2 Kings 21:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְגַם֩
H1571
וְגַם֩
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 24
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
דָּ֨ם
blood
H1818
דָּ֨ם
blood
Strong's:
H1818
Word #:
2 of 24
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
שָׁפַ֤ךְ
shed
H8210
שָׁפַ֤ךְ
shed
Strong's:
H8210
Word #:
4 of 24
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc
מְנַשֶּׁה֙
Moreover Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁה֙
Moreover Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
5 of 24
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מְאֹ֔ד
very
H3966
מְאֹ֔ד
very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
7 of 24
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
עַ֛ד
H5704
עַ֛ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
8 of 24
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
מִלֵּ֥א
till he had filled
H4390
מִלֵּ֥א
till he had filled
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
10 of 24
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Jerusalem
H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
12 of 24
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
לָפֶ֑ה
from one end
H6310
לָפֶ֑ה
from one end
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
13 of 24
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
לָפֶ֑ה
from one end
H6310
לָפֶ֑ה
from one end
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
14 of 24
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
לְבַ֤ד
H905
לְבַ֤ד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
15 of 24
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
מֵֽחַטָּאתוֹ֙
beside his sin
H2403
מֵֽחַטָּאתוֹ֙
beside his sin
Strong's:
H2403
Word #:
16 of 24
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֶֽחֱטִ֣יא
to sin
H2398
הֶֽחֱטִ֣יא
to sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
18 of 24
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוּדָ֔ה
wherewith he made Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
wherewith he made Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
20 of 24
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
in doing
H6213
לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת
in doing
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
21 of 24
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הָרַ֖ע
that which was evil
H7451
הָרַ֖ע
that which was evil
Strong's:
H7451
Word #:
22 of 24
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
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
- 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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 21: Unprecedented wickedness brings irreversible judgment. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. 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.