Old Testament
1 Kings 21:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then they sent word to Jezebel: "Naboth has been stoned. He's dead."
Compare translations
Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.
What 1 Kings 21:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, a grave injustice unfolds. Naboth, a man of integrity, is falsely accused and executed for standing up for his rights. His death is a result of manipulation and greed, orchestrated by Jezebel, who seeks to fulfill her husband's desires at any cost. This event highlights the dangers of power when it is abused. It serves as a reminder that the innocent can suffer when those in authority act without conscience. Naboth's tragic fate illustrates the consequences of allowing ambition to overshadow morality. His story is a call to reflect on our own actions and the impact they have on others. We must consider how we respond to injustice and whether we stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult. This narrative challenges us to think about the value of integrity and the importance of protecting the vulnerable in our society. It encourages us to be advocates for justice and to resist the temptation to compromise our values for personal gain. Ultimately, it is a lesson in the cost of silence in the face of wrongdoing.
How to apply 1 Kings 21:14 to your life
Reflect on situations where you might witness injustice. Consider how you can stand up for those who are vulnerable or oppressed. It’s important to speak out against wrongdoing, even when it’s uncomfortable. Your voice can make a difference in promoting fairness and integrity in your community. Choose to act with courage and compassion in your daily life, just like Naboth did, even in the face of adversity. Stand firm in your values.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 1 Kings 21:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 1 Kings 21:14
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 21:14 mean?
1 Kings 21:14 describes the moment when Jezebel is informed that Naboth has been executed after being falsely accused. This verse highlights the consequences of manipulation and the abuse of power, illustrating how greed can lead to tragic outcomes.
What is the significance of Naboth's death in 1 Kings 21:14?
Naboth's death signifies the extreme lengths to which those in power will go to satisfy their desires. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of injustice and the moral failures that can arise from unchecked ambition.
How does 1 Kings 21:14 relate to themes of injustice?
1 Kings 21:14 illustrates a clear example of injustice, where an innocent man is wrongfully killed due to the greed and manipulation of those in authority. It serves as a reminder of the real-world implications of power abuse.
What moral lessons can be learned from 1 Kings 21:14?
The moral lessons from this verse include the importance of standing up against injustice and the need to protect the vulnerable. It encourages individuals to reflect on their own actions and the impact of their choices on others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.