2 Kings 21:11

Authorized King James Version

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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:

Original Language Analysis

יַעַן֩ H3282
יַעַן֩
Strong's: H3282
Word #: 1 of 20
properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause
אֲשֶׁ֨ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 2 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשׂ֥וּ did H6213
עָשׂ֥וּ did
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 3 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מְנַשֶּׁ֤ה Because Manasseh H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֤ה Because Manasseh
Strong's: H4519
Word #: 4 of 20
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מֶֽלֶךְ king H4428
מֶֽלֶךְ king
Strong's: H4428
Word #: 5 of 20
a king
יְהוּדָ֖ה him and hath made Judah H3063
יְהוּדָ֖ה him and hath made Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 6 of 20
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
הַתֹּֽעֵב֣וֹת these abominations H8441
הַתֹּֽעֵב֣וֹת these abominations
Strong's: H8441
Word #: 7 of 20
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
הָאֵ֔לֶּה H428
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
Strong's: H428
Word #: 8 of 20
these or those
הֵרַ֕ע and hath done wickedly H7489
הֵרַ֕ע and hath done wickedly
Strong's: H7489
Word #: 9 of 20
properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)
מִכֹּ֛ל H3605
מִכֹּ֛ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 10 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 11 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָשׂ֥וּ did H6213
עָשׂ֥וּ did
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 12 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֖י above all that the Amorites H567
הָֽאֱמֹרִ֖י above all that the Amorites
Strong's: H567
Word #: 13 of 20
an emorite, one of the canaanitish tribes
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 14 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לְפָנָ֑יו which were before H6440
לְפָנָ֑יו which were before
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 15 of 20
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיַּֽחֲטִ֥א also to sin H2398
וַיַּֽחֲטִ֥א also to sin
Strong's: H2398
Word #: 16 of 20
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
גַֽם H1571
גַֽם
Strong's: H1571
Word #: 17 of 20
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 18 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוּדָ֖ה him and hath made Judah H3063
יְהוּדָ֖ה him and hath made Judah
Strong's: H3063
Word #: 19 of 20
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
בְּגִלּוּלָֽיו׃ with his idols H1544
בְּגִלּוּלָֽיו׃ with his idols
Strong's: H1544
Word #: 20 of 20
properly, a log (as round); by implication, an idol

Analysis & 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.

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection

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