King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 21:18 Mean?

2 Kings 21:18 in the King James Version says “And Manasseh slept with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon his ...” — study this verse from 2 Kings chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Kings 21:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did.

Read 2 Kings 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 21: Unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment. 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.

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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 · 13 words
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב1 of 13

“slept”

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

מְנַשֶּׁה֙2 of 13

“And Manasseh”

H4519

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

עִם3 of 13
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אֲבֹתָ֔יו4 of 13

“with his fathers”

H1

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

וַיִּקָּבֵ֥ר5 of 13

“and was buried”

H6912

to inter

בְּגַן6 of 13

“in the garden”

H1588

a garden (as fenced)

בֵּית֖וֹ7 of 13

“of his own house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

בְּגַן8 of 13

“in the garden”

H1588

a garden (as fenced)

עֻזָּ֑א9 of 13

“of Uzza”

H5798

uzza or uzzah, the name of five israelites

וַיִּמְלֹ֛ךְ10 of 13

“reigned”

H4427

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אָמ֥וֹן11 of 13

“and Amon”

H526

amon, the name of three israelites

בְּנ֖וֹ12 of 13

“his son”

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

תַּחְתָּֽיו׃13 of 13
H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

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 21:18 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 Kings 21:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 33:202 Kings 21:262 Chronicles 28:27Jeremiah 22:192 Chronicles 32:332 Chronicles 24:16

Places in This Verse

UzzaGarden · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in 2 Kings 21 →

Test Your Knowledge

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