King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 21:11 Mean?

2 Kings 21:11 in the King James Version says “Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, whi... — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:

2 Kings 21:11 · KJV


Context

9

But they hearkened not: and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than did the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the children of Israel.

10

And the LORD spake by his servants the prophets, saying,

11

Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:

12

Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whosoever heareth of it, both his ears shall tingle.

13

And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down. wiping: Heb. he wipeth and turneth it upon the face thereof


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 21: Unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. In Judah's later history, we see both genuine reforms and deep-rooted corruption, revealing that external religious activity cannot substitute for heart transformation.

The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Historical Setting: 2 Kings 21 takes place during the final century of Judah's existence, 7th century BCE, including Manasseh and Josiah's reigns. The chapter's theme (Manasseh and Amon's Evil Reigns) reflects the historical reality of the worst apostasy under Manasseh followed by the most thorough reforms under Josiah, demonstrating that external righteousness cannot reverse God's determined judgment. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 21 regarding unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment?
  2. What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
  3. In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
יַעַן֩1 of 20
H3282

properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 20
H834

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

עָשׂ֥וּ3 of 20

did

H6213

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

מְנַשֶּׁ֤ה4 of 20

Because Manasseh

H4519

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

מֶֽלֶךְ5 of 20

king

H4428

a king

יְהוּדָ֖ה6 of 20

him and hath made Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

הַתֹּֽעֵב֣וֹת7 of 20

these abominations

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

הָאֵ֔לֶּה8 of 20
H428

these or those

הֵרַ֕ע9 of 20

and hath done wickedly

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

מִכֹּ֛ל10 of 20
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁר11 of 20
H834

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

עָשׂ֥וּ12 of 20

did

H6213

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

הָֽאֱמֹרִ֖י13 of 20

above all that the Amorites

H567

an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes

אֲשֶׁ֣ר14 of 20
H834

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

לְפָנָ֑יו15 of 20

which were before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַיַּֽחֲטִ֥א16 of 20

also to sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

גַֽם17 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אֶת18 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוּדָ֖ה19 of 20

him and hath made Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

בְּגִלּוּלָֽיו׃20 of 20

with his idols

H1544

properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

2 Kings 21:11 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 Kings 21:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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