1 Kings 21:10 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."

◄ 1 Kings 21:10 ►

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.”

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.”

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."

Majority 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.?

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.

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 Version
and 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.”

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 Bible
And 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 Bible
Then 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 1917
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, 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

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.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 20:16
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Deuteronomy 19:15-21
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. / 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. ...

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

Mark 14:55-56
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent.

Acts 6:11-13
Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” / So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.

Psalm 27:12
Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

Psalm 35:11
Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.

Isaiah 5:23
who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.

Jeremiah 7:9
Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known,

Jeremiah 18:18
Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”

Ezekiel 22:9
Among you are slanderous men bent on bloodshed; within you are those who eat on the mountain shrines and commit acts of indecency.

Micah 6:12
For the wealthy of the city are full of violence, and its residents speak lies; their tongues are deceitful in their mouths.

Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

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 Worthlessness

Jump 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 Worthlessness

1 Kings 21

1. Ahab being denied Naboth's vineyard, is grieved
5. 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

Berean Study Bible

But seat two scoundrels opposite him
The phrase "seat two scoundrels" refers to the deliberate placement of false witnesses. In Hebrew, the word for "scoundrels" is "בְּנֵי בְלִיַּעַל" (bene beliyaal), which translates to "sons of worthlessness" or "wicked men." This term is used throughout the Old Testament to describe individuals who are morally corrupt and deceitful. The historical context here is significant, as the Mosaic Law required the testimony of two or three witnesses to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15). However, Jezebel's manipulation of this law highlights the perversion of justice for personal gain. This act of seating false witnesses is a direct violation of the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16), showcasing the depth of moral decay in Ahab's reign.

and have them testify
The act of testifying in ancient Israel was a solemn duty, often conducted at the city gate where elders and judges would hear cases. The Hebrew root for "testify" is "עֵד" (ed), meaning "witness." This underscores the gravity of the situation, as witnesses were expected to speak truthfully before God and the community. The perversion of this sacred duty by Jezebel's command reflects a broader theme of corruption and the abuse of power. In a spiritual sense, it serves as a warning against the distortion of truth for selfish purposes, reminding believers of the importance of integrity and righteousness.

‘You have cursed both God and the king!’
The accusation of cursing God and the king is a serious charge, as blasphemy against God and treason against the king were both capital offenses in ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "cursed" is "בֵּרַךְ" (barak), which can mean "to bless" or "to curse" depending on the context, highlighting the irony and deceit in the accusation. This charge is reminiscent of the false accusations faced by other biblical figures, such as Jesus and Stephen, who were also accused of blasphemy. Theologically, this phrase illustrates the conflict between true worship and idolatry, as well as the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

Then take him out and stone him to death
Stoning was a common method of execution for certain crimes in ancient Israel, symbolizing communal judgment and the purging of evil from among the people (Deuteronomy 17:7). The phrase "take him out" indicates the removal of the accused from the community, both physically and spiritually. This act of stoning Naboth is not only a miscarriage of justice but also a violation of God's covenant with Israel, which emphasized justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). From a conservative Christian perspective, this event foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who, though innocent, was condemned and executed outside the city for the sins of humanity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of sin and the redemptive power of God's grace.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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; 1Samuel 2:12; 1Samuel 10:27; 1Samuel 25:17; 1Samuel 25:25; 1Samuel 30:22; 2Samuel 16:7; 2Samuel 20:1, &c.; properly, "children of lawlessness, or worthlessness." . . .

Pulpit Commentary

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 seat
וְ֠הוֹשִׁיבוּ (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

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OT History: 1 Kings 21:10 And set two men base fellows before (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)