1 Kings 21:5
New International Version
His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?”

New Living Translation
“What’s the matter?” his wife Jezebel asked him. “What’s made you so upset that you’re not eating?”

English Standard Version
But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so vexed that you eat no food?”

Berean Standard Bible
Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?”

King James Bible
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

New King James Version
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, “Why is your spirit so sullen that you eat no food?”

New American Standard Bible
But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “How is it that your spirit is so sullen that you are not eating food?”

NASB 1995
But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “How is it that your spirit is so sullen that you are not eating food?”

NASB 1977
But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “How is it that your spirit is so sullen that you are not eating food?”

Legacy Standard Bible
But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, “How is it that your spirit is so sullen that you are not eating food?”

Amplified Bible
Then Jezebel his wife came to him and asked him, “Why is your spirit so troubled that you have not eaten?”

Christian Standard Bible
Then his wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, “Why are you so upset that you refuse to eat? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then his wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, “Why are you so upset that you refuse to eat?"”

American Standard Version
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

Contemporary English Version
Jezebel his wife came in and asked, "What's wrong? Why won't you eat?"

English Revised Version
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His wife Jezebel came to him and asked, "Why are you so resentful of everything? Why don't you eat?"

Good News Translation
His wife Jezebel went to him and asked, "Why are you so depressed? Why won't you eat?"

International Standard Version
But his wife Jezebel went to him and asked him, "How is it that you're so sullen and refusing to eat?"

Majority Standard Bible
Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, ?Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat??

NET Bible
Then his wife Jezebel came in and said to him, "Why do you have a bitter attitude and refuse to eat?"

New Heart English Bible
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, "Why is your spirit so sad, that you eat no bread?"

Webster's Bible Translation
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread?

World English Bible
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, “Why is your spirit so sad that you eat no bread?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his wife Jezebel comes to him, and speaks to him, “Why [is] this [that] your spirit [is] sulky, and you are not eating bread?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Jezebel his wife cometh in unto him, and speaketh unto him, 'What is this? -- thy spirit sulky, and thou art not eating bread!'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jezebel his wife will come to him, and she will speak to him, What this thy spirit rebellious, and thou not eating bread?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Jezabel his wife went in to him, and said to him: What is the matter that thy soul is so grieved? and why eatest thou no bread ?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Jezebel, his wife, entered to him, and she said to him: “What is this matter, by which your soul has been saddened? And why do you not eat bread?”

New American Bible
His wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, “Why are you so sullen that you will not eat?”

New Revised Standard Version
His wife Jezebel came to him and said, “Why are you so depressed that you will not eat?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But Jezebel his wife came to him and said to him, Why is your spirit so sad, that you refuse to eat food?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Jezebel his wife came to him and she said to him: “What is grieving your spirit, and you choose not to eat bread?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him: 'Why is thy spirit so sullen, that thou eatest no bread?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jezabel his wife went in to him, and spoke to him, saying, Why is thy spirit troubled, and why dost thou eat no bread?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Naboth's Vineyard
4So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat. 5Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?” 6Ahab answered, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and told him, ‘Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you wish, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ And he replied, ‘I will not give you my vineyard!’ ”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 1:8
“Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

2 Samuel 13:4
and he asked Amnon, “Why are you, the son of the king, so depressed morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon replied, “I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.”

Esther 5:3
“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”

Esther 7:3
Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request.

Nehemiah 2:2
so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear

Proverbs 15:13
A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Genesis 4:6
“Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen?

Genesis 31:2
And Jacob saw from the countenance of Laban that his attitude toward him had changed.

Genesis 40:7
So he asked the officials of Pharaoh who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so downcast today?”

Job 30:27
I am churning within and cannot rest; days of affliction confront me.

Psalm 42:11
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43:5
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Matthew 6:16
When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.

Matthew 6:17
But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,


Treasury of Scripture

But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, Why is your spirit so sad, that you eat no bread?

Jezebel

1 Kings 21:25
But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.

1 Kings 16:31
And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.

1 Kings 18:4
For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

Why is thy spirit

2 Samuel 13:4
And he said unto him, Why art thou, being the king's son, lean from day to day? wilt thou not tell me? And Amnon said unto him, I love Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister.

Nehemiah 2:2
Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,

Esther 4:5
Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.

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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














Soon his wife Jezebel came in
Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, was known for her strong influence over her husband, King Ahab of Israel. Her entrance into the narrative highlights her role as a key instigator in the events that follow. Historically, Jezebel's marriage to Ahab was a political alliance that brought Baal worship into Israel, which was contrary to the worship of Yahweh. Her presence in the story foreshadows the manipulation and idolatry she would promote, as seen in her later actions in this chapter.

and asked, “Why are you so sullen
Ahab's demeanor is described as sullen, indicating a deep dissatisfaction or depression. This emotional state is significant as it reveals Ahab's character, often swayed by personal desires and external influences rather than godly principles. The word "sullen" connects to other biblical instances where leaders exhibit weakness or lack of faith, such as Saul's moodiness in 1 Samuel 16:14-23. Ahab's mood sets the stage for Jezebel's intervention, which contrasts with the expected role of a king to lead with strength and righteousness.

that you refuse to eat?”
Refusing to eat is a sign of distress or mourning in biblical times, often associated with fasting or deep emotional turmoil. In this context, Ahab's refusal to eat is not due to spiritual reasons but rather a childish response to not getting his way, specifically regarding Naboth's vineyard. This behavior contrasts with the biblical practice of fasting for repentance or seeking God's guidance, as seen in the lives of figures like Daniel (Daniel 9:3) or David (2 Samuel 12:16). Ahab's actions reflect a self-centeredness that opens the door for Jezebel's manipulative schemes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ahab
The King of Israel, known for his weak character and susceptibility to influence, particularly by his wife Jezebel.

2. Jezebel
Ahab's wife, notorious for her idolatry and manipulation. She plays a pivotal role in the events of 1 Kings 21.

3. Naboth's Vineyard
The plot of land that Ahab desires, which sets the stage for the ensuing conflict and Jezebel's intervention.

4. Samaria
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Ahab's palace is located and where these events unfold.

5. The Event
Ahab's sulking over Naboth's refusal to sell his vineyard, leading to Jezebel's scheming to acquire it through deceitful means.
Teaching Points
The Dangers of Covetousness
Ahab's desire for Naboth's vineyard illustrates how covetousness can lead to sin and moral compromise.

The Influence of Ungodly Counsel
Jezebel's manipulation of Ahab shows the impact of ungodly influence and the importance of seeking wise, godly counsel.

The Consequences of Sin
The events that follow Jezebel's intervention demonstrate that sin has serious consequences, both for individuals and nations.

The Role of Leadership
Ahab's failure to lead righteously highlights the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice and righteousness.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human schemes, God's justice prevails, as seen in the eventual judgment on Ahab and Jezebel.Verse 5. - But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad [same word as in ver. 4], that thou eatest no bread? [It would seem that the queen missed him from the banqueting hall - he can hardly, therefore, have lain down on one of the divans or couches therein - and went to his bedroom to inquire the reason.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Soon his wife
אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ (’iš·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

Jezebel
אִיזֶ֣בֶל (’î·ze·ḇel)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 348: Jezebel -- queen of Israel with King Ahab

came in
וַתָּבֹ֥א (wat·tā·ḇō)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and asked,
וַתְּדַבֵּ֣ר (wat·tə·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

“Why
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

are you
רוּחֲךָ֣ (rū·ḥă·ḵā)
Noun - common singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 7307: Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit

so
זֶּה֙ (zeh)
Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

sullen
סָרָ֔ה (sā·rāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 5620: Stubborn, resentful, sullen, implacable

that you refuse
וְאֵינְךָ֖ (wə·’ê·nə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb | second person masculine singular
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

to eat?”
אֹכֵ֥ל (’ō·ḵêl)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 398: To eat


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OT History: 1 Kings 21:5 But Jezebel his wife came to him (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 21:4
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