ahab
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun 1. A biblical king: In the Old Testament, Ahab was the seventh king of the northern kingdom of Israel, known for his reign in the 9th century BC. 2. A figure of moral failing: Ahab is frequently depicted as a weak and sinful ruler who, influenced by his wife Jezebel, promoted the worship of the pagan god Baal and opposed the prophet Elijah.
Usage Examples
- As a historical/biblical figure:
- The biblical narrative describes King Ahab's conflict with the prophet Elijah.
- Ahab's reign is detailed in the Books of Kings.
- As a symbol or reference:
- In literature, a leader who abandons his people's principles is sometimes called an "Ahab."
- The story of Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about the corruption of power.
Advanced Usage
- "Ahab-like" (adjective): Possessing the negative traits associated with King Ahab, such as moral weakness, idolatry, or being led into error by others.
- The dictator's Ahab-like obsession led to the nation's ruin.
Variants and Related Words
- Jezebel (proper noun): Ahab's wife, whose name has become synonymous with a wicked, scheming, or promiscuous woman.
- Elijah (proper noun): The prophet who was Ahab's primary opponent and who challenged the priests of Baal.
Synonyms
- Tyrant (in the context of his oppressive actions)
- Idolater (in the context of his worship of Baal)
- Backslider (in a religious context, for abandoning faith)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To have the spirit of Ahab": To be characterized by stubbornness in pursuing a sinful or destructive course.
- In his relentless and misguided quest, he seemed to have the spirit of Ahab.
- "An Ahab and Jezebel": A couple where one partner leads the other into wickedness or corruption.
- The scandalous pair were described by the press as a modern Ahab and Jezebel.
Noun
- according to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC)