1 Kings 21:13
New International Version
Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.

New Living Translation
Then the two scoundrels came and sat down across from him. And they accused Naboth before all the people, saying, “He cursed God and the king.” So he was dragged outside the town and stoned to death.

English Standard Version
And the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.

Berean Standard Bible
And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.

King James Bible
And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

New King James Version
And two men, scoundrels, came in and sat before him; and the scoundrels witnessed against him, against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth has blasphemed God and the king!” Then they took him outside the city and stoned him with stones, so that he died.

New American Standard Bible
Then the two worthless men came in and sat opposite him; and the worthless men testified against him, against Naboth, before the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.

NASB 1995
Then the two worthless men came in and sat before him; and the worthless men testified against him, even against Naboth, before the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.

NASB 1977
Then the two worthless men came in and sat before him; and the worthless men testified against him, even against Naboth, before the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the two vile men came in and sat before him; and the vile men testified against him, against Naboth, before the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city and stoned him with stones and he died.

Amplified Bible
Two worthless and unprincipled men came in and sat down opposite him; and they testified against Naboth before the people, saying, “Naboth cursed and renounced God and the king.” Then they brought him outside the city and stoned him to death.

Christian Standard Bible
The two wicked men came in and sat opposite him. Then the wicked men testified against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed God and the king! ” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The two wicked men came in and sat opposite him. Then the wicked men testified against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.

American Standard Version
And the two men, the base fellows, came in and sat before him: and the base fellows bare witness against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did curse God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him to death with stones.

Contemporary English Version
The two liars came in and sat across from Naboth. Then they accused him of cursing God and the king, so the people dragged Naboth outside and stoned him to death.

English Revised Version
And the two men, sons of Belial, came in and sat before him: and the men of Belial bare witness against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did curse God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The two good-for-nothing men came in and sat opposite him. In front of the people, these men accused Naboth of cursing God and the king. So the people stoned him to death outside the city.

Good News Translation
The two scoundrels publicly accused him of cursing God and the king, and so he was taken outside the city and stoned to death.

International Standard Version
Two wicked men came in, sat down in front of them, and testified against Naboth in public, "Naboth cursed God and the king!" So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.

Majority Standard Bible
And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.

NET Bible
The two villains arrived and sat opposite him. Then the villains testified against Naboth right before the people, saying, "Naboth cursed God and the king." So they dragged him outside the city and stoned him to death.

New Heart English Bible
The two men, the base fellows, came in and sat before him. The base fellows testified against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, "Naboth cursed God and the king." Then they carried him out of the city, and stoned him to death with stones.

Webster's Bible Translation
And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth blasphemed God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

World English Bible
The two men, the wicked fellows, came in and sat before him. The wicked fellows testified against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king!” Then they carried him out of the city and stoned him to death with stones.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and two men—sons of worthlessness—come in, and sit opposite him, and the men of worthlessness testify of him, even Naboth, before the people, saying, “Naboth blessed [[or cursed]] God and [the] king”; and they take him out to the outside of the city, and stone him with stones, and he dies;

Young's Literal Translation
and two men -- sons of worthlessness -- come in, and sit over-against him, and the men of worthlessness testify of him, even Naboth, before the people, saying, 'Naboth blessed God and Melech;' and they take him out to the outside of the city, and stone him with stones, and he dieth;

Smith's Literal Translation
And two men will come, sons of Belial, and they will set before him: and the men of Belial will testify against Naboth before the people, saying, Naboth praised Jehovah and the king. And they will bring him without the city, and stone him with stones, and he will die.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And bringing two men, sons of the devil, they made them sit against him: and they, like men of the devil, bore witness against him before the people, saying: Naboth hath blasphemed God and the king: wherefore they brought him forth without the city, and stoned him to death.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And bringing forward two men, sons of the devil, they caused them to sit opposite him. And they, acting indeed like diabolical men, spoke testimony against him before the multitude: “Naboth has blasphemed God and king.” For this reason, they led him away, beyond the city, and they put him to death by stoning.

New American Bible
Two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and the scoundrels accused him in the presence of the people, “Naboth has cursed God and king.” And they led him out of the city and stoned him to death.

New Revised Standard Version
The two scoundrels came in and sat opposite him; and the scoundrels brought a charge against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth cursed God and the king.” So they took him outside the city, and stoned him to death.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they brought two wicked men, and seated them opposite him; and the wicked men witnessed against Naboth, saying, Naboth reviled God and the king. Then they took him outside the city and stoned him, so that he died.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they brought two men, sons of evil, and they sat opposite him, and those men testified against Nabuth and they said .”Nabuth cursed God and the King!” Moreover, they brought him outside of the city, and they stoned him with stones, and he died.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the two men, the base fellows, came in and sat before him; and the base fellows bore witness against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying: 'Naboth did curse God and the king.' Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And two men, sons of transgressors, came in, and sat opposite him, and bore witness against him, saying, Thou hast blessed God and the king. And they led him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, and he died.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jezebel's Plot
12They proclaimed a fast and gave Naboth a seat of honor among the people. 13And the two scoundrels came in and sat opposite Naboth, and these men testified against him before the people, saying, “Naboth has cursed both God and the king!” So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death. 14Then they sent word to Jezebel: “Naboth has been stoned to death.”…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 17:6-7
On the testimony of two or three witnesses a man shall be put to death, but he shall not be executed on the testimony of a lone witness. / The hands of the witnesses shall be the first in putting him to death, and after that, the hands of all the people. So you must purge the evil from among you.

Leviticus 24:14-16
“Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole assembly stone him. / And you are to tell the Israelites, ‘If anyone curses his God, he shall bear the consequences of his sin. / Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death; the whole assembly must surely stone him, whether he is a foreign resident or native; if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death.

Numbers 35:30
If anyone kills a person, the murderer is to be put to death on the testimony of the witnesses. But no one is to be put to death based on the testimony of a lone witness.

Matthew 26:59-61
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

Acts 6:11-13
Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” / So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, / where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.

Exodus 23:1
“You shall not spread a false report. Do not join the wicked by being a malicious witness.

Deuteronomy 19:15-21
A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. / If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. ...

Mark 14:55-59
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: ...

Psalm 27:12
Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.

Psalm 35:11
Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.

Isaiah 5:23
who acquit the guilty for a bribe and deprive the innocent of justice.

Jeremiah 26:11
Then the priests and prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man is worthy of death, for he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears!”

Ezekiel 22:6-12
See how every prince of Israel within you has used his power to shed blood. / Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed. / You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths. ...

Matthew 23:35
And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”


Treasury of Scripture

And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died.

the men of Belial

Exodus 20:16
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Deuteronomy 5:20
Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.

Deuteronomy 19:16-21
If a false witness rise up against any man to testify against him that which is wrong; …

blaspheme God

Job 1:5,11
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually…

Job 2:9
Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.

Matthew 9:3
And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth.

the king

Ecclesiastes 10:20
Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

Isaiah 8:21
And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

Amos 7:10
Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.

they carried him

Leviticus 24:11-16
And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) …

Numbers 15:35,36
And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp…

Deuteronomy 13:10
And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

Jump to Previous
Base Belial Blaspheme Bore Carried Children City Curse Death Fellows Forth Naboth Presence Sat Stoned Stones Witness Witnessed
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Base Belial Blaspheme Bore Carried Children City Curse Death Fellows Forth Naboth Presence Sat Stoned Stones Witness Witnessed
1 Kings 21
1. Ahab being denied Naboth's vineyard, is grieved
5. Jezebel writing letters against Naboth, he is condemned of blasphemy
15. Ahab take possession of the vineyard
17. Elijah denounces judgments against Ahab and Jezebel
25. Wicked Ahab repenting, God defers the judgment














And the two worthless men
The term "worthless men" is translated from the Hebrew word "בְּנֵי בְלִיַּעַל" (benei beliyaal), which literally means "sons of Belial." This phrase is used throughout the Old Testament to describe individuals who are morally corrupt and devoid of integrity. In the context of ancient Israel, being labeled as "sons of Belial" was a severe indictment of one's character, indicating a complete lack of respect for God's law and societal norms. These men were chosen specifically for their willingness to pervert justice for personal gain or under coercion, highlighting the depth of corruption in Ahab and Jezebel's reign.

came in and sat opposite him
This phrase indicates a formal setting, likely a public assembly or court where legal matters were addressed. In ancient Israel, such settings were often held at the city gate, a place of authority and judgment. The act of sitting opposite Naboth suggests a confrontational stance, setting the stage for the false accusations to follow. This positioning underscores the premeditated nature of the plot against Naboth, as these men were strategically placed to ensure their testimony would be heard and believed by the community.

And they testified against Naboth
The act of testifying in this context is a legal action, carrying significant weight in determining the outcome of the case. The Hebrew word for "testified" is "עֵד" (ed), which implies bearing witness or giving evidence. In the Mosaic Law, the testimony of two or three witnesses was required to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15). However, the integrity of the witnesses was paramount. Here, the false testimony of these men perverts justice, violating the commandment against bearing false witness (Exodus 20:16) and illustrating the moral decay under Ahab's rule.

in the presence of the people
This phrase emphasizes the public nature of the accusation, intended to sway the opinion of the community and legitimize the unlawful execution. In ancient Israelite society, communal involvement in legal proceedings was common, as the community played a role in upholding justice and righteousness. The public setting also served to intimidate others who might oppose the king's will, reinforcing the oppressive atmosphere of Ahab and Jezebel's governance.

saying, 'Naboth has cursed both God and the king!'
The accusation of cursing God and the king was a serious charge, punishable by death according to the law (Leviticus 24:16). The Hebrew word for "cursed" is "בֵּרַךְ" (barak), which can mean to bless or curse, depending on the context. Here, it is used in the sense of blasphemy or treason. This dual accusation was designed to ensure Naboth's condemnation, as it attacked both religious and political authority. The manipulation of religious law for political ends reflects the deep-seated corruption and idolatry that characterized Ahab's reign.

So they took him outside the city
The act of taking Naboth outside the city for execution aligns with the legal requirement for capital punishment to occur outside the community (Leviticus 24:14). This practice symbolized the removal of sin from the midst of the people, maintaining the purity of the community. Ironically, in this case, the true sin was the injustice perpetrated by the leaders, not Naboth's alleged blasphemy.

and stoned him to death
Stoning was a common method of execution for serious offenses in ancient Israel, symbolizing communal participation in the judgment. The Hebrew word for "stoned" is "סָקַל" (saqal), which denotes a violent and public form of execution. This brutal act served as a warning to others and was intended to uphold the sanctity of God's law. However, in this narrative, it highlights the perversion of justice and the extent to which Ahab and Jezebel would go to achieve their desires, ultimately leading to their downfall as prophesied by Elijah.

(13) Carried him forth--as usual, in order to avoid polluting the city with blood--possibly to his own ground, the coveted vineyard itself.

Verse 13. - And there came in [Heb. came. The assembly was probably held al fresco. From the word אֶמֶשׁ, A.V. yesterday, but strictly, yesternight, Stanley suggests that the trial took place by night. But the word is often used in the wider sense of "yesterday" (Gesenius)] two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people [The whole congregation was interested in a charge of blasphemy. If unpunished, the guilt rested on the congregation. Hence the provision of Deuteronomy 24:14. By the imposition of hands they testified that the guilt of the blasphemer thenceforth rested upon his own head], saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth [Heb. made him to go forth] out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died. [It appears from 2 Kings 9:26 that the children of Naboth, who otherwise might have laid claim to their patrimony, were put to death at the same time, and probably in the same way; cf. Joshua 7:24, 25; Numbers 16:27. This was the rule of the East (Daniel 6:24). The principle of visiting the sins of the parents upon the children seems to have been carried to an excess, as we find Joash (2 Kings 14:6) instituting a more merciful rule.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And the two
שְׁנֵ֨י (šə·nê)
Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

scoundrels
בְלִיַּעַל֮ (ḇə·lî·ya·‘al)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1100: Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness

came in
וַ֠יָּבֹאוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and sat
וַיֵּשְׁב֣וּ (way·yê·šə·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

opposite [Naboth],
נֶגְדּוֹ֒ (neḡ·dōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before

and [these men]
הַבְּלִיַּ֜עַל (hab·bə·lî·ya·‘al)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1100: Without profit, worthlessness, destruction, wickedness

testified
וַיְעִדֻהוּ֩ (way·‘i·ḏu·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5749: To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore

against [him]
נָב֗וֹת (nā·ḇō·wṯ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5022: Naboth -- a Jezreelite

before
נֶ֤גֶד (ne·ḡeḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before

the people,
הָעָם֙ (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

saying,
לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Naboth
נָב֛וֹת (nā·ḇō·wṯ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5022: Naboth -- a Jezreelite

has cursed
בֵּרַ֥ךְ (bê·raḵ)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

God
אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

and the king!”
וָמֶ֑לֶךְ (wā·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

So they took him
וַיֹּצִאֻ֙הוּ֙ (way·yō·ṣi·’u·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

outside
מִח֣וּץ (mi·ḥūṣ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2351: Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors

the city
לָעִ֔יר (lā·‘îr)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and stoned him
וַיִּסְקְלֻ֥הוּ (way·yis·qə·lu·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5619: To stone, put to death by stoning

to death.
וַיָּמֹֽת׃ (way·yā·mōṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT History: 1 Kings 21:13 The two men the base fellows came (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 21:12
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