King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 15:24 Mean?

1 Kings 15:24 in the King James Version says “And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father: and Jehoshaphat his son...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

1 Kings 15:24 · KJV

Context

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

26

And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in his sin wherewith he made Israel to sin.

Read 1 Kings 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 14 words
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב1 of 14

“slept”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

אָסָא֙2 of 14

“And Asa”

H609

asa, the name of a king and of a levite

עִם3 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אָבִ֑יו4 of 14

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּקָּבֵר֙5 of 14

“and was buried”

H6912

to inter

עִם6 of 14
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אָבִ֑יו7 of 14

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

בְּעִ֖יר8 of 14

“in the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

דָּוִ֣ד9 of 14

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֑יו10 of 14

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ11 of 14

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

יְהֽוֹשָׁפָ֥ט12 of 14

“and Jehoshaphat”

H3092

jehoshaphat, the name of six israelites; also of a valley near jerusalem

בְּנ֖וֹ13 of 14

“his son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃14 of 14
H8478

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

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 15:24 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 15:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 1:81 Kings 22:41-432 Chronicles 17:1-9

Places in This Verse

City of DavidSettlement · Modern: City of David · 31.77°N, 35.24°E46 verses across 7 books
View all places in 1 Kings 15 →

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Kings 15 with CommentaryAll 1 Kings ChaptersComplete 1 Kings QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes