1 Kings 21:28
New International Version
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite:

New Living Translation
Then another message from the LORD came to Elijah:

English Standard Version
And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

Berean Standard Bible
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying:

King James Bible
And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

New King James Version
And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

New American Standard Bible
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

NASB 1995
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

NASB 1977
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the word of Yahweh came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

Amplified Bible
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

Christian Standard Bible
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite: “

American Standard Version
And the word of Jehovah came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

English Revised Version
And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the LORD spoke his word to Elijah from Tishbe:

Good News Translation
The LORD said to the prophet Elijah,

International Standard Version
Later, this message from the LORD came to Elijah the foreigner:

NET Bible
The LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite,

New Heart English Bible
The word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

Webster's Bible Translation
And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying:

World English Bible
Yahweh’s word came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the word of YHWH is to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

Young's Literal Translation
And the word of Jehovah is unto Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the word of Jehovah will be to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the word of the Lord came to Elias the Thesbite, saying:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the word of the Lord came to Elijah, the Tishbite, saying:

New American Bible
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite,

New Revised Standard Version
Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the word of LORD JEHOVAH was on Elyah who was from Thesbe saying:
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the word of the Lord came by the hand of his servant Eliu concerning Achaab, and the Lord said,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ahab's Repentance
27When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly. 28Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying: 29“Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity during his days, but I will bring it upon his house in the days of his son.”…

Cross References
2 Kings 9:25-26
And Jehu said to Bidkar his officer, “Pick him up and throw him into the field of Naboth the Jezreelite. For remember that when you and I were riding together behind his father Ahab, the LORD lifted up this burden against him: / ‘As surely as I saw the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons yesterday, declares the LORD, so will I repay you on this plot of ground, declares the LORD.’ Now then, according to the word of the LORD, pick him up and throw him on the plot of ground.”

2 Kings 10:10
Know, then, that not a word the LORD has spoken against the house of Ahab will fail, for the LORD has done what He promised through His servant Elijah.”

2 Kings 21:10-15
And the LORD spoke through His servants the prophets, saying, / “Since Manasseh king of Judah has committed all these abominations, acting more wickedly than the Amorites who preceded him, and with his idols has caused Judah to sin, / this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah that the news will reverberate in the ears of all who hear it. ...

2 Chronicles 33:10-13
And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen. / So the LORD brought against them the military commanders of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. / And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. ...

Jeremiah 18:7-10
At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. / But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring. / And if at another time I announce that I will build up and establish a nation or kingdom, ...

Jeremiah 26:12-13
But Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people, “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. / So now, correct your ways and deeds, and obey the voice of the LORD your God, so that He might relent of the disaster He has pronounced against you.

Ezekiel 18:21-23
But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. / None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live. / Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?

Ezekiel 33:14-16
But if I tell the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ and he turns from his sin and does what is just and right— / if he restores a pledge, makes restitution for what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without practicing iniquity—then he will surely live; he will not die. / None of the sins he has committed will be held against him. He has done what is just and right; he will surely live.

Jonah 3:4-10
On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!” / And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. / When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. ...

Matthew 12:41
The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.

Luke 11:32
The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.

Acts 3:19
Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,

Acts 17:30
Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent.

Romans 2:4
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?

Romans 11:22
Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.


Treasury of Scripture

And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

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Elijah Eli'jah Tishbite Word
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Elijah Eli'jah Tishbite Word
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














Then the word of the LORD
This phrase indicates divine communication, a common occurrence in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. The "word of the LORD" signifies a direct message from God, often delivered to His prophets. This underscores the authority and authenticity of the message. In the context of 1 Kings 21, it follows the events surrounding Naboth's vineyard, where King Ahab and Queen Jezebel conspired to unjustly seize Naboth's property. The phrase emphasizes God's active involvement in the affairs of Israel, holding its leaders accountable. This divine communication is consistent with other instances in the Bible where God speaks to His prophets, such as in Jeremiah 1:4 and Ezekiel 1:3.

came to Elijah the Tishbite,
Elijah is one of the most prominent prophets in the Old Testament, known for his zealous defense of the worship of Yahweh against the encroaching idolatry promoted by Ahab and Jezebel. The designation "the Tishbite" refers to his origin from Tishbe in Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. Elijah's role as a prophet is crucial during a time of spiritual decline in Israel. His ministry is marked by miraculous events and confrontations with the royal house, as seen in his challenge to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). Elijah's life and ministry foreshadow the coming of John the Baptist, as noted in the New Testament (Matthew 11:14), and he is also seen as a type of Christ in his role as a mediator between God and the people.

saying:
This introduces the specific message that God is about to deliver through Elijah. The use of "saying" indicates that what follows is a direct quotation from God, carrying His authority and intention. In the broader narrative of 1 Kings 21, this message is a pronouncement of judgment against Ahab and Jezebel for their actions against Naboth. The prophetic message serves as a reminder of God's justice and His concern for righteousness, themes that are prevalent throughout the Bible. The prophets often served as God's mouthpieces, delivering messages of warning, judgment, and hope to the people of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elijah the Tishbite
A prophet of God known for his boldness and faithfulness in delivering God's messages, often confronting kings and false prophets.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who communicates His will and judgment through His prophets.

3. Ahab
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, King Ahab is a central figure in the surrounding account. He is the king of Israel, known for his wickedness and idolatry, influenced by his wife Jezebel.

4. Naboth's Vineyard
The preceding events involve King Ahab coveting Naboth's vineyard, leading to Naboth's unjust death orchestrated by Jezebel, Ahab's wife.

5. Jezebel
Ahab's wife, notorious for her idolatry and manipulation, playing a significant role in the events leading up to this verse.
Teaching Points
The Role of a Prophet
Prophets are chosen by God to deliver His messages, often calling people to repentance and warning of judgment. Elijah's role exemplifies the courage and obedience required to speak God's truth.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's intervention through Elijah demonstrates His sovereignty and commitment to justice, even when human authorities act unjustly.

The Power of God's Word
The phrase "the word of the LORD came" underscores the authority and power of God's word, which never returns void but accomplishes His purposes.

Repentance and Consequences
The broader account shows that while God offers opportunities for repentance, there are still consequences for sin, as seen in Ahab's eventual downfall.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Elijah's ministry teaches us the importance of remaining faithful to God, even when facing opposition or danger.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 21:28?

2. How does 1 Kings 21:28 demonstrate God's communication through His prophets today?

3. What can we learn about God's justice from 1 Kings 21:28?

4. How does 1 Kings 21:28 connect to God's mercy in the New Testament?

5. How should believers respond when God speaks through others, as in 1 Kings 21:28?

6. What actions can we take to ensure we heed God's warnings like Ahab?

7. What is the significance of God's message to Elijah in 1 Kings 21:28?

8. How does 1 Kings 21:28 reflect God's justice and mercy?

9. Why does God choose Elijah to deliver His message in 1 Kings 21:28?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 21?

11. Are you wavering between two opinions?

12. Why is Elijah's prophecy (1 Kings 21:21-24) fulfilled in a manner that may seem inconsistent with God's justice elsewhere in Scripture?

13. Are there references outside the Bible that corroborate Elijah's activities in 1 Kings 17, or does his story lack external historical attestation?

14. Why do many Christians feel distant from God even when they pray and follow His commands?
What Does 1 Kings 21:28 Mean
Setting in the narrative

• The chapter has just described Ahab’s greed, Jezebel’s murderous scheme, and God’s sentence of judgment through Elijah (1 Kings 21:1-26).

• Verse 27 reports Ahab tearing his clothes, putting on sackcloth, fasting, and walking subdued—a genuine though imperfect act of humility (compare Jonah 3:5-10; 2 Chronicles 33:12-13).

• Immediately after this response, “Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,” (1 Kings 21:28). The timing signals that God is actively watching human hearts (Psalm 33:13-15; Proverbs 15:3).


The weight of “the word of the LORD”

• Scripture consistently presents God’s word as living, authoritative, and effective (Isaiah 55:10-11; Hebrews 4:12).

• Here, the phrase shows that what follows is not Elijah’s opinion but God’s direct, literal communication, continuing the pattern seen earlier in Elijah’s ministry (1 Kings 17:2; 18:1; 19:9).

• God’s word does not return void; it accomplishes exactly what He intends—sometimes judgment, sometimes mercy, sometimes both (Jeremiah 1:12; Amos 3:7).


Why God speaks again

• Ahab’s outward humility triggers a fresh prophetic message. Although God had already pronounced doom (1 Kings 21:21-24), He now reveals how that doom will be adjusted in its timing (v. 29).

• This underscores God’s responsiveness: He remains immutable in character yet chooses to relent or delay when sinners humble themselves (2 Chronicles 7:14; Ezekiel 33:11; James 4:6-10).

• The verse teaches that repentance—however late—still matters to God.


Elijah the Tishbite’s ongoing role

• Elijah serves as God’s mouthpiece; he neither softens truth nor withholds hope (1 Kings 18:18, 41; 2 Kings 1:3-4).

• Prophets stand between divine revelation and human response, ensuring accountability (Deuteronomy 18:18-19; 2 Peter 1:21).

• Elijah’s reception of fresh instruction models obedience that stays ready for God’s next directive, reminding believers to remain attentive (John 10:27).


What the verse reveals about God’s character

• Omniscient—He sees Ahab’s private mourning (1 Samuel 16:7).

• Just—He upholds the sentence that fits the crime (Galatians 6:7).

• Merciful—He adjusts judgment when genuine humility appears (Psalm 103:8-10).

• Relational—He communicates personally through chosen servants (Exodus 33:11; John 15:15).


Application for believers today

• Humility still opens the door for God’s gracious intervention. No sin is beyond His notice, and no repentance is beneath His concern.

• Staying in God’s word equips us to hear Him clearly, just as Elijah did (Joshua 1:8; Matthew 4:4).

• God’s unchanging nature assures both the certainty of judgment and the certainty of mercy for the penitent (Malachi 3:6; 1 John 1:9).


summary

1 Kings 21:28 records a pivotal moment: God immediately responds to Ahab’s humbled heart by sending another literal word to Elijah. The verse displays God’s watchful eye, willingness to temper judgment with mercy, and commitment to speak through His prophets. For modern readers it offers a sober reminder that God notices every response to His truth and invites us to walk in continual humility, readiness, and obedience.

Verse 28. - And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, [It is not clear that this mitigation of the sentence was announced to Ahab],

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then the word
דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

came
וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Elijah
אֵלִיָּ֥הוּ (’ê·lî·yā·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 452: Elijah -- 'Yah is God', a well-known prophet of Israel, also three other Israelites

the Tishbite,
הַתִּשְׁבִּ֖י (hat·tiš·bî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8664: A Tishbite

saying:
לֵאמֹֽר׃ (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say


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OT History: 1 Kings 21:28 The word of Yahweh came to Elijah (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 21:27
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