King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 33:22 Mean?

2 Chronicles 33:22 in the King James Version says “But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the ca...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 33 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;”

2 Chronicles 33:22 · KJV

Context

20

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

21

Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem.

22

But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;

23

And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more. trespassed more and more: Heb. multiplied trespass

24

And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house.

Read 2 Chronicles 33 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;

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 · 17 words
עָשָׂה֙1 of 17

“But he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הָרַע֙2 of 17

“that which was evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בְּעֵינֵ֣י3 of 17

“in the sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 17

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂה֙6 of 17

“But he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה7 of 17

“Manasseh”

H4519

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

אָבִ֔יו8 of 17

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וּלְכָל9 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַפְּסִילִ֗ים10 of 17

“unto all the carved images”

H6456

an idol

אֲשֶׁ֤ר11 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂה֙12 of 17

“But he did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה13 of 17

“Manasseh”

H4519

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

אָבִ֔יו14 of 17

“his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

זִבַּ֥ח15 of 17

“sacrificed”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

אָמ֖וֹן16 of 17

“for Amon”

H526

amon, the name of three israelites

וַיַּֽעַבְדֵֽם׃17 of 17

“and served”

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

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 33:22 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 33:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 34:3-4Isaiah 44:13-202 Kings 21:1-112 Kings 21:20Ezekiel 20:182 Chronicles 33:1-10

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