Naboth the Jezreelite

Naboth the Jezreelite is the man in Jezreel whose vineyard Ahab sought and who refused to give it up as “the inheritance of my fathers” (1 Kings 21:1, 1 Kings 21:2, 1 Kings 21:3).

The account places his vineyard beside Ahab’s palace. Ahab offered silver or another vineyard in exchange, saying he wanted the land for an herb garden near his house; Naboth declined the offer (1 Kings 21:1, 1 Kings 21:2, 1 Kings 21:3). Jezebel then wrote letters in Ahab’s name, calling for a fast and directing that Naboth be seated at the head of the people (1 Kings 21:8, 1 Kings 21:9). Two men testified against Naboth before the people, after which he was taken outside the city, stoned, and died (1 Kings 21:13).

Jezebel afterward told Ahab to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard, and Ahab went down to it (1 Kings 21:15, 1 Kings 21:16). A later passage refers to “the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite” (2 Kings 9:21). Naboth is named in at least 23 verses across 2 books (1 Kings 21:1, 2 Kings 9:21).