New International Version Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. New Living Translation Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother was Hephzibah. English Standard Version Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. Berean Standard Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. Berean Literal Bible Manasseh was a son of twelve years in his reigning, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. And the name of his mother was Hephzi-bah. King James Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah. New King James Version Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. New American Standard Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Hephzibah. NASB 1995 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Hephzibah. NASB 1977 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Hephzibah. Legacy Standard Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Hephzibah. Amplified Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. Berean Annotated Bible Manasseh (causing to forget) was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem (city of peace) fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah (my delight is in her). Christian Standard Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. Holman Christian Standard Bible Manasseh was 12 years old when he became king and reigned 55 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. American Standard Version Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned five and fifty years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Hephzibah. Contemporary English Version Manasseh was 12 years old when he became king of Judah, and he ruled 55 years from Jerusalem. His mother was Hephzibah. English Revised Version Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned five and fifty years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Hephzi-bah. GOD'S WORD® Translation Manasseh was 12 years old when he began to rule, and he ruled for 55 years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Hephzibah. Good News Translation Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king of Judah, and he ruled in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. His mother was Hephzibah. International Standard Version Manasseh began to reign at the age of twelve, and he reigned for 55 years in Jerusalem. His mother was named Hephzibah. NET Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother was Hephzibah. New Heart English Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Hephzibah. Webster's Bible Translation Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzi-bah. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleManasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. World English Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionManasseh [is] a son of twelve years in his reigning, and he has reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother [is] Hephzi-Bah; Berean Literal Bible Manasseh was a son of twelve years in his reigning, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. And the name of his mother was Hephzi-bah. Young's Literal Translation A son of twelve years is Manasseh in his reigning, and fifty and five years he hath reigned in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother is Hephzi-Bah; Smith's Literal Translation Manasseh the son of twelve years in his reigning, and fifty and five years he reigned in Jerusalem. And his mother's name Hephzibah. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleManasses was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned five and fifty years in Jerusalem: the name of his mother was Haphsiba. Catholic Public Domain Version Manasseh was twelve years old when he had begun to reign, and he reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem. The name of his mother was Hephzibah. New American Bible Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. New Revised Standard Version Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMANASSEH was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Manassheh was a son of twelve years when he became king, and he reigned fiftyfive years in Jerusalem, and the name of his mother was Khebtsibah. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned five and fifty years in Jerusalem; and his mother's name was Hephzi-bah. Brenton Septuagint Translation Manasses was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother's name was Apsiba. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Manasseh Reigns in Judah1Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. 2And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.… Cross References Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, 2 Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. 2 Kings 18:2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abi, the daughter of Zechariah. 2 Kings 24:18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. 2 Chronicles 33:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. 2 Kings 15:33 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. His mother’s name was Jerusha daughter of Zadok. 2 Kings 23:36 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eleven years. His mother’s name was Zebidah daughter of Pedaiah; she was from Rumah. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. Isaiah 62:4 No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land named Desolate; but you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be His bride. 2 Kings 14:2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem. 2 Kings 23:31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Hamutal daughter of Jeremiah; she was from Libnah. 2 Kings 20:21 And Hezekiah rested with his fathers, and his son Manasseh reigned in his place. 2 Kings 18:1 In the third year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz became king of Judah. 2 Kings 16:2 Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God. 2 Kings 23:26 Nevertheless, the LORD did not turn away from the fury of His burning anger, which was kindled against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke Him to anger. 2 Kings 24:3-4 Surely this happened to Judah at the LORD’s command, to remove them from His presence because of the sins of Manasseh and all that he had done, / and also for the innocent blood he had shed. For he had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, and the LORD was unwilling to forgive. Isaiah 7:1 Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. Jeremiah 15:4 I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem. Treasury of Scripture Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah. A. 2 Kings 20:21 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead. 1 Chronicles 3:13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, 2 Chronicles 32:33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead. Manasses. Proverbs 5:19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. Isaiah 62:4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. Jump to Previous Fifty Fifty-Five Five Hephzibah Hephzi-Bah Jerusalem Manasseh Manas'seh Mother Mother's Reign Reigned Ruling TwelveJump to Next Fifty Fifty-Five Five Hephzibah Hephzi-Bah Jerusalem Manasseh Manas'seh Mother Mother's Reign Reigned Ruling Twelve2 Kings 21 1. Manasseh's reign.3. His great idolatry. 10. His wickedness causes prophecies against Judah. 17. Amon succeeds him. 19. Amon's wicked reign. 23. He being slain by his servants, and those murderers slain by the people, 26. Josiah is made king. Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, Manasseh inherited the throne of Judah after the godly reign of Hezekiah, whose reforms had removed idols and called the nation back to the worship of the Lord. His youth would have made him dependent upon the guidance of royal officials and those closest to the court. Rather than continuing his father’s faithfulness, Manasseh soon led Judah into rebellion against God, reversing much of Hezekiah’s work. Joash had also ascended Judah’s throne as a child, showing that the preservation of the kingdom depended not upon a king’s age but upon the Lord and the king’s response to His word. 2Ki 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he became king,… and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. Manasseh’s reign was the longest recorded for any king of Judah or Israel. The long duration of his rule gave his idolatry deep influence throughout Judah and Jerusalem. Second Chronicles records that he erected pagan altars, practiced occultism, shed much innocent blood, and led the people into sins worse than those of the nations the Lord had driven from the land. Yet his later repentance, recorded in 2 Chronicles 33:10–13, reveals that God heard him when he humbled himself in captivity. His restoration did not remove all the consequences of the evil he had established, and Judah continued on a course toward the judgment later carried out through Babylon. 2Ch 33:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king,… His mother’s name was Hephzibah. Hephzibah is named among the royal mothers whose identity was preserved in the record of Judah’s kings. Scripture does not describe her influence upon Manasseh’s early life, but her inclusion identifies the family from which he came and underscores the personal responsibility of a king raised within the covenant people. Her name also appears in Isaiah’s promise that Zion would be called Hephzibah, “My delight is in her,” when the Lord restores His people. Isa 62:4 No longer will you be called Forsaken, nor your land… Persons / Places / Events 1. ManassehThe son of Hezekiah, Manasseh became king of Judah at a young age. His reign is noted for its length and for leading Judah into idolatry and sin. 2. Hephzibah The mother of Manasseh, her name means "My delight is in her" in Hebrew. She is mentioned briefly, indicating her role in Manasseh's life. 3. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, where Manasseh reigned. It was the spiritual and political center of the kingdom. 4. Reign of Fifty-Five Years Manasseh's reign was the longest of any king of Judah, marked by significant religious and moral decline. Teaching Points The Influence of LeadershipManasseh's reign shows how a leader's actions can lead a nation toward or away from God. Leaders today must be mindful of their influence and seek to lead with integrity and faithfulness to God's Word. The Impact of Parental Guidance While Hephzibah is mentioned briefly, the role of parents in shaping the spiritual direction of their children is significant. Parents are called to nurture their children in the faith, teaching them to love and obey God. The Possibility of Repentance Despite Manasseh's initial rebellion, his account in 2 Chronicles 33 demonstrates that repentance is always possible. No matter how far one strays, God is willing to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. The Consequences of Idolatry Manasseh's idolatry led to severe consequences for Judah, reminding us of the dangers of placing anything above God in our lives. We must guard our hearts against modern forms of idolatry. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 21:1?2. How does Manasseh's age as king influence our understanding of his reign's impact? 3. What lessons can we learn from Manasseh's early start in leadership? 4. How does 2 Kings 21:1 connect with Deuteronomy's warnings about idolatry? 5. How can we ensure our leadership aligns with God's will, unlike Manasseh's? 6. What role does parental guidance play in shaping a child's future decisions? 7. How does Manasseh's reign in 2 Kings 21:1 challenge the concept of divine justice? 8. Why did God allow Manasseh to reign for 55 years despite his evil actions? 9. What archaeological evidence supports the historical accuracy of Manasseh's reign? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 21? What Does 2 Kings 21:1 Mean Manasseh“Manasseh” • Scripture introduces Manasseh as the son of Hezekiah, a godly king who trusted the LORD (2 Kings 20:1–6; 2 Chron 32:33). The sharp contrast between father and son reminds us that every generation must choose obedience for itself (Deuteronomy 30:19–20). • His name, tied to Joseph’s firstborn (Genesis 41:51), points to God’s faithfulness to the tribes, even when individuals rebel. • Though Manasseh will lead Judah into deep idolatry (2 Kings 21:2–9), God’s Word records his story to warn and instruct (Romans 15:4). • The historical record in 2 Chron 33 shows that even such a king could find mercy when he humbled himself, highlighting the boundless grace of God (Psalm 86:5). was twelve years old when he became king “was twelve years old when he became king” • A twelve-year-old on the throne underscores the literal, historical detail of Scripture. Young rulers were not unprecedented: Joash began at seven (2 Kings 11:21), and Josiah at eight (2 Kings 22:1). • The verse implies a regency or counselors guiding him at first, yet accountability rests on the king himself (Proverbs 20:11). • The early start shows how much influence leaders and parents have on a child’s direction (Proverbs 22:6). Sadly, Manasseh’s path diverged from his father’s devotion (2 Kings 18:5–7). and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years “and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years” • This is the longest reign of any king of Judah or Israel, a literal half-century plus five (2 Chron 33:1). • God’s patience is evident: decades passed before judgment fell, illustrating 2 Peter 3:9—He is “patient… not wanting anyone to perish.” • Length of reign did not equal divine approval. Compare Asa’s forty-one good years (1 Kings 15:10) with Ahab’s twenty-two evil years (1 Kings 16:29–30). Longevity is not the measure; faithfulness is (1 Samuel 15:22). • The setting “in Jerusalem” ties Manasseh to the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:13–16). Even when kings fail, the LORD preserves His promise (Psalm 89:30–37). His mother’s name was Hephzibah “His mother’s name was Hephzibah” • Scripture notes mothers of kings to emphasize the family’s role in shaping rulers (2 Kings 23:31, 36). Hephzibah means “My delight is in her,” echoed in Isaiah 62:4 as God speaks affectionately of restored Zion. • The mention assures us these events happened to real people in real families—another affirmation of Scripture’s historical reliability (Luke 1:1–4). • Hephzibah was likely alive during Hezekiah’s reforms, yet her son embraced idolatry. Spiritual legacy, while vital, is never automatic; each heart must personally cling to the LORD (Ezekiel 18:20). • God’s Word gives her name to remind readers that even those with honored heritage can drift, underscoring the need for continual faithfulness (1 Corinthians 10:12). summary 2 Kings 21:1 records literal historical facts: a real king, a specific age, an unparalleled fifty-five-year reign, and a mother named Hephzibah. Together these details reveal God’s meticulous record-keeping, His patience toward sinners, and the truth that every generation—and every individual—must choose whether to walk in covenant faithfulness. (1) Manasseh.—This king was a tributary to Esar-haddon and Assurbanipal successively. (See Schrader, Keilinschr., pp. 354-357, who says: M The conclusion is imperative that during the last period of the reign of Esarhaddon and Assurbanipal, certainly during the first period of the latter, Manasseh was tributary to the great king of Assyria.” (See the Notes on 2Chronicles 33:11.) His name, like that of his successor Amon, suggests Egyptian influence. We know that combinations with Egypt against Assyria were popular during this epoch.Twelve years old.—This early accession to power may help to explain his deviation from the religious policy of his father. It is not necessary to assume (with Thenius) that the queen-mother swayed the government until he reached a riper age. Manasseh may have been older than his years. According to the datum of the text, he was born a year or two after the Assyrian invasion. Whether he was Hezekiah’s firstborn son or not cannot be ascertained. Hephzi-bah.—Isaiah 62:4, as a title of Mount Zion. It means “my delight is in her.” Verse 1. - Manasaeh was twelve years old. Manasseh was thus not born till three years after Hezekiah's dangerous illness, or till the year B.C. 710. Hezekiah may have given him the name in the spirit in which Joseph gave it to his firstborn (Genesis 41:51), because God, in at last blessing him with a son, had "made him forget" his dangerous illness, with the griefs and regrets that accompanied it. "Manasseh" means "Forgetting." When he began to reign - in B.C. 698 or 697, the seventh or eighth year of Sennacherib - and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. So the author of Chronicles (2 Chronicles 33:1) and Josephus ('Ant. Jud.,' 10:3. § 2). The reign exceeds in length that of any other King of Judah or Israel. And his mother's name was Hephzibah. "Hephzibah" means "My delight is in her." Isaiah gives it as a name of honor to the restored Jerusalem (Isaiah 62:4). It has been conjectured that, as queen-mother, Hephzibah was regent during her son's minority. But there is no trace of her regency either in Kings or Chronicles.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Manassehמְנַשֶּׁ֣ה (mə·naš·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4519: Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites was twelve שְׁתֵּ֨ים (šə·têm) Number - fd Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) years old בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son when he became king, בְמָלְכ֔וֹ (ḇə·mā·lə·ḵōw) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel and he reigned מָלַ֖ךְ (mā·laḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel in Jerusalem בִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (bî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel fifty-five וַחֲמִשִּׁ֤ים (wa·ḥă·miš·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural Strong's 2572: Fifty years. שָׁנָ֔ה (šā·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8141: A year His mother’s אִמּ֖וֹ (’im·mōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 517: A mother, ) name וְשֵׁ֥ם (wə·šêm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8034: A name was Hephzibah. בָֽהּ׃ (ḇāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 2657: Hephzibah -- 'my delight is in her', a name for Zion, also the mother of King Manasseh Additonal Resources 2 Kings 21:1 Blue Letter Bible2 Kings 21:1 Bible Gateway 2 Kings 21:1 Bible.com 2 Kings 21:1 NIV |
    |