1 Kings 21:3

3 But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.”

1 Kings 21:3 in Other Translations

3 And Naboth said to Ahab, The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.

3 But Naboth said to Ahab, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers."

3 But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors.”

3 But Naboth told Ahab, "Not on your life! So help me God, I'd never sell the family farm to you!"

3 But Naboth said to Ahab, "I will never give my fathers' inheritance to you."

1 Kings 21:3 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 21:3

And Naboth said to Ahab, the Lord forbid it me that I should
give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee.
] The inheritances of families were not to be alienated to another family, or tribe, nor even to be sold, unless in extreme poverty, and then to return at the year of jubilee, ( Leviticus 25:23 Leviticus 25:28 ) . Now Naboth was a man in good circumstances, and under no necessity of selling his vineyard; and, if he sold it, he might reasonably conclude, it becoming a part of the royal demesnes, would never revert to his family; and therefore, both out of regard to the law of God, and the good of his family, would not part with it at any rate: this shows that he was a conscientious man, and therefore is thought to be one of those that would not bow his knee to Baal, and against whom Ahab had a grudge, and sought an opportunity against him.

1 Kings 21:3 In-Context

1 Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

2 Ahab said to Naboth, “Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth.”

3 But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my ancestors.”

4 So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my ancestors.” He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.

5 His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?”

Cross References

• 1. S Leviticus 25:23; Numbers 36:7; Ezekiel 46:18