I Kings 15:23 · Bible study
1 Kings 15:23 Commentary: Asa's Foot Disease and Spiritual Decline
Hebrew · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Why does 1 Kings 15:23 record Asa's foot disease? Explore its link to his spiritual decline, with insights from commentators and 2 Chronicles.
Research Summary
- Meaning: The verse summarizes Asa’s reign but ends with a note of decline: in old age he suffered a foot disease, and 2 Chronicles explains he did not seek God.
- Key words: “Only” (rak) introduces a stark contrast; “diseased in his feet” (chalah raglaiv) indicates a serious illness.
- Main debate: Whether the disease was divine judgment, a test, or a natural ailment; and how we should weigh Asa’s overall character.
- Geological theme: The peril of spiritual decline in later life; the danger of relying on human resources rather than on God.
- Best use: A cautionary study on finishing well, best paired with 2 Chronicles 16 for the full picture.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Now the rest of the acts of Asa, along with all his might, all his accomplishments, and the cities he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? In his old age, however, he became diseased in his feet.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Now the rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities which he built, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? But in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Now 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? But in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And the rest of all the matters of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities that he built, are they not written on the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah? Only, at the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And the rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his might, and all that he did, and the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Only, in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
But the rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his strength, and all that he did, and the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the words of the days of the kings of Juda? But in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Lo demás de todos los hechos de Asa, y toda su fortaleza, y todas las cosas que hizo, y las ciudades que edificó, ¿ no está todo escrito en el libro de las crónicas|strong="H1697, H3117" de los reyes de Judá? Mas en el tiempo de su vejez enfermó de sus pies.
Os demais de todos os feitos de Asa, e toda sua fortaleza, e todas as coisas que fez, e as cidades que edificou, não está tudo escrito no livro das crônicas dos reis de Judá? Mas no tempo de sua velhice enfermou de seus pés.
Le reste de toutes les actions d’ Asa, tous ses exploits et tout ce qu’ il a fait, et les villes qu’ il a bâties, cela n’ est-il pas écrit dans le livre des Chroniques des rois de Juda? Toutefois, à l’ époque de sa vieillesse, il eut les pieds malades.
Was aber mehr von Asa zu sagen ist und alle seine Macht und alles, was er getan hat, und die Städte, die er gebaut hat, siehe, das ist geschrieben in der Chronik der Könige Juda' s. Nur war er in seinem Alter an seinen Füßen krank.
Het overige nu van alle geschiedenissen van Asa, en al zijn macht, en al wat hij gedaan heeft, en de steden, die hij gebouwd heeft, zijn die niet geschreven in het boek der kronieken der koningen van Juda? Doch in den tijd zijns ouderdoms werd hij krank aan zijn voeten.
Il resto di tutte le azioni di Asa, tutte le sue prodezze, tutto quello ch’ei fece e le città che edificò, si trova scritto nel libro delle Cronache dei re di Giuda. Ma, nella sua vecchiaia, egli patì di male ai piedi.
A inne wszystkie sprawy Azy, i wszystka moc jego, i cokolwiek czynił, i miasta, które zbudował, azaż to nie jest napisane w kronikach o królach Judzkich? Ale czasu starości swej chorował na nogi swoje.
Все прочие дела Асы и все подвиги его, и всё, что он сделал, и города, которые он построил, описаны в летописи царей Иудейских, кроме того, что в старости своей он был болен ногами.
亞撒 其餘 的 事，凡 他所 行的，並 他的勇力 與他所 建築 的城邑， 都寫 在 猶大 列王 記上。 亞撒年老 的時候， 腳 上有病。
Now the rest of the acts of Asa, and his power, and all he did, and the towns of which he was the builder, are they not recorded in the book of the history of the kings of Judah? But when he was old he had a disease of the feet.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · I Kings 15:23
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that this verse marks a downturn in Asa's story. The Hebrew word rak (“only” or “nevertheless”) sets a sharp contrast between his earlier success and his later suffering. Barnes notes that from the fuller account in 2 Chronicles we see his character deteriorated as he aged. The Cambridge Bible points to 2 Chronicles 16:12, which adds the damning detail: “yet in his disease he didn’t seek Yahweh, but just the physicians.” Gill and Adam Clarke both identify the disease as likely gout, but more importantly, Clarke observes that Asa “sought to physicians rather than to the Lord.” Matthew Henry, while praising Asa’s earlier heart, recognizes that this note hints at a serious weakness. The consensus is that the verse intentionally juxtaposes Asa’s might and building projects with a quiet but real failure of trust in his old age.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Historical observation: The disease was a natural ailment common in old age; the verse simply records it as a biographical detail.
- Moral warning: The word 'only' and the Chronicler’s note that he did not seek God indicate the disease was a symptom of spiritual failure and a lesson for readers.
What is clear: The verse notes a contrast between Asa's earlier might and his final illness, and the Chronicler explicitly links this illness to his failure to seek the Lord.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Asa's spiritual condition | All agree his later years showed a decline in personal faith and trust in God. | Some emphasize his earlier devotion as evidence of overall righteousness; others see the final failure as defining his legacy. |
| Cause of the foot disease | It was a real and severe physical affliction. | Traditionally identified as gout (so Gill and Clarke), but the text does not specify the exact condition. |
| Significance of 'only' (rak) | It marks a contrast between Asa's accomplishments and his later suffering. | Whether it implies divine judgment or simply a factual observation about old age. |
| Relationship with 2 Chronicles 16 | The Chronicles account expands on this verse, noting his reliance on physicians rather than God. | Whether we should interpret Kings strictly by itself or always in light of the fuller Chronicler’s account. |
Historical & Cultural Context
The verse is the standard concluding formula for a Judean king in the Deuteronomistic History: a summary of achievements, a reference to the royal annals (“book of the chronicles”), and a closing personal note. Asa reigned forty-one years (1 Kings 15:10), a time of religious reform and military strength. He removed idols, deposed his idolatrous mother Maacah, and renewed the temple treasury. But after a tense war with Israel’s King Baasha, Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, stripping the temple of its silver and gold as a bribe. The prophet Hanani rebuked him for relying on Syria rather than God, and Asa responded by imprisoning the prophet and oppressing some of the people (2 Chronicles 16:7, 10). The Chronicler records that in his thirty-ninth year, Asa became severely diseased in his feet. The disease, likely gout, arthritis, or an infection, became “exceedingly great,” yet he turned only to physicians, not to God. This closing note in 1 Kings, though brief, fits that larger pattern of declining faith. The Hebrew construction places rak (“only”) right before the phrase about old age, framing the entire reign: great works, but a troubled end.
Old age in ancient Israel was a time of expected wisdom and piety, the patriarchs blessed their children and worshiped. That Asa’s decline is set “in the time of his old age” sharpens the tragedy. The reader is meant to ask: how could a king who began so well end this way?
Textual Notes
The consulted sources point to no significant textual variants for 1 Kings 15:23. The Masoretic Text is consistent. The parallel account in 2 Chronicles 16:11, 14 provides additional detail but does not disagree with the Kings version.
Reception History
Through church history, this verse has been used to warn that even faithful leaders can falter in old age. Early Jewish tradition noted the disease, and Christian commentators from the patristic era onward cited Asa’s end as a caution against relying on human medicine apart from God. Reformers like Matthew Henry saw in Asa a mixed pattern of piety and decline. The verse is often paired with 2 Chronicles 16 in sermons on aging, vigilance, and the temptation to trust in our own resources when strength fails.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- The Achievements of Asa. He built cities, restored true worship, and experienced peace. The verse lists “all his might” and “all that he did.”
- The Affliction of Asa. In his old age, he was diseased in his feet. The word “only” isolates this fact as a sobering contrast.
- The Attitude of Asa. From 2 Chronicles we learn he did not seek the Lord. His trust shifted from God to physicians and human resources.
Five-point outline
- A Promising Start. Asa did right in God’s eyes and removed idols (1 Kings 15:11, 12).
- Political Expediency. He used temple treasures to buy an alliance with Syria (1 Kings 15:18, 19).
- Refusal to Repent. When a prophet confronted him, he imprisoned the prophet (2 Chronicles 16:10).
- The Disease as Warning. His foot ailment was severe, yet he ignored God.
- A Legacy Shadowed. He is buried with honor, but his last years lack trust.
Illustration hooks
- A capable manager who builds a thriving department but burns bridges with her team over time.
- An aging athlete who relies on painkillers rather than addressing the root injury.
- A grandparent who has been a pillar of faith but grows bitter when health fails.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does God punish us with sickness when we sin?” This verse, read with Chronicles, shows the link can exist but is not universal.
- “How can I stay faithful to God as I grow older?” Asa’s example offers a caution and an invitation to examine our trust.
- “Is it wrong to see a doctor?” No; the sin was in turning only to physicians and not also seeking God.
Leading a Discussion
The Bible does not hide the flaws of its heroes. Asa’s reign began with bold reform and ended with a foot disease and a faith that had slipped. This passage invites us to look at our own patterns of trust, especially when life gets hard.
Discussion questions
- What does 1 Kings 15:23 tell us about Asa’s life? List the positive items and the closing note.
- The Hebrew word rak (“only” or “nevertheless”) connects the first and second halves of the verse. What effect does this word have on how we read the verse?
- Read 2 Chronicles 16:12. How does this parallel text change or deepen your understanding of Asa’s disease?
- Why do you think Asa turned to physicians rather than to the Lord? What might have been going through his mind?
- What does this story say about the danger of success and comfort? Can blessing actually weaken faith?
- In what areas of life are you tempted to rely on human resources instead of God? How can you guard against that drift?
- How does this passage offer both warning and hope for believers in seasons of physical weakness?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| I Kings 14:29 | Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? |
| I Kings 14:31 | Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in David’s city. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonitess. Abijam his son reigned in his place. |
| I Kings 15:7 | The rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, aren’t they written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? There was war between Abijam and Jeroboam. |
| I Kings 15:8 | Abijam slept with his fathers, and they buried him in David’s city; and Asa his son reigned in his place. |
| II Chronicles 16:11 | Behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. |
| II Chronicles 16:12 | In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa was diseased in his feet. His disease was exceedingly great; yet in his disease he didn’t seek Yahweh, but just the physicians. |
| II Chronicles 16:14 | They buried him in his own tomb, which he had dug out for himself in David’s city, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers’ art; and they made a very great fire for him. |
| Psalms 90:10 | The days of our years are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty years; yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for it passes quickly, and we fly away. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke identifies Asa's foot disease as likely severe rheumatism or gout. He notes that this affliction came three years before the king's death, and that Scripture faults Asa not for consulting physicians but for relying on them instead of seeking the Lord first.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes observes that Asa's character deteriorated as he aged, despite his consistent outward worship of Yahweh. He also points out that Asa prudently built fortified cities early in his reign, but the reference to his "old age" applies to someone under fifty, reflecting the ancient view of aging.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator notes that Asa's reign began with remarkable blessings—military success, national rest, and religious reform—but ended in tragedy when he trusted physicians instead of the Lord. The fuller record in Chronicles reveals a slow decline of faith, where the king who once purged idolatry later imprisoned a prophet and relied on human help.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note draws attention to the contrast between Asa's earlier strength and accomplishments and the foot disease that afflicted him in old age. This detail is presented as a sobering reminder that even the mightiest of kings is not immune to physical decline and suffering in his final years.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill identifies the foot disease as gout, based on Jewish tradition, and notes it began two years before Asa's death. He observes that the same chronicles recording Asa's achievements also preserve this detail about his old age.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB connects Asa's old-age foot disease to his spiritual decline, noting that the parallel account in 2 Chronicles provides additional evidence of his religious degeneracy. For this commentator, the physical ailment is not merely a medical matter but a sign of Asa's waning faith.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry notes that Asa's heart was perfect with God even though the high places remained, but his later decision to hire the Syrian king with temple treasures reveals a tragic failure to trust the Lord fully in time of war. The king who boldly removed his own mother's idol now leans on a pagan alliance rather than on God.