King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:23 Mean?

The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not wri... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.

1 Kings 15:23 · King James Version


Context

21

And it came to pass, when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and dwelt in Tirzah.

22

Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah. exempted: Heb. free

23

The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.

24

And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead. Jehoshaphat: Gr. Josaphat

25

And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years. began: Heb. reigned


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.

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?
KS
Written by KJV Study CommentaryBiblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וְיֶ֣תֶר
1 of 27

The rest

H3499
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
כָּל
2 of 27
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּבְרֵ֥י
3 of 27

of all the acts

H1697
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אָ֠סָא
4 of 27

of Asa

H609
asa, the name of a king and of a levite
וְכָל
5 of 27
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
גְּב֨וּרָת֜וֹ
6 of 27

and all his might

H1369
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
וְכָל
7 of 27
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
8 of 27
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשָׂ֗ה
9 of 27

and all that he did

H6213
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְהֶֽעָרִים֙
10 of 27

and the cities

H5892
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
11 of 27
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּנָ֔ה
12 of 27

which he built

H1129
to build (literally and figuratively)
הֲלֹא
13 of 27
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֵ֣מָּה
14 of 27
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
כְתוּבִ֗ים
15 of 27

are they not written

H3789
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
עַל
16 of 27
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סֵ֛פֶר
17 of 27

in the book

H5612
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
דִּבְרֵ֥י
18 of 27

of all the acts

H1697
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַיָּמִ֖ים
19 of 27
H3117
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
לְמַלְכֵ֣י
20 of 27

of the kings

H4428
a king
יְהוּדָ֑ה
21 of 27

of Judah

H3063
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
רַ֚ק
22 of 27
H7535
properly, leanness, i.e., (figuratively) limitation; only adverbial, merely, or conjunctional, although
לְעֵ֣ת
23 of 27

Nevertheless in the time

H6256
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
זִקְנָת֔וֹ
24 of 27

of his old age

H2209
old age
חָלָ֖ה
25 of 27

he was diseased

H2470
properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence (figuratively) to stroke (in flattering), entreat
אֶת
26 of 27
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
רַגְלָֽיו׃
27 of 27

in his feet

H7272
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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 15:23 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 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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