opposite him Deuteronomy 19:15 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. Matthew 26:60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward Mark 14:57-58 Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: / “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this man-made temple, and in three days I will build another that is made without hands.’” and have them testify, Deuteronomy 19:16-19 If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. / The judges shall investigate thoroughly, and if the witness is proven to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, … Acts 6:13 where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. Exodus 23:1 “You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness. ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Exodus 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. Leviticus 24:15-16 And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘If anyone curses his God, he shall bear the consequences of his sin. / Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death. 2 Samuel 16:7-8 And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! / The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!” Then take him out and stone him to death.” Leviticus 24:14 “Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole assembly stone him. Deuteronomy 17:6-7 On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness. / The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you. Acts 7:58 They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Proverbs 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who utters lies will not escape. Proverbs 19:9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and one who pours out lies will perish. Matthew 26:59-60 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward Treasury of Scripture And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, You did blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. two men Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Matthew 26:59,60 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; … Acts 6:11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. sons of Belial Deuteronomy 13:13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; Judges 19:22 Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him. Exodus 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. Leviticus 24:15 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. Matthew 26:59-66 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; … Jump to Previous Base Bear Belial Blaspheme Carry Cause Charge Curse Cursed Death Die Fellows Good-For-Nothing Have Opposite Over-Against Persons Scoundrels Seat Sit Stone Testify Witness Worthless WorthlessnessJump to Next Base Bear Belial Blaspheme Carry Cause Charge Curse Cursed Death Die Fellows Good-For-Nothing Have Opposite Over-Against Persons Scoundrels Seat Sit Stone Testify Witness Worthless Worthlessness1 Kings 21 1. Ahab being denied Naboth's vineyard, is grieved5. Jezebel writing letters against Naboth, he is condemned of blasphemy 15. Ahab take possession of the vineyard 17. Elijah denounces judgments against Ahab and Jezebel 25. Wicked Ahab repenting, God defers the judgment But seat two scoundrels opposite him Jezebel arranged a legal appearance while ensuring its outcome through men willing to violate God’s law. Israel required two or three witnesses to establish a charge (Deuteronomy 19:15), but the requirement intended to protect the innocent became an instrument of murder. The elders and nobles of Jezreel participated in the deception rather than defending Naboth, revealing how deeply Ahab and Jezebel’s influence had corrupted public justice. Deu 19:15 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing… and have them testify, Witnesses testified before God and bore grave responsibility for the truthfulness of their words. False testimony was forbidden by the ninth commandment and condemned throughout Scripture (Exodus 20:16; Proverbs 6:16–19). Jezebel exploited a sacred judicial process to disguise theft and murder as lawful judgment. Deu 19:16-19 If a false witness testifies against someone,… ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Cursing God was a capital offense under the Law (Leviticus 24:16), and reviling Israel’s ruler was treated as rebellion against established authority (Exodus 22:28). The combined accusation made Naboth appear guilty of offenses against both heaven and the throne. Naboth’s faithful refusal to surrender his inherited land was recast as treason, just as false witnesses later sought to condemn Jesus before the Jewish council (Mark 14:55–59). Exo 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler… Then take him out and stone him to death.” Stoning was the prescribed communal punishment for certain capital crimes, with execution occurring outside the city or camp to remove defilement from the community (Leviticus 24:14; Deuteronomy 17:5). Naboth was not judged for actual evil but murdered so that Ahab could take the vineyard God had allotted to Naboth’s family. Human courts may be corrupted, but the Lord saw the bloodshed and would bring judgment upon Ahab’s house. Lev 24:14 Take the blasphemer outside the camp… Persons / Places / Events 1. NabothA Jezreelite who owned a vineyard that King Ahab desired. His refusal to sell his inheritance led to a plot against him. 2. Jezebel The wife of King Ahab, known for her idolatry and manipulation. She orchestrated the false accusation and execution of Naboth. 3. Ahab The King of Israel, who coveted Naboth's vineyard and allowed Jezebel to carry out her wicked plan. 4. Scoundrels Two worthless men who were bribed to falsely accuse Naboth of blasphemy and treason. 5. Jezreel The location of Naboth's vineyard and the setting for this tragic event. Teaching Points The Dangers of CovetousnessAhab's desire for Naboth's vineyard led to grave sin. Covetousness can lead to destructive actions and should be guarded against. The Power of Influence Jezebel's influence over Ahab shows how ungodly counsel can lead to sin. We must be cautious about who influences our decisions. The Consequences of Injustice The false accusation and murder of Naboth highlight the severe consequences of injustice. God calls us to uphold truth and justice. The Role of Integrity Naboth's refusal to sell his inheritance demonstrates integrity and faithfulness to God's laws. We should strive to maintain integrity even under pressure. God's Justice Prevails Although Naboth suffered injustice, God's justice ultimately prevailed, as seen in the subsequent judgment on Ahab and Jezebel. Trust in God's ultimate justice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 21:10?2. How does 1 Kings 21:10 illustrate the consequences of false testimony in society? 3. What role does integrity play in resisting schemes like those in 1 Kings 21:10? 4. How can we guard against being complicit in injustice, as seen in 1 Kings 21:10? 5. Compare the actions in 1 Kings 21:10 with the commandment against bearing false witness. 6. How can we ensure our leaders uphold justice, avoiding pitfalls seen in 1 Kings 21:10? 7. Why did Jezebel orchestrate Naboth's false accusation and execution in 1 Kings 21:10? 8. How does 1 Kings 21:10 reflect on the abuse of power and authority? 9. What does 1 Kings 21:10 reveal about the consequences of false testimony? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 21? What Does 1 Kings 21:10 Mean But seat two scoundrels opposite him• Jezebel’s plan (1 Kings 21:8–9) demands two witnesses because Deuteronomy 19:15 requires at least two for a capital case. • She specifies “scoundrels,” men of worthless character (cf. Psalm 26:4–5) to guarantee the testimony will be false. • The elders’ willingness to comply mirrors the corruption warned against in Exodus 23:1–2, 7, revealing how far Israel’s leaders have drifted from God’s standard of justice. and have them testify • Testifying in court was meant to uphold truth (Deuteronomy 17:6); here it is twisted into an instrument of murder. • False testimony violates the ninth commandment (Exodus 20:16) and invites God’s judgment on perjury (Proverbs 19:5). • Jezebel manipulates the legal system, showing that ungodly power often cloaks itself in outwardly “legal” procedures (Isaiah 10:1–2). ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ • Blasphemy against God (Leviticus 24:16) and treason against the king (Exodus 22:28) were capital offenses, so combining them guarantees a death sentence. • Naboth is accused of the very sins Jezebel herself commits—despising God’s covenant and defying rightful authority (1 Kings 18:4, 13). • The charge echoes later false accusations: against Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26:11), against Jesus (Matthew 26:65–66), and against Stephen (Acts 6:11–14). Then take him out • Executions were carried out outside the city to keep the camp clean (Leviticus 24:14). • This foreshadows how Jesus was crucified “outside the city gate” (Hebrews 13:12), bearing reproach for sins He did not commit. • By removing Naboth from his community, they symbolically declare him unworthy of fellowship, though the real unworthy ones remain inside. and stone him to death • Stoning was the prescribed penalty for blasphemy (Deuteronomy 13:10); Jezebel exploits that law to seize Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:15). • The mob becomes complicit in murder, repeating the tragedy at Gibeah (Judges 20:13) and anticipating those who would stone Stephen (Acts 7:58–59). • God responds decisively: Elijah pronounces judgment (1 Kings 21:19), and later both Ahab and Jezebel meet violent ends (1 Kings 22:38; 2 Kings 9:33–37), proving that the Lord defends the innocent and avenges unrighteous bloodshed (Psalm 94:1, 20–23). summary 1 Kings 21:10 exposes how ungodly leaders can hijack God’s own laws to execute injustice. By arranging false witnesses, leveling the gravest possible charges, removing Naboth from the city, and stoning him, Jezebel corrupts every step of due process. Yet the account also affirms that the Lord sees, records, and repays; no miscarriage of justice escapes His notice. The verse therefore warns against complicity in evil, underscores the sanctity of truthful testimony, and assures believers that God’s righteous judgment will ultimately vindicate the wronged. (10) Two men—in accordance with Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6.Sons of Belial.—See Judges 19:22; Judges 20:13; 1Samuel 1:16; ... Verse 10. - And set two men [according to the previsions of the law (Deuteronomy 17:6, 7; Deuteronomy 19:5; Numbers 35:30). "Even Jezebel bears witness to the Pentateuch" (Wordsworth). Josephus speaks of three witnesses], sons of Belial [i.e., worthless men. This use of the word "son" (cf. Psalm 89:22, "son of wickedness"), which is one of the commonest idioms of the East, throws some light on the expression "sons of the prophets" (see 1 Kings 20:35, note; cf. Deuteronomy 13:13; Matthew 26:60)], before him [confronting him], to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme [Heb. bless; cf. Job 1:5, 11; Job 2:5; LXX. εὐλόγησε. The Lexicographers are not agreed as to how this word, the primary meaning of which is to kneel, hence to pray, to bless, came to signify curse or blaspheme. According to some, it is an euphemism, the idea of cursing God being altogether too horrible for the Jew to express in words; whilst others derive this signification from the fact that a curse is really a prayer addressed to God; and others, again, account for it by the consideration that a person who bids farewell to another sometimes does so in the sense of dismissing and cursing him. Anyhow, it is noticeable that the word "blessing" is sometimes used with a similar meaning amongst ourselves] God and the king [God and the representative of God in Israel are here coupled together, as in Exodus 22:28. To curse the king was practically to curse Him whose vicegerent he was (cf. Matthew 23:18-22). Hence such cursing is called blasphemy and was punishable with death (Deuteronomy 13:11; Deuteronomy 17:5; 2 Samuel 16:9; 2 Samuel 19:21; and see on 1 Kings 2:43, 44)]. And then carry him out [i.e., out of the city (cf. Leviticus 24:14; Acts 7:58; Luke 4:29; Hebrews 13:12). "Locus lapidationis erat extra urbem, omnes enim civitates muris cinctae paritatem habent ad castra Israelis" (Babyl. Sanh.)], and stone him [the legal punishment for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16)], that he may die. [The terrible power accorded to "two or three witnesses," of denouncing a man to death, accounts for the prominence given to the sin of bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16; Exodus 23:1; Deuteronomy 19:16). It found a mention in the Decalogue.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But seatוְ֠הוֹשִׁיבוּ (wə·hō·wō·šî·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry two שְׁנַ֨יִם (šə·na·yim) Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) scoundrels בְלִיַּעַל֮ (ḇə·lî·ya·‘al) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1100: Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness opposite him נֶגְדּוֹ֒ (neḡ·dōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before and have them testify, וִיעִדֻ֣הוּ (wî·‘i·ḏu·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 5749: To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore ‘You have cursed בֵּרַ֥כְתָּ (bê·raḵ·tā) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse [both] God אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative and the king!’ וָמֶ֑לֶךְ (wā·me·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Then take him out וְהוֹצִיאֻ֥הוּ (wə·hō·w·ṣî·’u·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim and stone וְסִקְלֻ֖הוּ (wə·siq·lu·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 5619: To stone, put to death by stoning him to death.” וְיָמֹֽת׃ (wə·yā·mōṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill Additonal Resources 1 Kings 21:10 Blue Letter Bible1 Kings 21:10 Bible Gateway 1 Kings 21:10 Bible.com 1 Kings 21:10 NIV |
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