King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 22:43 Mean?

1 Kings 22:43 in the King James Version says “And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of ...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.”

1 Kings 22:43 · KJV

Context

41

And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel.

42

Jehoshaphat was thirty and five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi.

43

And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.

44

And Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel.

45

Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he shewed, and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Read 1 Kings 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father; he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD: nevertheless the high places were not taken away; for the people offered and burnt incense yet in the high places.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of ahab's death and jehoshaphat's alliance, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.

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. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.

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 · 12 words
וַיֵּלֶךְ1 of 12

“And he walked”

way·yê·leḵ

H1980
בְּכָל2 of 12

“in all”

bə·ḵāl

H3605
דֶּרֶךְ3 of 12

“the ways”

de·reḵ

H1870
אָסָא4 of 12

“of Asa”

'ā·sā

H609
אָבִיו5 of 12

“his father”

'ā·ḇîw

H1
לֹא6 of 12

“not”

lō

H3808
סָר7 of 12

“He did turn aside”

sār

H5493
מִמֶּנּוּ8 of 12

“from it”

mim·men·nū

H4480
לַעֲשׂוֹת9 of 12

“doing”

la·'ă·śō·wṯ

H6213
הַיָּשָׁר10 of 12

“right”

hay·yā·šār

H3477
בְּעֵינֵי11 of 12

“in the eyes”

bə·'ê·nê

H5869
יְהוָה12 of 12

“of the LORD”

Yah·weh

H3068

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 22:43 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 22:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 15:142 Kings 12:3Proverbs 4:272 Kings 14:3-41 Kings 15:111 Kings 15:5

Test Your Knowledge

1 Kings 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Kings Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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