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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 21:27 When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/21-27.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/11_1Ki_21_27.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 21:27 - Ahab's Repentance" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. 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He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But when Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothing, dressed in burlap, and fasted. He even slept in burlap and went about in deep mourning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So it was, when Ahab heard those words, that he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his body, and fasted and lay in sackcloth, and went about mourning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet it came about, when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about despondently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />It came about when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about despondently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And it came about when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about despondently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened when Ahab heard these words, that he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about despondently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now when Ahab heard these words [of Elijah], he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted, and he lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly (mourning).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put sackcloth over his body, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around subdued.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put sackcloth over his body, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around subdued. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these things, he tore his clothes [in distress] and dressed in sackcloth. He fasted, lay in sackcloth, and walked around depressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Elijah finished speaking, Ahab tore his clothes, took them off, and put on sackcloth. He refused food, slept in the sackcloth, and went about gloomy and depressed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Nevertheless, as soon as Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He even slept in sackcloth and wandered around meekly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He lay down in sackcloth and walked around meekly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. He slept in sackcloth and walked around dejected.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It happened, when Ahab heard those words, that he tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his body, fasted, lay in sackcloth, and went about despondently. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it comes to pass, at Ahab’s hearing these words, that he tears his garments, and puts sackcloth on his flesh, and fasts, and lies in sackcloth, and goes gently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it cometh to pass, at Ahab's hearing these words, that he rendeth his garments, and putteth sackcloth on his flesh, and fasteth, and lieth in sackcloth, and goeth gently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be when Ahab heard these words, and he will rend his garments, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and he will fast and lie down in sackcloth, and go softly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when Achab had heard these words, he rent his garments, and put haircloth upon his flesh, and fasted and slept in sackcloth, and walked with his head cast down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then, when Ahab had heard these words, he tore his garments, and he put haircloth on his body, and he fasted, and he slept in sackcloth, and he walked with his head downcast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Ahab heard these words, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth over his bare flesh. He fasted, slept in the sackcloth, and went about subdued.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth over his bare flesh; he fasted, lay in the sackcloth, and went about dejectedly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And when Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth upon his body and fasted and lay in sackcloth and walked barefooted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And when Akhab heard this answer, he ripped his clothes and he was covered with sackcloth on his flesh, and he fasted and he slept in sackcloth and walked barefoot.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And because of the word, Achaab was pierced with sorrow before the Lord, and he both went weeping, and rent his garment, and girt sackcloth upon his body, and fasted; he put on sackcloth also in the day that he smote Nabuthai the Jezraelite, and went his way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/21-27.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=8648" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/21.htm">Ahab's Repentance</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">26</span>He committed the most detestable acts by going after idols, just like the Amorites whom the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.) <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/256.htm" title="256: ’aḥ·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- Once oechab; from 'ach and 'ab; brother of father; Achab, the name of a king of Israel and of a prophet at Babylon.">When Ahab</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: ḵiš·mō·a‘ (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">these</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·də·ḇā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">words,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7167.htm" title="7167: way·yiq·ra‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To tear. A primitive root; to rend, literally or figuratively.">he tore</a> <a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: bə·ḡā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">his clothes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: way·yā·śem- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">put</a> <a href="/hebrew/8242.htm" title="8242: śaq (N-ms) -- Sack, sackcloth. From shaqaq; properly, a mesh, i.e. Coarse loose cloth or sacking; hence, a bag.">on sackcloth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1320.htm" title="1320: bə·śā·rōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Flesh. From basar; flesh; by extension, body, person; also The pudenda of a man."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6684.htm" title="6684: way·yā·ṣō·wm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To abstain from food, fast. A primitive root; to cover over, i.e. To fast.">and fasted.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7901.htm" title="7901: way·yiš·kaḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To lie down. A primitive root; to lie down.">He lay down</a> <a href="/hebrew/8242.htm" title="8242: baś·śāq (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Sack, sackcloth. From shaqaq; properly, a mesh, i.e. Coarse loose cloth or sacking; hence, a bag.">in sackcloth</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·hal·lêḵ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and walked around</a> <a href="/hebrew/328.htm" title="328: ’aṭ (Adv) -- Gentleness. From an unused root perhaps meaning to move softly; a necromancer, gently.">meekly.</a> </span><span class="reftext">28</span>Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-10</a></span><br />And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. / When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/33-12.htm">2 Chronicles 33:12-13</a></span><br />And in his distress, Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and earnestly humbled himself before the God of his fathers. / And when he prayed to Him, the LORD received his plea and heard his petition. So He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3-5</a></span><br />So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. / And I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed, “O, Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion to those who love Him and keep His commandments, / we have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled. We have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-14</a></span><br />“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. / Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him—grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5-6</a></span><br />Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? / Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/36-6.htm">Jeremiah 36:6-7</a></span><br />so you are to go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting, and in the hearing of the people you are to read the words of the LORD from the scroll you have written at my dictation. Read them in the hearing of all the people of Judah who are coming from their cities. / Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD, and each one will turn from his wicked way; for great are the anger and fury that the LORD has pronounced against this people.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-21.htm">Ezekiel 18:21-23</a></span><br />But if the wicked man turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. / None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. Because of the righteousness he has practiced, he will live. / Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Psalm 51:17</a></span><br />The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/12-13.htm">2 Samuel 12:13</a></span><br />Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” “The LORD has taken away your sin,” Nathan replied. “You will not die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Nehemiah 9:1-3</a></span><br />On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth, with dust on their heads. / Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. / While they stood in their places, they read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and they spent another quarter of the day in confession and worship of the LORD their God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-21.htm">Matthew 11:21</a></span><br />“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Luke 18:13-14</a></span><br />But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ / I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8-10</a></span><br />Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. / Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. / Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a></span><br />Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a></span><br />When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, / so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth on his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.</p><p class="hdg">he rent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34</a></b></br> And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">2 Kings 6:30</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he rent his clothes; and he passed by upon the wall, and the people looked, and, behold, <i>he had</i> sackcloth within upon his flesh.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/18-37.htm">2 Kings 18:37</a></b></br> Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which <i>was</i> over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with <i>their</i> clothes rent, and told him the words of Rabshakeh.</p><p class="hdg">lay in sackcloth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/12-17.htm">2 Samuel 12:17</a></b></br> And the elders of his house arose, <i>and went</i> to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-15.htm">Job 16:15</a></b></br> I have sewed sackcloth upon my skin, and defiled my horn in the dust.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/22-12.htm">Isaiah 22:12</a></b></br> And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:</p><p class="hdg">went softly</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/38-15.htm">Isaiah 38:15</a></b></br> What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done <i>it</i>: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/21-25.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-16.htm">Ahab's</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-1.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-22.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-24.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-25.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-5.htm">Gently</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-2.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Haircloth</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-16.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-16.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-6.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-11.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-30.htm">Rendeth</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-20.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/ruth/3-7.htm">Softly</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm">Tore</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-42.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/21-29.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-39.htm">Ahab's</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-12.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-34.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-27.htm">Food</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-30.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/job/15-11.htm">Gently</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-31.htm">Great</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">Haircloth</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-11.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-7.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">Rendeth</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/job/11-19.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/job/41-3.htm">Softly</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">Tore</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-13.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/21-1.htm">Ahab being denied Naboth's vineyard, is grieved</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/21-5.htm">Jezebel writing letters against Naboth, he is condemned of blasphemy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/21-15.htm">Ahab take possession of the vineyard</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/21-17.htm">Elijah denounces judgments against Ahab and Jezebel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/21-25.htm">Wicked Ahab repenting, God defers the judgment</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>When Ahab heard these words</b><br>This phrase refers to the moment when King Ahab received the prophetic rebuke from Elijah regarding his sin in the matter of Naboth's vineyard. Ahab's reaction indicates that he understood the gravity of his actions and the impending judgment. This moment is pivotal as it shows the power of prophetic words in the Old Testament, often leading to repentance or further hardening of hearts. The words Ahab heard were a direct message from God, highlighting the role of prophets as God's mouthpiece.<p><b>he tore his clothes</b><br>Tearing one's clothes was a traditional expression of grief, repentance, or distress in ancient Israelite culture. This act symbolized a deep emotional response and was often associated with mourning or penitence. In the context of Ahab, it signifies his acknowledgment of wrongdoing and the seriousness of the situation. This practice is seen elsewhere in the Bible, such as in the actions of Job (<a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20</a>) and King Josiah (<a href="/2_kings/22-11.htm">2 Kings 22:11</a>).<p><b>put on sackcloth</b><br>Sackcloth was a coarse material, usually made from goat's hair, worn as a sign of mourning or repentance. It was uncomfortable and served as a physical reminder of one's humility and contrition before God. Ahab's donning of sackcloth indicates a public display of repentance, aligning with other biblical figures who used sackcloth to express sorrow and seek God's mercy, such as the people of Nineveh in <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-6</a>.<p><b>and fasted</b><br>Fasting, the abstention from food, was a common practice in the Bible associated with seeking God's favor, repentance, or mourning. Ahab's fasting demonstrates a desire to humble himself and possibly avert the pronounced judgment. Fasting is seen throughout Scripture as a means of drawing closer to God, as in the cases of Moses (<a href="/exodus/34-28.htm">Exodus 34:28</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a>).<p><b>He lay down in sackcloth</b><br>This action further emphasizes Ahab's state of humility and submission. Lying down in sackcloth suggests a complete surrender and acknowledgment of one's lowly state before God. It is a physical manifestation of inner repentance, showing that Ahab was not merely performing an outward ritual but was deeply affected by Elijah's words.<p><b>and walked around meekly</b><br>Walking meekly indicates a change in demeanor, from arrogance or defiance to humility and submission. This transformation is significant, as Ahab was known for his wickedness and idolatry. His meekness here contrasts with his previous behavior, suggesting a temporary change of heart. This meekness is reminiscent of the biblical call to humility, as seen in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, where walking humbly with God is a key aspect of righteous living.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahab.htm">Ahab</a></b><br>The King of Israel, known for his wickedness and idolatry, particularly under the influence of his wife, Jezebel. In this verse, he shows a moment of humility and repentance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah</a></b><br>The prophet who delivered God's judgment to Ahab, which prompted Ahab's response in this verse. Elijah is a central figure in calling Israel back to the worship of Yahweh.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/n/naboth's_vineyard.htm">Naboth's Vineyard</a></b><br>The event preceding this verse involves Ahab coveting Naboth's vineyard, leading to Naboth's unjust death orchestrated by Jezebel. This act of injustice is what brings about God's judgment through Elijah.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Ahab reigned and where these events took place.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sackcloth_and_fasting.htm">Sackcloth and Fasting</a></b><br>Traditional expressions of mourning and repentance in ancient Israel, indicating Ahab's outward display of humility and contrition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_repentance.htm">The Power of Repentance</a></b><br>Ahab's actions demonstrate that even the most wicked can turn to God in repentance. True repentance involves humility and a change of heart.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/outward_vs._inward_change.htm">Outward vs. Inward Change</a></b><br>While Ahab's actions were outward, true repentance requires an inward transformation. It's important to examine whether our repentance is genuine or merely for show.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_mercy.htm">God's Mercy</a></b><br>Despite Ahab's previous sins, his act of repentance leads to a delay in judgment, showcasing God's willingness to extend mercy to those who humble themselves.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a></b><br>Elijah's role as a prophet was to speak God's truth, even to powerful leaders. This reminds us of the importance of standing firm in truth and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_sin.htm">Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Ahab's account is a reminder that sin has consequences, but repentance can alter the course of those consequences.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_sackcloth_and_ashes_symbolize.htm">What do sackcloth and ashes symbolize?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_naboth_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Naboth in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_elijah's_prophecy_seem_unjust.htm">Why is Elijah’s prophecy (1 Kings 21:21–24) fulfilled in a manner that may seem inconsistent with God’s justice elsewhere in Scripture? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_ahab_seek_micaiah's_counsel.htm">In 1 Kings 22:6–8, why does Ahab distrust Micaiah’s prophecies but still seek his counsel? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(27) <span class= "bld">And went softly.</span>--The translation seems correct; the meaning is variously conjectured. The LXX. (in some MSS.) has "bent down" in sorrow; the Vulgate similarly "with head bent down;" the Eastern versions and Josephus, "barefooted," which seems far the most probable meaning.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those</span> [Heb. <span class="accented">these</span>] <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>words</span> [vers. 21-24, and others not recorded], <span class="cmt_word">that he rent his clothes</span> [cf. <a href="/2_samuel/13-19.htm">2 Samuel 13:19</a>; <a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20</a>; <a href="/job/2-12.htm">Job 2:12</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/36-24.htm">Jeremiah 36:24</a>, etc.], <span class="cmt_word">and put sackcloth</span> <span class="cmt_word">upon his flesh</span> [<a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">1 Kings 20:31</a>; <a href="/2_kings/6-30.htm">2 Kings 6:30</a>; <a href="/joel/1-8.htm">Joel 1:8</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/21-10.htm">2 Samuel 21:10</a>, Heb.]<span class="cmt_word">, and fasted, and lay</span> [<span class="accented">i.e.</span>, slept] <span class="cmt_word">in sackcloth, and went softly.</span> [All these were signs of contrition and humiliation (ver. 29). The "going softly" - Josephus says he went barefoot - is especially characteristic of the subdued and chastened mind.] <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/21-27.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">When Ahab</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחְאָ֜ב</span> <span class="translit">(’aḥ·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_256.htm">Strong's 256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahab -- 'father's brother', a king of Israel, also a false prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard</span><br /><span class="heb">כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ</span> <span class="translit">(ḵiš·mō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֵ֙לֶּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">words,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדְּבָרִ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(had·də·ḇā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he tore</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְרַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·ra‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7167.htm">Strong's 7167: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his clothes,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּגָדָ֔יו</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḡā·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">put</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּֽשֶׂם־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·śem-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on sackcloth,</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂ֥ק</span> <span class="translit">(śaq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8242.htm">Strong's 8242: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bag</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and fasted.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּצ֑וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·ṣō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6684.htm">Strong's 6684: </a> </span><span class="str2">To abstain from food, fast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He lay down</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁכַּ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·kaḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7901.htm">Strong's 7901: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie down</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in sackcloth</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּשָּׂ֔ק</span> <span class="translit">(baś·śāq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8242.htm">Strong's 8242: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bag</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and walked around</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהַלֵּ֖ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·hal·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">meekly.</span><br /><span class="heb">אַֽט׃</span> <span class="translit">(’aṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_328.htm">Strong's 328: </a> </span><span class="str2">A necromancer, gently</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 21:27 It happened when Ahab heard those words (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/21-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 21:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 21:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/21-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 21:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 21:28" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>