King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:13 Mean?

1 Kings 15:13 in the King James Version says “And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa dest...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron. destroyed: Heb. cut off”

1 Kings 15:13 · KJV

Context

11

And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father.

12

And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.

13

And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron. destroyed: Heb. cut off

14

But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.

15

And he brought in the things which his father had dedicated, and the things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the LORD, silver, and gold, and vessels. things: Heb. holy

Read 1 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And also Maachah his mother, even her he removed from being queen, because she had made an idol in a grove; and Asa destroyed her idol, and burnt it by the brook Kidron.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kings of judah and israel: abijam, asa, nadab, baasha, 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 17 words
וְגַ֣ם׀1 of 17
H1571

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

אֶת2 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַֽעֲכָ֣ה3 of 17

“And also Maachah”

H4601

maakah (or maakath), the name of a place in syria, also of a mesopotamian, of three israelites, and of four israelitesses and one syrian woman

אִמּ֗וֹ4 of 17

“his mother”

H517

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

וַיְסִרֶ֙הָ֙5 of 17

“even her he removed”

H5493

to turn off (literally or figuratively)

מִגְּבִירָ֔ה6 of 17

“from being queen”

H1377

a mistress

אֲשֶׁר7 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָֽשְׂתָ֥ה8 of 17

“because she had made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִפְלַצְתָּ֔הּ9 of 17

“an idol”

H4656

a terror, i.e., an idol

לָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֑ה10 of 17

“in a grove”

H842

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

וַיִּכְרֹ֤ת11 of 17

“destroyed”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אָסָא֙12 of 17

“and Asa”

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

אֶת13 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִפְלַצְתָּ֔הּ14 of 17

“an idol”

H4656

a terror, i.e., an idol

וַיִּשְׂרֹ֖ף15 of 17

“and burnt”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בְּנַ֥חַל16 of 17

“it by the brook”

H5158

a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)

קִדְרֽוֹן׃17 of 17

“Kidron”

H6939

kidron, a brook near jerusalem

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 15:13 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 15:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 32:202 Kings 23:62 Chronicles 34:42 Chronicles 15:15-192 Kings 23:12-15Matthew 12:46-50

Places in This Verse

KidronRiver · Modern: Kidron River · 31.78°N, 35.24°E14 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Kings 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

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