King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 33:1 Mean?

2 Chronicles 33:1 in the King James Version says “Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:”

2 Chronicles 33:1 · KJV

Context

1

Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:

2

But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

3

For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. he built: Heb. he returned and built

Read 2 Chronicles 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing God's mercy even to the worst sinner who truly repents. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בֶּן1 of 11

“old”

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

שְׁתֵּ֥ים2 of 11

“was twelve”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

עֶשְׂרֵ֛ה3 of 11
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

שָׁנָ֔ה4 of 11

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה5 of 11

“Manasseh”

H4519

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

מָלַ֖ךְ6 of 11

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֤ים7 of 11

“fifty”

H2572

fifty

וְחָמֵשׁ֙8 of 11

“and five”

H2568

five

שָׁנָ֔ה9 of 11

“years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

מָלַ֖ךְ10 of 11

“and he reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃11 of 11

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 33:1 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 2 Chronicles 33:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Kings 21:1-181 Chronicles 3:13Isaiah 3:42 Chronicles 32:33Ecclesiastes 10:16Matthew 1:10

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 33 →

Test Your Knowledge

2 Chronicles 33 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Chronicles Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Chronicles 33 with CommentaryAll 2 Chronicles ChaptersComplete 2 Chronicles QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes