Jeremiah 15:4
And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
וּנְתַתִּ֣ים
And I will cause
H5414
וּנְתַתִּ֣ים
And I will cause
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
לְכֹ֖ל
H3605
לְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַמְלְכ֣וֹת
into all kingdoms
H4467
מַמְלְכ֣וֹת
into all kingdoms
Strong's:
H4467
Word #:
4 of 15
dominion, i.e., (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)
בִּ֠גְלַל
because
H1558
בִּ֠גְלַל
because
Strong's:
H1558
Word #:
6 of 15
a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of
מְנַשֶּׁ֤ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֤ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
7 of 15
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
8 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְחִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙
of Hezekiah
H3169
יְחִזְקִיָּ֙הוּ֙
of Hezekiah
Strong's:
H3169
Word #:
9 of 15
jechizkijah, the name of five israelites
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
H3063
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
Strong's:
H3063
Word #:
11 of 15
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
עַ֥ל
H5921
עַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 15
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Jeremiah 24:9And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.Jeremiah 29:18And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them:Deuteronomy 28:25The LORD shall cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies: thou shalt go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them: and shalt be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.Ezekiel 23:46For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled.Jeremiah 34:17Therefore thus saith the LORD; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, every one to his brother, and every man to his neighbour: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the LORD, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.Leviticus 26:33And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.2 Kings 21:2And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.
Historical Context
Manasseh's reign (697-642 BC) was Judah's longest and most evil. 2 Kings 21:10-15 and 23:26-27 explicitly cite his sins as the reason for Jerusalem's destruction, despite Josiah's subsequent reforms. The theology is clear: generational sin accumulates, and even good kings (Josiah) cannot reverse the consequences of deeply entrenched wickedness. Manasseh's legacy made judgment inevitable.
Questions for Reflection
- How can one king's sins have consequences for subsequent generations?
- What does Manasseh's example teach about the long-term effects of institutionalized apostasy?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse identifies the cause: 'And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.' The Hebrew za'avah (זַעֲוָה, horror, trembling object) describes Israel becoming something that horrifies observers. 'Because of Manasseh' names the specific king whose sins sealed Judah's fate. 2 Kings 21:1-18 catalogs Manasseh's abominations: rebuilding high places, Baal altars, Asherah poles, astral worship, child sacrifice in Hinnom Valley, sorcery, and filling Jerusalem with innocent blood. His fifty-five-year reign institutionalized apostasy beyond reversal.