King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 3:13 Mean?

1 Chronicles 3:13 in the King James Version says “Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

1 Chronicles 3:13 · KJV


Context

11

Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, Ahaziah: or, Azariah 2.Chr.22.6.& 21.17.

12

Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, Azariah: or, Uzziah 2.king.15.30.

13

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

14

Amon his son, Josiah his son.

15

And the sons of Josiah were, the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. Johanan: or, Jehochaz 2.kin.23.30. Jehoiakim: or, Eliakim 2.kin.23.34. Zedekiah: or, Mathaniah.2.kin.24.17.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son—this sequence presents Judah's most dramatic spiritual oscillation: wicked Ahaz (אָחָז, 'he has grasped'), righteous Hezekiah (חִזְקִיָּהוּ, 'Yahweh strengthens'), and wicked Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה, 'causing to forget'). Ahaz promoted Baal worship and sacrificed his sons (2 Kings 16:3); Hezekiah reformed Judah and trusted God through Assyrian crisis (2 Kings 18-20); Manasseh reintroduced abominations and shed innocent blood (2 Kings 21:16).

This genealogical segment proves godliness neither guarantees godly offspring nor results from godly parents—each generation must choose covenant faithfulness. Hezekiah's reforms didn't prevent Manasseh's apostasy, yet Manasseh's evil didn't doom Josiah (his grandson) to wickedness. God's grace remains accessible to every generation, regardless of ancestral patterns.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ahaz ruled 735-715 BC during Assyria's expansion; Hezekiah 715-686 BC, surviving Sennacherib's siege (701 BC); Manasseh 696-642 BC, Judah's longest reign. Manasseh's 55-year rule allowed deep syncretism that Josiah's later reforms couldn't fully eradicate, contributing to eventual exile (2 Kings 23:26-27).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Ahaz-Hezekiah-Manasseh sequence challenge assumptions that godly parenting guarantees godly children?
  2. What hope does Hezekiah's faithfulness despite Ahaz's wickedness offer if you came from a difficult spiritual background?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אָחָ֥ז1 of 6

Ahaz

H271

achaz, the name of a jewish king and of an israelite

בְנֽוֹ׃2 of 6

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

חִזְקִיָּ֥הוּ3 of 6

Hezekiah

H2396

chizkijah, a king of judah, also the name of two other israelites

בְנֽוֹ׃4 of 6

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

מְנַשֶּׁ֥ה5 of 6

Manasseh

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בְנֽוֹ׃6 of 6

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 3:13 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 Chronicles 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study