What number verse is 2 Chronicles 33:6 in the Bible?

2 Chronicles 33:6 is the 11,915th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Chronicles 33:6 sits at position 11,915.

33:533:5

2 Chronicles 33:6

Q: Why was the "valley of the son of Hinnom" significant?

The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Hebrew: Ge Hinnom), a deep ravine located just outside the southern wall of Jerusalem, became infamous as the primary site where these abhorrent child sacrifices were conducted, particularly during the reigns of wicked kings like Manasseh and Ahaz. Due to the unspeakable atrocities committed there, it became a symbol of defilement and abomination. In later Jewish and Christian tradition, the name "Gehenna" (derived from Ge Hinnom) evolved to become a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, hell, and eternal destruction, frequently referenced in various New Testament passages (e.g., Matthew 5:22 and Mark 9:43).

33:733:7

Translation

King James Version

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And he caused ^H5674 his children ^H1121 to pass through ^H5674 the fire ^H784 in the valley ^H1516 of the son ^H1121 of Hinnom ^H2011: also he observed times ^H6049, and used enchantments ^H5172, and used witchcraft ^H3784, and dealt ^H6213 with a familiar spirit ^H178, and with wizards ^H3049: he wrought ^H6213 much ^H7235 evil ^H7451 in the sight ^H5869 of the LORD ^H3068, to provoke him to anger ^H3707.

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Complete Jewish Bible

He made his children pass through the fire [as a sacrifice] in the Ben-Hinnom Valley. He practiced soothsaying, divination and sorcery; and he appointed mediums and persons who used spirit guides. He did much that was evil from ADONAI's perspective, thus provoking him to anger.

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Berean Standard Bible

He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

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American Standard Version

He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; and he practised augury, and used enchantments, and practised sorcery, and dealt with them that had familiar spirits, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger.

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World English Bible Messianic

He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; and he practiced sorcery, and used enchantments, and practiced sorcery, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And he caused his sonnes to passe through the fire in the valley of Ben-hinnom: he gaue him selfe to witchcraft and to charming and to sorcerie, and he vsed them that had familiar spirits, and soothsayers: hee did very much euill in the sight of the Lord to anger him.

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Young's Literal Translation

And he hath caused his sons to pass over through fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and observed clouds and used enchantments and witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and a wizard; he hath multiplied to do the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, to provoke him to anger.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Chronicles 33:6 provides a chilling indictment of King Manasseh of Judah, son of the righteous Hezekiah, detailing his profound spiritual rebellion. This verse meticulously catalogues his egregious sins, including the horrific practice of child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom, alongside a comprehensive embrace of various occult practices such as observing times, enchantments, witchcraft, dealing with familiar spirits, and consulting wizards. Manasseh's actions represent a deliberate and extensive departure from the covenant with Yahweh, culminating in a direct provocation of the LORD's righteous anger through his widespread evil.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse immediately follows the account of Manasseh's ascent to the throne, succeeding his father, King Hezekiah, a monarch renowned for his fervent devotion and significant religious reforms, as chronicled in 2 Chronicles 29-32. The detailed description of Manasseh's profound wickedness in 2 Chronicles 33:2-9 stands in stark and tragic contrast to Hezekiah's righteous leadership, highlighting a dramatic and devastating reversal of spiritual trajectory for the kingdom of Judah. Verse 6 specifically enumerates the most abhorrent of Manasseh's practices, meticulously laying out the depth of his apostasy. This serves to set the stage for the severe divine judgment that would eventually befall Judah, while also providing a dark backdrop against which Manasseh's later, miraculous repentance and restoration, described in 2 Chronicles 33:10-13, will shine as a testament to God's boundless mercy. The immediate juxtaposition of his reign with that of his father powerfully emphasizes the profound impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual health and destiny.
Historical & Cultural Context: Manasseh's exceptionally long reign of 55 years (c. 697-642 BC) occurred during a period when Judah was largely a vassal state to the formidable Assyrian Empire. Assyrian influence extended beyond political subjugation to cultural and religious spheres, often encouraging or imposing the worship of their own deities and associated practices upon conquered nations. Child sacrifice, particularly to the Ammonite god Molech, was a gruesome and widespread ritual practiced by various pagan cultures throughout the ancient Near East. This abhorrent practice was explicitly and repeatedly condemned by Yahweh in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 18:10). The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Hebrew: Ge Hinnom), a geographical ravine located just south of Jerusalem, became infamously associated with these horrific acts, eventually evolving into a symbolic place of defilement and divine judgment. The various occult practices listed in the verse—observing times, enchantments, witchcraft, dealing with familiar spirits, and consulting wizards—were also prevalent in the ancient world, representing attempts to manipulate divine forces or gain forbidden knowledge through means other than God's revealed will. All such practices were strictly forbidden for Israel, being deemed abominations to the LORD (Deuteronomy 18:9-12).
Key Themes: This verse powerfully illuminates several central themes. Foremost among them is profound apostasy and idolatry, demonstrating the depths to which a nation can fall when its leadership comprehensively abandons God. Manasseh's actions represent a radical and comprehensive violation of the Mosaic Covenant, directly challenging God's exclusive claim to Israel's worship and His inherent holiness. The verse also starkly underscores the destructive power of wicked leadership, as Manasseh's pervasive influence led the entire nation astray, undoing the reforms of his father. Furthermore, it highlights God's righteous anger and judgment as a just and inevitable response to such blatant and extensive rebellion against His divine authority and moral law. While this particular verse focuses solely on the depth of Manasseh's depravity, the broader narrative of 2 Chronicles 33 ultimately introduces the contrasting theme of divine mercy and the possibility of radical repentance, even for the most grievous sins, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Pass through (Hebrew, ʻâbar', H5674): This primitive root signifies a transition, "to cross over," and is used very widely for any movement from one state or place to another. In this context, when combined with "fire," it refers specifically to the horrific ritual of child sacrifice, implying the act of causing children to pass through or into the flames as an offering. This was not merely a symbolic purification but the literal immolation of human life, an act of extreme defiance against Yahweh.
Familiar spirit (Hebrew, ʼôwb', H178): Derived from a word suggesting a "mumble" or "hollow sound," this term refers to a necromancer or a medium who claimed to communicate with the dead. The practice involved ventriloquism or other deceptive means to simulate voices from the deceased. Such consultation of the dead or spirits was a direct affront to God's sovereignty and a forbidden attempt to gain knowledge outside of His divine revelation, explicitly condemned in the Law.
Provoke him to anger (Hebrew, kaʻaç', H3707): This primitive root means "to trouble," and by implication, "to grieve," "rage," or "be indignant." In this context, it emphasizes that Manasseh's actions were not accidental transgressions but deliberate, intentional affronts to God's holiness, justice, and covenantal relationship with Israel. God's anger here is not an irrational outburst but a righteous and just response to profound betrayal, spiritual adultery, and the shedding of innocent blood.

Verse Breakdown

"And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom:" This opening clause details the most heinous of Manasseh's sins: the sacrifice of his own offspring. This act, committed in the notorious Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna), underscores the depth of his apostasy and his willingness to embrace the most abhorrent pagan practices. It signifies a complete disregard for human life, the sanctity of family, and the divine law, representing the ultimate act of defiance against the covenant God had established with Israel.
"also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards:" This comprehensive and cumulative list enumerates various forms of divination and occult practices that Manasseh engaged in. "Observed times" (Hebrew, 'onen) refers to divination through omens, clouds, or auspicious times. "Enchantments" (Hebrew, nachash) relates to various forms of augury and divination, perhaps involving snake charming. "Witchcraft" (Hebrew, kashaph) involves spell-casting and sorcery. "Dealt with a familiar spirit" (Hebrew, 'ov) refers to consulting mediums or necromancers who claimed to communicate with the dead. "Wizards" (Hebrew, yidde'oni) are those who possess occult knowledge or communicate with spirits. Together, these practices reveal Manasseh's full immersion in forbidden spiritual activities, seeking power and knowledge from demonic or deceptive sources rather than from the living God.
"he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger." This concluding statement serves as a theological summary and commentary on Manasseh's actions. It emphasizes that his wickedness was not hidden but was blatant and offensive "in the sight of the LORD," who perceives all things. The explicit mention of "provoking God to anger" highlights the severity of his covenant violations and the direct challenge his actions posed to God's sovereignty and holiness. It signifies God's righteous indignation against such a profound and deliberate betrayal, underscoring the gravity of his sin.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several impactful literary devices that amplify its message of profound spiritual depravity. A prominent device is Catalogue/List, evident in the comprehensive enumeration of various occult practices ("observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards"). This detailed listing emphasizes the pervasive and comprehensive nature of Manasseh's spiritual perversion, leaving no doubt about the extensive reach of his rebellion against Yahweh. The phrase "he wrought much evil" functions as a form of Hyperbole or Intensification, underscoring the extreme degree of his wickedness and its cumulative, overwhelming effect. Furthermore, the explicit statement that his actions were "to provoke him to anger" serves as a direct Statement of Consequence and Theological Commentary, revealing God's emotional and righteous response to such profound covenant breaking. Finally, the mention of the "valley of the son of Hinnom" carries a strong element of Symbolism, as this specific geographical location became synonymous with horrific apostasy and, later in Jewish and Christian tradition, a powerful symbol of divine judgment and hell (Gehenna).

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

2 Chronicles 33:6 serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the gravity of idolatry and spiritual rebellion in the eyes of a holy God. Manasseh's actions represent the ultimate betrayal of the covenant relationship, substituting the worship of the one true God with the most abhorrent pagan practices, including the sacrifice of innocent human life. This verse profoundly underscores that God's anger is not capricious or irrational, but a righteous and just response to direct affronts against His character, His revealed commands, and His covenant faithfulness. It teaches that seeking power, knowledge, or security outside of God, whether through ancient occult rituals or modern forms of spiritualism, self-reliance, or material pursuits, is a dangerous and detestable act that incurs divine displeasure. The comprehensive nature of Manasseh's sin highlights humanity's inherent propensity for depravity when left to its own devices and the profound, desperate need for divine intervention and redemption.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Manasseh's reign, as chillingly encapsulated in this verse, stands as a profound warning against the seductive power of idolatry and spiritual compromise. While we may not literally "pass our children through the fire" or consult "wizards" in the same ancient manner, the underlying principles of Manasseh's sin remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. Modern idolatry often manifests in more subtle, yet equally insidious, forms: the worship of self, the relentless pursuit of success, the accumulation of material possessions, the craving for power, or even the adoption of ideologies that subtly displace God from the absolute center of our lives. Any pursuit that promises ultimate satisfaction, security, or meaning apart from Christ becomes an idol. This verse calls us to a radical and honest self-examination, prompting us to discern where we might be seeking guidance, comfort, or control outside of God's revealed will in His Word and through His Spirit. It reminds us of the immense responsibility inherent in leadership, whether in a nation, a church, or a family, as our choices profoundly impact those under our influence. Ultimately, Manasseh's story, though beginning with such profound wickedness, later reveals God's boundless mercy and willingness to forgive even the most heinous sins upon genuine repentance, offering a powerful and enduring message of hope for all who turn to Him in humility and faith.

Questions for Reflection

In what subtle ways might I be "observing times" or "using enchantments" by seeking guidance or security from sources other than God's Word and the leading of His Spirit?
What "idols" in my life, whether they are material possessions, relationships, personal ambitions, or even intellectual pursuits, might be subtly displacing God from His rightful place of ultimate authority and worship?
How does the example of Manasseh's profound wickedness, contrasted with his later, radical repentance, challenge or confirm my understanding of God's justice and His boundless mercy?

FAQ

What exactly was "passing children through the fire"?

Answer: "Passing children through the fire" was a horrific ritual of child sacrifice, primarily associated with the worship of the Ammonite deity Molech. It involved literally burning children as an offering to this pagan god, often in the Valley of Hinnom. This was not merely a symbolic purification ritual but the actual immolation of infants and young children. The practice was an extreme act of devotion to false gods and a direct, abominable violation of God's covenant with Israel, explicitly forbidden in the Mosaic Law (e.g., Leviticus 18:21 and Deuteronomy 12:31).

Why was the "valley of the son of Hinnom" significant?

Answer: The "valley of the son of Hinnom" (Hebrew: Ge Hinnom), a deep ravine located just outside the southern wall of Jerusalem, became infamous as the primary site where these abhorrent child sacrifices were conducted, particularly during the reigns of wicked kings like Manasseh and Ahaz. Due to the unspeakable atrocities committed there, it became a symbol of defilement and abomination. In later Jewish and Christian tradition, the name "Gehenna" (derived from Ge Hinnom) evolved to become a powerful metaphor for divine judgment, hell, and eternal destruction, frequently referenced in various New Testament passages (e.g., Matthew 5:22 and Mark 9:43).

What does it mean that Manasseh's actions "provoke him to anger"?

Answer: This phrase signifies that Manasseh's actions were not minor transgressions but direct, deliberate, and profound affronts to God's holy character, His covenant, and His exclusive claim to Israel's worship. God's "anger" here is not an irrational or capricious outburst but a righteous and just indignation against blatant rebellion, spiritual adultery, and the unspeakable evil of child sacrifice. It underscores the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood, and His unwavering commitment to His own holiness and justice. It reflects God's covenant faithfulness, as He had warned Israel of the dire consequences of such disobedience (e.g., Deuteronomy 28).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

2 Chronicles 33:6, with its grim depiction of King Manasseh's profound depravity and comprehensive embrace of evil, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a Savior. Manasseh's willingness to sacrifice his own children and immerse himself in forbidden occult practices reveals the horrifying depth of human rebellion and the utter futility of seeking life, power, or wisdom apart from God. This verse highlights the righteous anger of God against sin, an anger that ultimately finds its perfect and just satisfaction not in the destruction of humanity, but in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The ultimate "passing through the fire" was endured by the Lamb of God on the cross, where He bore the full weight of divine wrath for the sins of the world, including the very abominations that Manasseh committed (Isaiah 53:5-6). Christ, as the true Prophet, Priest, and King, perfectly fulfills what Manasseh so grievously failed to uphold. He is the one who truly observes God's times, not through divination, but through perfect obedience to the Father's will and divine timing (John 5:19 and Galatians 4:4). He is the ultimate source of all wisdom and power, making all occult practices obsolete and demonic (Colossians 2:8-10). Furthermore, Manasseh's later, radical repentance (though not detailed in this specific verse) points forward to the boundless grace and forgiveness made available through Christ's atoning sacrifice, demonstrating that even the most heinous sins can be cleansed and forgiven through genuine faith in Him (1 John 1:9 and Ephesians 2:4-5). The Valley of Hinnom, a place of death and judgment, foreshadows the ultimate judgment from which Christ delivers those who trust in Him, offering eternal life and reconciliation instead of destruction (John 3:16).

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 33 verses 1–10

1 ¶ Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:

2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.

4 Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.

5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.

6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:

8 Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.

9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.

10 And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.

We have here an account of the great wickedness of Manasseh. It is the same almost word for word with that which we had Kg2 21:1-9, and took a melancholy view of. It is no such pleasing subject that we should delight to dwell upon it again. This foolish young prince, in contradiction to the good example and good education his father gave him, abandoned himself to all impiety, transcribed the abominations of the heathen (Ch2 33:2), ruined the established religion, unravelled his father's glorious reformation (Ch2 33:3), profaned the house of God with his idolatry (Ch2 33:4, Ch2 33:5), dedicated his children to Moloch, and made the devil's lying oracles his guides and his counsellors, Ch2 33:6. In contempt of the choice God had made of Sion to be his rest for ever and Israel to be his covenant-people (Ch2 33:8), and the fair terms he stood upon with God, he embraced other gods, profaned God's chosen temple, and debauched his chosen people. He made them to err, and do worse than the heathen (Ch2 33:9); for, if the unclean spirit returns, he brings with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself. That which aggravated the sin of Manasseh was that God spoke to him and his people by the prophets, but they would not hearken, Ch2 33:10. We may here admire the grace of God in speaking to them, and their obstinacy in turning a deaf ear to him, that either their badness did not quite turn away his goodness, but still he waited to be gracious, or that his goodness did not turn them from their badness, but still they hated to be reformed. Now from this let us learn, 1. That it is no new thing, but a very sad thing, for the children of godly parents to turn aside from that good way of God in which they have been trained. Parents may give many good things to their children, but they cannot give them grace. 2. Corruptions in worship are such diseases of the church as it is very apt to relapse into again even when they seem to be cured. 3. The god of this world has strangely blinded men's minds, and has a wonderful power over those that are led captive by him; else he could not draw them from God, their best friend, to depend upon their sworn enemy.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

Leviticus 19:31
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
2 Chronicles 28:3
Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.
Leviticus 19:26
Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.
2 Kings 21:6
And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
Leviticus 18:21
And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 20:6
And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.
Jeremiah 7:31
And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart.