1 Kings 15:14
1 Kings 15:14 in Multiple Translations
The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days.
But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
But the high places were not taken away: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with Jehovah all his days.
The high places, however, were not taken away: but still the heart of Asa was true to the Lord all his life.
Though the high places were not removed, Asa was completely committed to the Lord all his life.
But they put not downe the hie places. Neuertheles Asas heart was vpright with the Lord all his dayes.
and the high places have not turned aside; only, the heart of Asa hath been perfect with Jehovah all his days,
But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with the LORD all his days.
But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
But the high places he did not take away. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with the Lord all his days:
He was not able to destroy all the places where the people worshiped idols on the high hills, but he continued to be dedicated/committed to Yahweh his entIre life.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 15:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 15:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/בָּמ֖וֹת
לֹא
סָ֑רוּ
רַ֣ק
לְבַב
אָסָ֗א
הָיָ֥ה
שָׁלֵ֛ם
עִם
יְהוָ֖ה
כָּל
יָמָֽי/ו
וְ/הַ/בָּמ֖וֹת
bâmâh
H1116
high place
Conj | Art | N-fp
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
סָ֑רוּ
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
רַ֣ק
raq
H7535
except
DirObjM
לְבַב
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms
אָסָ֗א
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
Asa
N-proper
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
שָׁלֵ֛ם
shâlêm
H8003
complete
Adj
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יָמָֽי/ו
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 15:14
וְ/הַ/בָּמ֖וֹת
bâmâh
H1116
"high place"
Conj | Art | N-fp
A high place or elevation, often referring to a cultic platform or mountain. In the Bible, it can also refer to battlefields or funeral mounds, as seen in various passages.
Definition: 1) high place, ridge, height, bamah (technical name for cultic platform) 1a) high place, mountain 1b) high places, battlefields 1c) high places (as places of worship) 1d) funeral mound?
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: height, high place, wave. See also: Leviticus 26:30; 1 Chronicles 16:39; Psalms 18:34.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
סָ֑רוּ
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
רַ֣ק
raq
H7535
"except"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word means 'except' or 'only', used to limit or emphasize something, like in Exodus 12:11 where it says to eat the Passover meal in haste, with nothing but your clothes on. It can also mean 'but' or 'nevertheless'.
Definition: 1) only, altogether, surely 1a) only 1b) only, nought but, altogether (in limitation) 1c) save, except (after a negative) 1d) only, altogether, surely (with an affirmative) 1e) if only, provided only (prefixed for emphasis) 1f) only, exclusively (for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: but, even, except, howbeit howsoever, at the least, nevertheless, nothing but, notwithstanding, only, save, so (that), surely, yet (so), in any wise. See also: Genesis 6:5; Joshua 13:14; Psalms 32:6.
לְבַב
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
אָסָ֗א
ʼÂçâʼ
H609
"Asa"
N-proper
Asa was a king of Judah, son of Abijam, who ruled wisely and brought peace to the land, as recorded in 1 Kings 15:11-15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; son of: Elkanah (H0511K); father of: Berechiah (H1296I) § Asa = "healer: injurious (?)" 1) king of Judah, son of Abijam, father of Jehoshaphat 2) a Levite
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Asa. See also: 1 Kings 15:8; 2 Chronicles 13:23; Jeremiah 41:9.
הָיָ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
שָׁלֵ֛ם
shâlêm
H8003
"complete"
Adj
Complete means being whole, safe, and at peace, like the covenant relationship between God and his people. It's used to describe something or someone that is perfect and unharmed. The Bible uses this word to talk about keeping promises and being faithful.
Definition: 1) complete, safe, peaceful, perfect, whole, full, at peace 1a) complete 1a1) full, perfect 1a2) finished 1b) safe, unharmed 1c) peace (of covenant of peace, mind) 1c1) perfect, complete (of keeping covenant relation)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: full, just, made ready, peaceable, perfect(-ed), quiet, Shalem (by mistake for a name), whole. See also: Genesis 15:16; 1 Chronicles 12:39; Proverbs 11:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יָמָֽי/ו
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 15:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 15:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 15:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 15:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 15:14
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 15:14
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
- Sermons on 1 Kings 15:14
Context — Asa Reigns in Judah
12He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
13He also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley.
14The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days.
15And he brought into the house of the LORD the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated. 16Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 22:43 | And Jehoshaphat walked in all the ways of his father Asa; he did not turn away from them, but did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 8:61 | So let your heart be fully devoted to the LORD our God, as it is this day, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments.” |
| 3 | 1 Kings 15:3 | And Abijam walked in all the sins that his father before him had committed, and his heart was not as fully devoted to the LORD his God as the heart of David his forefather had been. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 12:3 | Nevertheless, the high places were not removed; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 15:17–18 | The high places were not removed from Israel, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted all his days. And he brought into the house of God the silver and gold articles that he and his father had dedicated. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 14:5 | He also removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and under him the kingdom was at peace. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 14:3 | He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 14:4 | Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away, and the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 16:9 | For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” |
| 10 | 1 Kings 11:4 | For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been. |
1 Kings 15:14 Summary
[This verse tells us that even though King Asa didn't remove all the high places where people worshiped idols, his heart was still fully devoted to God. This means he loved and followed God with all his heart, even if he wasn't perfect. Asa's example teaches us that we can have a fully devoted heart to God, even if we make mistakes or struggle with sin, as long as we are willing to follow and obey Him (1 John 1:8-9). We can learn from Asa's story and strive to have a heart that is fully devoted to the Lord, just like he did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the high places mentioned in 1 Kings 15:14?
The high places were locations where the Israelites would offer sacrifices and worship, often to idols, which was against God's command in Deuteronomy 12:2-3 and Leviticus 26:30. Asa's failure to remove them was a significant omission in his reforms.
How could Asa's heart be fully devoted to the Lord if he didn't remove the high places?
Asa's devotion to the Lord was genuine, as seen in his actions in 1 Kings 15:12-13, but he was not perfect and still had areas where he fell short, much like the apostle Paul in Romans 7:14-25. His heart's commitment to God was evident despite his incomplete obedience.
What does it mean for Asa's heart to be fully devoted to the Lord?
Asa's fully devoted heart means he had given himself completely to following and loving God, as seen in his actions and decisions, such as removing idols and dedicating treasures to the Lord in 1 Kings 15:12-15. This devotion is similar to the wholehearted love commanded in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Mark 12:30.
How does Asa's example apply to my life as a Christian?
Asa's story teaches us that a genuine commitment to God is not about achieving perfection but about a willingness to follow and obey Him, even when we fall short, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and 1 John 1:8-9. Our hearts can be fully devoted to the Lord, even if we still struggle with sin and imperfections.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'high places' in my life that I have not fully surrendered to God, and how can I remove them?
- In what ways can I demonstrate a fully devoted heart to the Lord, like Asa, in my daily life and decisions?
- How do I balance the tension between my desire to obey God completely and my recognition of my own imperfections and shortcomings, as Asa experienced?
- What role does repentance and seeking forgiveness play in maintaining a heart that is fully devoted to the Lord, as seen in Asa's story and in 1 John 1:9?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 15:14
But the high places were not removed,.... That is, such as had been used for the worship of God, before the temple was built, which yet now should have been removed, since sacrifice was now only to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 15:14
But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
The high places were not removed. Object. He did take these away, . Answ. He took away those which were devoted to the worship of idols, as is there said, he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the highplaces, to wit, where they were worshipped: but as for those high places where the true God was worshipped, he did not take them away; partly, because he thought there was no great evil in them, because they had been used by David and Solomon, and other good and wise men; and because the true God was there worshipped, and that in the manner, though not in the place, which God had appointed; and partly, because he thought the removal of them might do much more hurt than their continuance, to wit, by occasioning the total neglect of God’ s worship by many of the people, who either could not, or through want of competent faith and zeal would not, go up to Jerusalem to worship, now especially, when the Israelites, their near neighbours, formerly their friends, were become their enemies, and watched all opportunities to invade or molest them, which they concluded they would do when all their males were gone up to Jerusalem; and partly, because the people were so obstinately bent towards them, that it was, or at least seemed to him, impossible to remove them without great offence, or such commotions as were highly dangerous to that church and state. Asa’ s heart was perfect with the Lord, i.e. he did sincerely and constantly adhere to the worship and service of God. Though he could not hinder the people from using the high places, yet he did entirely devote himself to the worship of God in the manner and place prescribed by God.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
1 Kings 15:14 But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa’ s heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.Ver. 14. But the high places were not removed,] sc., Such as were set up for the worship of God; for as for those that were set up in honour of idols, he removed them. But he should have done both, as did afterwards zealous Hezekiah and Josiah. It is with the saints as with Jonathan’ s signal arrows - two fell short, and but one beyond the mark; so where one shooteth home to the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus, many fall short. Nevertheless Asa’ s heart was perfect.] With one breath doth God report both these; such is his indulgency. He will not see weakness where he seeth truth. All Asa’ s infirmities are covered with the mantle of sincerity. Contrarily in Jehu, the Holy Ghost, after a description of many excellent things done by him, doth at last as it were draw a cross line.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
(14) But the high places were not removed.—The record of the Chronicles—contrasting 2 Chronicles 14:5 with 1 Kings 15:17—indicates with tolerable plainness an attempt at this reform on Asa’s part, which was not carried out successfully. In spite of all experience of the corruptions inevitably resulting from them, the craving for local and visible sanctuaries, natural at all times, and especially in generations which had been degraded by gross idolatry, proved too strong for even earnest reformers. The historian, writing under the light of later experience, dwells on this imperfection of religious reform again and again.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
Verse 14. The high places were not removed] He was not able to make a thorough reformation; this was reserved for his son Jehoshaphat. Asa's heart was perfect] He worshipped the true God, and zealously promoted his service; see on 1Kg 15:3. And even the high places which he did not remove were probably those where the true God alone was worshipped; for that there were such high places the preceding history amply proves, and Jarchi intimates that these were places which individuals had erected for the worship of Jehovah.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 15:14
14. But the high places were not removed] R.V. taken away. The change is made that this passage may be rendered in the same way as 2 Chronicles 15:17, with which it is identical. In Judah (we are told 2 Chronicles 14:5) Asa did take away the high places, but in Israel (2 Chronicles 15:17) they were not taken away. The mention of this as something which Asa might have been expected to effect shews that the conquests of his father and himself had given them much control (or influence) over the affairs of the northern kingdom. As the high places had been long tolerated, and the worship offered there had been accepted we can see how much more difficult it would be to put down this form of worship than any of the others. Hence, in spite of the continuance of the high places, Asa’s heart is said to have been ‘perfect with the Lord.’ The worship on the high places was long kept up. They are mentioned again 1 Kings 22:44; 2 Kings 12:3; 2 Kings 14:4; 2 Kings 15:4; 2 Kings 15:35.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 15:14
2 Chronicles 14:3 would seem at first sight to imply that he entirely put down the worship.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 15:14
14. But the high places were not removed — That is, the high places, like those of 1 Kings 3:2, where Jehovah, and not idols, was worshipped.
Sermons on 1 Kings 15:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Asa's Good Reign by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches on the life of King Asa, highlighting his reforms and the secret of his victory found in his prayer and perfect heart towards the Lord. Despite Asa's imperfe |
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(Through the Bible) 1 Kings 5-8 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the dedication of the temple by Solomon. The ark of the covenant is brought into the temple, and the glory of the Lord fills the temple, just |
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Walk as Jesus Walked by Joshua Daniel | This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of walking as Jesus walked, highlighting the need to align our actions with the example set by Christ. It delves into the imp |
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Watch by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh delivers a powerful sermon on the reign of King Asa, emphasizing the importance of obedience, faithfulness, and complete trust in God. Asa's story serves as a solemn wa |
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Nevertheless! by James Smith | James Smith preaches on the profound impact of the word 'NEVERTHELESS' in conveying comfort, encouragement, and strength from God's Word. Through various passages, he highlights ho |
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Asa Did . . . Right in the Eyes by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of living righteously in the eyes of the Lord, as exemplified by King Asa, who took bold actions to remove idolatry from his kingdom. Despite h |
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Absolute Surrender by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful stories that highlight the desperate state of humanity and the need for God's intervention. The first story describes a disturbing e |