King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 14:23 Mean?

1 Kings 14:23 in the King James Version says “For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. images: or...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. images: or, standing images, or, statues”

1 Kings 14:23 · KJV

Context

21

And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty and one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naamah an Ammonitess.

22

And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and they provoked him to jealousy with their sins which they had committed, above all that their fathers had done.

23

For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. images: or, standing images, or, statues

24

And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

25

And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of jeroboam's judgment and rehoboam's reign, within the book's focus on spiritual decline of both kingdoms under various rulers.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. This period (c. 930-850 BCE) saw rapid succession and instability, especially in the northern kingdom.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיִּבְנ֨וּ1 of 15

“For they also built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

גַם2 of 15
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֵ֧מָּה3 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לָהֶ֛ם4 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בָּמ֥וֹת5 of 15

“them high places”

H1116

an elevation

וּמַצֵּב֖וֹת6 of 15

“and images”

H4676

something stationed, i.e., a column or (memorial stone); by analogy, an idol

וַֽאֲשֵׁרִ֑ים7 of 15

“and groves”

H842

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

עַ֚ל8 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כָּל9 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

גִּבְעָ֣ה10 of 15

“hill”

H1389

a hillock

גְבֹהָ֔ה11 of 15

“on every high”

H1364

elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant

וְתַ֖חַת12 of 15
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

כָּל13 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֵ֥ץ14 of 15

“tree”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

רַֽעֲנָֽן׃15 of 15

“and under every green”

H7488

verdant; by analogy, new; figuratively, prosperous

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 14:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 14:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 12:2Isaiah 57:52 Kings 17:9-10Ezekiel 16:24-25Micah 5:141 Kings 3:2

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