King James Version
What Does 2 Kings 21:17 Mean?
“Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?”
2 Kings 21:17 · KJV
Context
15
Because they have done that which was evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even unto this day.
16
Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of the LORD. from: Heb. from mouth to mouth
17
Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
18
And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.
19
Amon was twenty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryNow the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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.
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
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 21 regarding unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 18 wordsוְיֶ֨תֶר1 of 18
“Now the rest”
H3499properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
דִּבְרֵ֥י2 of 18
“of the acts”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
מְנַשֶּׁה֙3 of 18
“of Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
וְכָל4 of 18
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 18
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
וְחַטָּאת֖וֹ7 of 18
“and his sin”
H2403an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 18
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חָטָ֑א9 of 18
“that he sinned”
H2398properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
הֲלֹא10 of 18
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כְּתוּבִ֗ים12 of 18
“are they not written”
H3789to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
עַל13 of 18
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דִּבְרֵ֥י15 of 18
“of the acts”
H1697a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַיָּמִ֖ים16 of 18
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
יְהוּדָֽה׃18 of 18
“of Judah”
H3063jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
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 21:17 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 21:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge