Bible Dictionaries
Naboth (2)

Holman Bible Dictionary

(nay' buhth) personal name meaning, “fruit produce.” Owner of a vineyeard next to King Ahab's palace in Jezreel (1 Kings 21:1 ). Naboth refused to trade for another vineyard offered by the king, citing the Israelite tradition of keeping land in the family as an inheritance. Ahab pouted to his wife, Jezebel, who in turn arranged for false accusers to bring charges of blasphemy against Naboth. He was condemned and stoned to death. Ahab took over the property.

Naboth was vindicated by the prophet Elijah, who warned Ahab that he and Jezebel would be shamed in death. The king was mortally wounded in battle (1 Kings 22:35 ) and Jezebel was thrown to her death at the command of Jehu, who brought Ahab's dynasty to an end (2 Kings 9:33 ).