1 Kings 21:20

And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found thee: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord.

Cross-reference

1 Kings 21:25 repeats 'sold himself to do evil' from the confrontation, explaining Ahab's unique wickedness.

1 Kings 16:30 Historical context

In 1 Kings 16:30, Ahab is introduced as the most evil king of Israel; this verse confirms that characterization, showing his selling to evil as consistent.

In 1 Kings 18:17, Ahab calls Elijah a troubler of Israel; here he calls him his enemy—same hostile attitude.

In 1 Kings 22:8, Ahab says he hates Micaiah for prophesying evil, paralleling his view of Elijah as an enemy.

Galatians 4:16 directly parallels — Paul asks if truth-telling makes him an enemy, exactly as Ahab accused Elijah.

2 Chronicles 18:17 repeats Ahab's complaint that Micaiah never prophesies good, reinforcing his view of prophets as adversaries.

In 2 Chronicles 18:7, Ahab similarly calls Micaiah his enemy for always prophesying evil — same hostility toward God's messengers.

John 7:7 Parallel

John 7:7 says the world hates Jesus because he testifies its works are evil, just as Elijah's testimony made Ahab hostile.

In 2 Kings 3:14, Elisha shows contempt for Jehoram, echoing Elijah's hostility toward Ahab — prophets reject the same wicked dynasty.

In 2 Samuel 12:13, David repents when confronted by Nathan — a stark contrast to Ahab's hostile response here. Both prophets expose sin, but reactions differ.

Proverbs 9:7 describes exactly this: correcting a scoffer brings abuse — Ahab calls Elijah 'my enemy', fulfilling the proverb.

Proverbs 15:10 warns that whoever hates reproof will die — Ahab's hatred of Elijah's rebuke leads to his eventual death.

Mark 6:19 Parallel

Mark 6:19 shows Herodias plotting to kill John the Baptist — a ruler's hostility toward a prophet, like Ahab against Elijah.

Proverbs 28:4 says those who keep the law strive against the wicked — Elijah does exactly that by confronting Ahab.

Proverbs 29:1 describes one often reproved who stiffens his neck and is suddenly broken — this perfectly fits Ahab's stubbornness and death.

Proverbs 29:10 says bloodthirsty men hate the blameless and seek their life — Ahab hates Elijah and previously sought his life (1 Kings 19).

Isaiah 30:10 depicts people rejecting prophets who speak truth, mirroring Ahab's hostility toward Elijah for confronting his sin.

Micah 3:2 Parallel

Micah 3:2 condemns leaders who hate good and love evil — exactly what Ahab did by selling himself to evil.

Jeremiah 38:4 has officials accusing the prophet of harming the people — parallel to Ahab calling Elijah his enemy for speaking truth.

2 Kings 17:17 uses the same phrase 'sold themselves to do evil' to describe Israel's idolatry, echoing Elijah's accusation.

In Ephesians 4:19, Gentiles give themselves over to sensuality, similar to Ahab selling himself to do evil — both depict voluntary surrender to sin.

Jeremiah 15:10 shows the prophet lamenting being a man of strife — like Elijah, he is cursed for delivering God's message.

2 Kings 3:2 Historical context

In 2 Kings 3:2, Jehoram did evil but not like his father Ahab, who 'sold himself' to evil — showing a generational gradient of wickedness.

In 2 Samuel 12:7, Nathan confronts David with 'You are the man!', similar to Elijah confronting Ahab — both are direct prophetic accusations of a king's sin.

Jeremiah 20:10 describes friends denouncing the prophet — similar to Ahab labeling Elijah his enemy.

Ezekiel 3:8 Parallel

Ezekiel 3:8 tells how God hardened Ezekiel's face against rebels — Elijah also stood firm against Ahab's hostility.

Amos 5:10 Parallel

Amos 5:10 describes those who hate reproof and truth — the same hostility Ahab shows toward Elijah.

Matthew 5:12 says the prophets before were persecuted — Elijah's treatment by Ahab exemplifies this pattern.

Proverbs 24:25 promises blessing for those who rebuke the wicked — though Elijah faces enmity, he will ultimately be blessed.

Mark 6:20 Contrast

Mark 6:20 shows Herod fearing and protecting John — contrasting with Ahab's enmity toward Elijah.

Mark 11:18 Parallel

Mark 11:18 shows religious leaders seeking to destroy Jesus, paralleling Ahab's hostility toward Elijah as an enemy.

Mark 12:12 Parallel

Mark 12:12 shows religious leaders recognizing Jesus' parable is against them — similar to Ahab seeing Elijah as enemy for truth.

Luke 6:23 Parallel

Luke 6:23 says prophets were persecuted; Ahab's opposition to Elijah fits that pattern.

Romans 7:14 Parallel

In Romans 7:14, Paul uses the same 'sold' imagery for being under sin's power, mirroring Ahab's self-sale to evil but in a broader theological context.

In 1 Samuel 13:13, Samuel rebukes Saul for disobedience, paralleling Elijah's rebuke of Ahab — both prophets confront kings who have sinned.