1 Kings 15:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְגַ֣ם׀
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
מַֽעֲכָ֣ה
And also Maachah
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
#4
אִמּ֗וֹ
his mother
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
#5
וַיְסִרֶ֙הָ֙
even her he removed
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
#6
מִגְּבִירָ֔ה
from being queen
a mistress
#7
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
עָֽשְׂתָ֥ה
because she had made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#9
מִפְלַצְתָּ֔הּ
an idol
a terror, i.e., an idol
#10
לָֽאֲשֵׁרָ֑ה
in a grove
asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same
#11
וַיִּכְרֹ֤ת
destroyed
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
#12
אָסָא֙
and Asa
asa, the name of a king and of a levite
#13
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#14
מִפְלַצְתָּ֔הּ
an idol
a terror, i.e., an idol
#15
וַיִּשְׂרֹ֖ף
and burnt
to be (causatively, set) on fire
#16
בְּנַ֥חַל
it by the brook
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
#17
קִדְרֽוֹן׃
Kidron
kidron, a brook near jerusalem

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Kings Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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