King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 33:18 Mean?

2 Chronicles 33:18 in the King James Version says “Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the n...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel.”

2 Chronicles 33:18 · KJV

Prayer

Context

16

And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.

17

Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the LORD their God only.

18

Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel.

19

His prayer also, and how God was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers . the seers: or, Hosai

20

So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.

Read 2 Chronicles 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the LORD God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel.

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.

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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 · 19 words
וְיֶ֨תֶר1 of 19

“Now the rest”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

דִּבְרֵ֖י2 of 19

“and the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

מְנַשֶּׁה֮3 of 19

“of Manasseh”

H4519

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

וּתְפִלָּת֣וֹ4 of 19

“and his prayer”

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

אֶל5 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלֹהֵ֣י6 of 19

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

דִּבְרֵ֖י7 of 19

“and the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַֽחֹזִ֔ים8 of 19

“of the seers”

H2374

a beholder in vision; also a compact (as looked upon with approval)

הַֽמְדַבְּרִ֣ים9 of 19

“that spake”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

אֵלָ֔יו10 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּשֵׁ֥ם11 of 19

“to him in the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֖ה12 of 19

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י13 of 19

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃14 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הִנָּ֕ם15 of 19
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

עַל16 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דִּבְרֵ֖י17 of 19

“and the words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

מַלְכֵ֥י18 of 19

“of the kings”

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃19 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 33:18 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 33:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 33:192 Chronicles 33:12-132 Chronicles 20:34Isaiah 30:10Amos 7:122 Kings 17:13

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