Lectionary Calendar
Friday, July 25th, 2025
the Week of Proper 11 / Ordinary 16
the Week of Proper 11 / Ordinary 16
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Read the Bible
THE MESSAGE
1 Kings 21:25
Ahab, pushed by his wife Jezebel and in open defiance of God , set an all-time record in making big business of evil. He indulged in outrageous obscenities in the world of idols, copying the Amorites whom God had earlier kicked out of Israelite territory.
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Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
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- CondensedParallel Translations
Christian Standard Bible®
Still, there was no one like Ahab, who devoted himself to do what was evil in the Lord’s sight, because his wife Jezebel incited him.
Still, there was no one like Ahab, who devoted himself to do what was evil in the Lord’s sight, because his wife Jezebel incited him.
Hebrew Names Version
(But there was none like Ach'av, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, whom Izevel his wife stirred up.
(But there was none like Ach'av, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, whom Izevel his wife stirred up.
King James Version
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.
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.
English Standard Version
(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.
(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.
New Century Version
There was no one like Ahab who had chosen so often to do what the Lord said was wrong, because his wife Jezebel influenced him to do evil.
There was no one like Ahab who had chosen so often to do what the Lord said was wrong, because his wife Jezebel influenced him to do evil.
New English Translation
(There had never been anyone like Ahab, who was firmly committed to doing evil in the sight of the Lord , urged on by his wife Jezebel.
(There had never been anyone like Ahab, who was firmly committed to doing evil in the sight of the Lord , urged on by his wife Jezebel.
Amplified Bible
There certainly was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him.
There certainly was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him.
New American Standard Bible
There certainly was no one like Ahab who gave himself over to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him.
There certainly was no one like Ahab who gave himself over to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him.
Geneva Bible (1587)
(But there was none like Ahab, who did fell him selfe, to worke wickednesse in the sight of the Lord: whom Iezebel his wife prouoked.
(But there was none like Ahab, who did fell him selfe, to worke wickednesse in the sight of the Lord: whom Iezebel his wife prouoked.
Legacy Standard Bible
Surely there was no one who sold himself to do what is evil in the sight of Yahweh like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.
Surely there was no one who sold himself to do what is evil in the sight of Yahweh like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited.
Contemporary English Version
When Ahab heard this, he tore his clothes and wore sackcloth day and night. He was depressed and refused to eat. Some time later, the Lord said, "Elijah, do you see how sorry Ahab is for what he did? I won't punish his family while he is still alive. I'll wait until his son is king." No one was more determined than Ahab to disobey the Lord . And Jezebel encouraged him. Worst of all, he had worshiped idols, just as the Amorites had done before the Lord forced them out of the land and gave it to Israel.
When Ahab heard this, he tore his clothes and wore sackcloth day and night. He was depressed and refused to eat. Some time later, the Lord said, "Elijah, do you see how sorry Ahab is for what he did? I won't punish his family while he is still alive. I'll wait until his son is king." No one was more determined than Ahab to disobey the Lord . And Jezebel encouraged him. Worst of all, he had worshiped idols, just as the Amorites had done before the Lord forced them out of the land and gave it to Israel.
Complete Jewish Bible
Truly, there was never anyone like Ach'av. Stirred up by his wife Izevel, he gave himself over to do what is evil from Adonai 's perspective.
Truly, there was never anyone like Ach'av. Stirred up by his wife Izevel, he gave himself over to do what is evil from Adonai 's perspective.
Darby Translation
(Surely there was none like to Ahab, who did sell himself to do evil in the sight of Jehovah, Jezebel his wife urging him on.
(Surely there was none like to Ahab, who did sell himself to do evil in the sight of Jehovah, Jezebel his wife urging him on.
Easy-to-Read Version
So Ahab sold himself out to do what the Lord says is evil. There is no one who did as much evil as Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who caused him to do these things.
So Ahab sold himself out to do what the Lord says is evil. There is no one who did as much evil as Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who caused him to do these things.
George Lamsa Translation
But there was none like Ahab, who thought to do evil in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife incited.
But there was none like Ahab, who thought to do evil in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife incited.
Good News Translation
(There was no one else who had devoted himself so completely to doing wrong in the Lord 's sight as Ahab—all at the urging of his wife Jezebel.
(There was no one else who had devoted himself so completely to doing wrong in the Lord 's sight as Ahab—all at the urging of his wife Jezebel.
Lexham English Bible
Truly, there was no one like Ahab who had sold himself by doing evil in the eyes of Yahweh, whose wife Jezebel urged him on.
Truly, there was no one like Ahab who had sold himself by doing evil in the eyes of Yahweh, whose wife Jezebel urged him on.
Literal Translation
Surely, none has been like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in the eyes of Jehovah, whom his wife Jezebel incited.
Surely, none has been like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in the eyes of Jehovah, whom his wife Jezebel incited.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
So cleane solde to do myschefe in ye sighte of the LORDE hath no man bene, as Achab: for his Iesabel hath so disceaued him,
So cleane solde to do myschefe in ye sighte of the LORDE hath no man bene, as Achab: for his Iesabel hath so disceaued him,
American Standard Version
(But there was none like unto Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
(But there was none like unto Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
Bible in Basic English
(There was no one like Ahab, who gave himself up to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, moved to it by Jezebel his wife.
(There was no one like Ahab, who gave himself up to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, moved to it by Jezebel his wife.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
But there was none lyke Ahab, which dyd euen sell him selfe to worke wickednesse in the sight of the Lorde, and that because Iezabel his wyfe pricked hym forwarde.
But there was none lyke Ahab, which dyd euen sell him selfe to worke wickednesse in the sight of the Lorde, and that because Iezabel his wyfe pricked hym forwarde.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
But there was none like unto Ahab, who did give himself over to do that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
But there was none like unto Ahab, who did give himself over to do that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
King James Version (1611)
But there was none like vnto Ahab, which did sell himselfe to worke wickednesse in the sight of the Lord, whom Iezebel his wife stirred vp.
But there was none like vnto Ahab, which did sell himselfe to worke wickednesse in the sight of the Lord, whom Iezebel his wife stirred vp.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
And we will give thee another army according to the army that was destroyed, and cavalry according to the cavalry, and chariots according to the chariots, and we will fight against them in the plain, and we shall prevail against them. And he hearkened to their voice, and did so.
And we will give thee another army according to the army that was destroyed, and cavalry according to the cavalry, and chariots according to the chariots, and we will fight against them in the plain, and we shall prevail against them. And he hearkened to their voice, and did so.
English Revised Version
(But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
(But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
Berean Standard Bible
(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.
(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Therfor noon other was sich as Achab, that was seeld to do yuel in the siyt of the Lord; for Jezabel his wijf excitide hym;
Therfor noon other was sich as Achab, that was seeld to do yuel in the siyt of the Lord; for Jezabel his wijf excitide hym;
Young's Literal Translation
surely there hath none been like Ahab, who sold himself to do the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, whom Jezebel his wife hath moved,
surely there hath none been like Ahab, who sold himself to do the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, whom Jezebel his wife hath moved,
Update Bible Version
(But there was none like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
(But there was none like Ahab, who sold himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
Webster's Bible Translation
But there was none like Ahab, who sold himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife instigated.
But there was none like Ahab, who sold himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife instigated.
World English Bible
(But there was none like Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
(But there was none like Ahab, who did sell himself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
New King James Version
But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up.
But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up.
New Living Translation
(No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the Lord 's sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel.
(No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the Lord 's sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel.
New Life Bible
There was no one who sold himself to do what is sinful in the eyes of the Lord like Ahab did. His wife Jezebel moved him to do it.
There was no one who sold himself to do what is sinful in the eyes of the Lord like Ahab did. His wife Jezebel moved him to do it.
New Revised Standard
(Indeed, there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord , urged on by his wife Jezebel.
(Indeed, there was no one like Ahab, who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord , urged on by his wife Jezebel.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
But indeed, there was none like Ahab, who sold himself to do the thing that was wicked in the eyes of Yahweh, - whom Jezebel his wife goaded on;
But indeed, there was none like Ahab, who sold himself to do the thing that was wicked in the eyes of Yahweh, - whom Jezebel his wife goaded on;
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now, there was not such another as Achab, who was sold to do evil in the sight of the Lord: for his wife, Jezabel, set him on,
Now, there was not such another as Achab, who was sold to do evil in the sight of the Lord: for his wife, Jezabel, set him on,
Revised Standard Version
(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jez'ebel his wife incited.
(There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jez'ebel his wife incited.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him.
Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him.
Contextual Overview
17Then God stepped in and spoke to Elijah the Tishbite, "On your feet; go down and confront Ahab of Samaria, king of Israel. You'll find him in the vineyard of Naboth; he's gone there to claim it as his own. Say this to him: ‘ God 's word: What's going on here? First murder, then theft?' Then tell him, ‘ God 's verdict: The very spot where the dogs lapped up Naboth's blood, they'll lap up your blood—that's right, your blood.'" 20Ahab answered Elijah, "My enemy! So, you've run me down!" "Yes, I've found you out," said Elijah. "And because you've bought into the business of evil, defying God . ‘I will most certainly bring doom upon you, make mincemeat of your descendants, kill off every sorry male wretch who's even remotely connected with the name Ahab. And I'll bring down on you the same fate that fell on Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah—you've made me that angry by making Israel sin.'" 23As for Jezebel, God said, "Dogs will fight over the flesh of Jezebel all over Jezreel. Anyone tainted by Ahab who dies in the city will be eaten by stray dogs; corpses in the country will be eaten by carrion crows." 25Ahab, pushed by his wife Jezebel and in open defiance of God , set an all-time record in making big business of evil. He indulged in outrageous obscenities in the world of idols, copying the Amorites whom God had earlier kicked out of Israelite territory. 27 When Ahab heard what Elijah had to say, he ripped his clothes to shreds, dressed in penitential rough burlap, and fasted. He even slept in coarse burlap pajamas. He tiptoed around, quiet as a mouse. 28Then God spoke to Elijah the Tishbite: "Do you see how penitently submissive Ahab has become to me? Because of his repentance I'll not bring the doom during his lifetime; Ahab's son, though, will get it."
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
But there: 1 Kings 21:20, 1 Kings 16:30-33, 2 Kings 23:25
sell himself: 1 Kings 21:20, 2 Kings 17:17, Isaiah 50:1, Isaiah 52:3, Romans 6:19, Romans 7:14
whom Jezebel: 1 Kings 21:7, 1 Kings 11:1-4, 1 Kings 16:31, 1 Kings 18:4, 1 Kings 19:2, Proverbs 22:14, Ecclesiastes 7:26, Mark 6:17-27, Acts 6:12, Acts 14:2
stirred up: or, incited
Reciprocal: 1 Kings 16:33 - did more to provoke 1 Kings 19:1 - Ahab 1 Kings 21:5 - Jezebel 1 Kings 21:23 - Jezebel 1 Kings 22:52 - in the way 2 Kings 3:2 - but not 2 Kings 8:18 - the daughter 2 Kings 9:7 - at the hand 2 Kings 9:22 - the whoredoms 2 Kings 9:34 - this cursed woman 2 Kings 14:24 - in the sight 2 Kings 16:3 - he walked 2 Chronicles 18:1 - joined affinity 2 Chronicles 19:2 - Shouldest Esther 5:14 - said Zeresh Proverbs 14:1 - the foolish Ecclesiastes 8:12 - a sinner Jeremiah 34:14 - been sold Jeremiah 44:19 - without Daniel 4:17 - the basest Micah 6:16 - the works John 8:34 - Whosoever Acts 13:50 - the Jews Acts 17:13 - stirred Acts 21:27 - stirred
Cross-References
Genesis 21:17
Meanwhile, God heard the boy crying. The angel of God called from Heaven to Hagar, "What's wrong, Hagar? Don't be afraid. God has heard the boy and knows the fix he's in. Up now; go get the boy. Hold him tight. I'm going to make of him a great nation."
Meanwhile, God heard the boy crying. The angel of God called from Heaven to Hagar, "What's wrong, Hagar? Don't be afraid. God has heard the boy and knows the fix he's in. Up now; go get the boy. Hold him tight. I'm going to make of him a great nation."
Genesis 21:22
At about that same time, Abimelech and the captain of his troops, Phicol, spoke to Abraham: "No matter what you do, God is on your side. So swear to me that you won't do anything underhanded to me or any of my family. For as long as you live here, swear that you'll treat me and my land as well as I've treated you."
At about that same time, Abimelech and the captain of his troops, Phicol, spoke to Abraham: "No matter what you do, God is on your side. So swear to me that you won't do anything underhanded to me or any of my family. For as long as you live here, swear that you'll treat me and my land as well as I've treated you."
Genesis 29:8
"We can't," they said. "Not until all the shepherds get here. It takes all of us to roll the stone from the well. Not until then can we water the flocks."
"We can't," they said. "Not until all the shepherds get here. It takes all of us to roll the stone from the well. Not until then can we water the flocks."
Proverbs 17:10
A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool.
A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool.
Proverbs 25:9
In the heat of an argument, don't betray confidences; Word is sure to get around, and no one will trust you.
In the heat of an argument, don't betray confidences; Word is sure to get around, and no one will trust you.
Proverbs 27:5
A spoken reprimand is better than approval that's never expressed.
A spoken reprimand is better than approval that's never expressed.
Matthew 18:15
"If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. If he won't listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won't listen, tell the church. If he won't listen to the church, you'll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God's forgiving love.
"If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. If he won't listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won't listen, tell the church. If he won't listen to the church, you'll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God's forgiving love.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord,.... Not of any of his predecessors, even those whose families had been destroyed, as his would be, 1 Kings 21:21.
1 Kings 21:21- :.
whom Jezebel his wife stirred up; to idolatry, revenge, and murder, and to whose will he was a slave, and is one instance of his being a captive to sin, and giving up himself to the power of it.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
whom Jezebel stirred up - The history of Ahabâs reign throughout exhibits him as completely governed by his imperious wife. Instances of her influence are seen in 1 Kings 21:7, 1 Kings 21:15, marginal reference, 1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 19:2.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 25. Did sell himself to work wickedness — He hired himself to the devil for this very purpose, that he might work wickedness. This was to be his employment, and at this he laboured.
In the sight of the Lord, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. — A good wife is from the Lord; a bad wife is from the devil: Jezebel was of this kind; and she has had many successors.
