Jezebel

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Uncertain; often connected with a Phoenician form meaning “Where is the prince?” (etymology debated)
Period/Era: Divided Kingdom
Main References: 1 Kings 16–21; 2 Kings 9
Key Connections: Wife of King Ahab of Israel; mother of Ahaziah and Joram; patron of Baal prophets; opposed Elijah

Who was Jezebel?

Jezebel was a Phoenician princess from Sidon who became queen of the northern kingdom of Israel through marriage to Ahab.
She advanced the worship of Baal and Asherah at the royal level and marginalized devotion to the LORD in Israel.
She is portrayed as a politically forceful figure who used royal authority to silence prophetic opposition.

Key Events & Achievements

Baal Promotion: Supported Baal worship in Israel and maintained a corps of prophets at the royal table (1 Kings 16:31–33; 18:19).
Conflict with Elijah: Threatened Elijah after the contest at Mount Carmel, contributing to his flight (1 Kings 19:1–3).
Naboth’s Vineyard: Orchestrated Naboth’s death through false testimony to secure his land for Ahab (1 Kings 21:1–16).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Jezebel’s account highlights how royal power can be used to entrench idolatry and injustice within the covenant community.

Key Verse

"So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth’s city with him." — 1 Kings 21:8, NIV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What was Jezebel’s relationship to King Ahab of Israel?

2. How did Jezebel secure Naboth’s land for Ahab, according to the account?