Verse (Click for Chapter) 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?" 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? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSoon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?” 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 VersionAnd 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 BibleAnd 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 BibleBut 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 1917But 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. Jump to Previous Bitter Bread Desire Eat Eatest Eating Food Jezebel Jez'ebel Sad Speaketh Spirit Sulky Sullen Vexed Wife Won'tJump to Next Bitter Bread Desire Eat Eatest Eating Food Jezebel Jez'ebel Sad Speaketh Spirit Sulky Sullen Vexed Wife Won't1 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 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 that you refuse to eat?” Persons / Places / Events 1. AhabThe 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 CovetousnessAhab'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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 21:5?2. How does Jezebel's approach in 1 Kings 21:5 reflect manipulation and control? 3. What can we learn about confronting sin from Jezebel's actions in 1 Kings 21? 4. How does 1 Kings 21:5 illustrate the dangers of ungodly counsel? 5. Compare Jezebel's influence to Proverbs 31's description of a godly woman. 6. How can we guard against similar influences in our own lives today? 7. Why does Jezebel question Ahab's authority in 1 Kings 21:5? 8. How does 1 Kings 21:5 reflect on the role of women in biblical narratives? 9. What does Jezebel's intervention in 1 Kings 21:5 reveal about her character? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 21? 11. Could dogs literally devour Jezebel's body as described in 2 Kings 9:33-35, or might this be symbolic hyperbole? 12. Why would local elders and nobles so easily accept Jezebel's instructions to bear false witness, considering the legal necessities outlined in 1 Kings 21:8-13? 13. 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? 14. How many fighting men were in Israel? (2 Samuel 24:9 vs. 1 Chronicles 21:5) What Does 1 Kings 21:5 Mean Soon• The word “Soon” (“And it came to pass” in some translations) tells us there was no long gap between Ahab’s sulking over Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21:4) and Jezebel’s entrance. Scripture presents events in real time, underscoring how swiftly sin can advance when left unchecked (Genesis 4:6-8; James 1:14-15). • The quick pacing reminds us that God’s Word records history accurately, emphasizing both timing and consequence—“the word of the LORD proves true” (2 Samuel 22:31). His wife Jezebel came in • Jezebel is introduced as “his wife,” highlighting her legal and intimate proximity to the king (1 Kings 16:31). Being queen, she should have strengthened Ahab spiritually, yet she becomes the driving force behind evil (1 Kings 21:25; Revelation 2:20). • Her entrance shows how ungodly influence can invade the household when the leader is spiritually weak (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 12:4). • The narrative reaffirms that real historical figures—Ahab and Jezebel—shaped Israel’s destiny, just as Scripture states. And asked • Jezebel does not comfort; she interrogates. Her question carries a tone of control rather than compassion, foreshadowing manipulation (2 Kings 9:30-33). • Dialogue in Scripture reveals character: righteous inquiries seek God’s will (1 Samuel 23:2), but Jezebel’s inquiry seeks an opening to act wickedly. • The verse shows conversation as a moral pivot point—words can either build up or tear down (Proverbs 18:21; Ephesians 4:29). Why are you so sullen • “Sullen” pictures Ahab’s self-pitying gloom. He is not grieving sin but sulking over denied desire, illustrating covetousness (Exodus 20:17; Luke 12:15). • Ahab’s attitude mirrors others who pouted when their cravings were blocked—Amnon over Tamar (2 Samuel 13:4) and Jonah over the withered plant (Jonah 4:8-9). • The king of Israel should model joy in God (Psalm 16:11), yet he sinks into self-absorption, revealing how unchecked desire robs spiritual vitality (James 4:1-3). That you refuse to eat? • Refusing food signals a dramatic, attention-seeking despondency. It is a counterfeit “fast,” centered on self, not on seeking the Lord (Isaiah 58:3-4; Matthew 6:16-18). • Jezebel spots weakness she can exploit. Like Delilah with Samson (Judges 16:15-17), she will leverage Ahab’s misery for her agenda. • The Bible records this detail to show cause-and-effect: inner covetousness manifests outwardly, affecting even basic habits like eating (Proverbs 17:22; Psalm 106:14-15). summary 1 Kings 21:5 captures the moment Jezebel discovers Ahab’s self-pity, setting the stage for her wicked plot against Naboth. The verse highlights how quickly sin can escalate, how ungodly influence thrives where spiritual leadership falters, and how covetousness drains joy and distorts even ordinary acts like eating. Scripture’s precise wording shows that God sees and records every motive, warning us to guard our hearts and align our desires with His righteous will. 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 wifeאִשְׁתּ֑וֹ (’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 Links 1 Kings 21:5 NIV1 Kings 21:5 NLT 1 Kings 21:5 ESV 1 Kings 21:5 NASB 1 Kings 21:5 KJV 1 Kings 21:5 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 21:5 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 21:5 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 21:5 French Bible 1 Kings 21:5 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 21:5 But Jezebel his wife came to him (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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