2 Kings 21:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover Manasseh {H4519} shed {H8210} innocent {H5355} blood {H1818} very {H3966} much {H7235}, till he had filled {H4390} Jerusalem {H3389} from one end {H6310} to another {H6310}; beside his sin {H2403} wherewith he made Judah {H3063} to sin {H2398}, in doing {H6213} that which was evil {H7451} in the sight {H5869} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, M'nasheh shed so much innocent blood that he flooded Yerushalayim from one end to the other - this in addition to his sin through which he caused Y'hudah to sin by doing what is evil from ADONAI's perspective.

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, Manasseh shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end, in addition to the sin that he had caused Judah to commit, doing evil in the sight of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; besides his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 21:16 starkly portrays King Manasseh's profound wickedness, detailing his extensive shedding of innocent blood throughout Jerusalem and his pervasive influence in leading the nation of Judah into deep sin. This verse underscores the unprecedented depravity of his reign, which not only violated divine law through widespread murder but also actively corrupted the spiritual fabric of the entire kingdom, marking a significant turning point in Judah's relationship with God and foreshadowing future judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the grim account of King Manasseh's reign (2 Kings 21:1-18), immediately following a detailed list of his idolatrous practices, including rebuilding pagan altars, worshipping celestial bodies, and engaging in abhorrent rituals like child sacrifice. It contrasts sharply with the righteous reign of his father, Hezekiah, who had diligently purged idolatry and restored proper worship of Yahweh (2 Kings 18-20). Manasseh's actions represent a complete reversal of Hezekiah's reforms, plunging Judah into a spiritual abyss. The mention of "shed innocent blood" in [2 Kings 21:9](/2_kings/21-9 "2 Kings 21:9 - Manasseh's Evil Reign") sets the stage for the hyperbole of this verse, emphasizing the scale of his atrocities. The subsequent verses in [2 Kings 21:10-15](/2_kings/21-10 "2 Kings 21:10-15 - God's Judgment on Judah") reveal God's pronouncement of judgment upon Judah precisely because of Manasseh's abominations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh reigned for 55 years (c. 697-642 BC), the longest reign of any king in Judah. His era was marked by a resurgence of Assyrian dominance, which influenced the religious landscape, as many nations adopted Assyrian cults to appease their overlords. Manasseh's introduction of Baal worship, Asherah poles, and astral worship (sun, moon, stars) was a direct embrace of Canaanite and Mesopotamian paganism, practices explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")). The shedding of "innocent blood" likely refers to the systematic persecution and execution of prophets, faithful Yahwists, and anyone who resisted his widespread idolatry. Tradition, though not biblical, suggests the prophet Isaiah was martyred during his reign. Furthermore, the practice of child sacrifice, explicitly mentioned in [2 Kings 21:6](/2_kings/21-6 "2 Kings 21:6 - Manasseh's Abominations"), was a particularly heinous form of shedding innocent blood, often associated with the worship of Molech.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in 2 Kings and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of leadership**, demonstrating how a king's personal choices profoundly impact the spiritual and moral trajectory of an entire nation. Manasseh's actions directly led Judah into apostasy, a stark contrast to the covenant faithfulness expected of Israel's kings. Secondly, the theme of **divine justice and judgment** is prominent; Manasseh's unparalleled wickedness, particularly the shedding of innocent blood, is repeatedly cited as the primary reason for God's decision to bring irreversible judgment upon Jerusalem and Judah, as seen in [2 Kings 23:26-27](/2_kings/23-26 "2 Kings 23:26-27 - God's Unrelenting Wrath"). Thirdly, it underscores the **sanctity of life**, a foundational principle in biblical law established from creation (e.g., [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life")) and reinforced by the commandment against murder ([Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment")). Manasseh's disregard for human life, especially the innocent, represents a profound violation of God's character and law.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shed (שָׁפַךְ, _shaphakh'_):** This Hebrew verb means "to pour out," "to spill," or "to shed." When used in the context of blood, as here, it denotes the violent taking of life, often with a sense of wanton disregard or even ritualistic sacrifice. It is a strong, visceral term that conveys the deliberate and extensive nature of Manasseh's killings, emphasizing the act of emptying out life.
* **Innocent (נָקִי, _naqi'_):** This adjective means "innocent," "blameless," "clean," or "guiltless." Its inclusion here is crucial, distinguishing these murders from legitimate executions for capital crimes. Manasseh's victims were not guilty of offenses warranting death under God's law; rather, they were likely those who opposed his pagan reforms or were sacrificed in his abominable cults. The term underscores the profound injustice and moral outrage of his actions.
* **Filled (מָלֵא, _male'_):** This verb means "to be full," "to fill," or "to be complete." In this context, it is used hyperbolically to convey the sheer volume and pervasive nature of the bloodshed. It suggests that the city was literally saturated with the blood of his victims, indicating that the violence was not isolated but widespread, touching every corner of Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the primary charge against Manasseh: widespread murder of the blameless. The adverbial phrase "very much" (מְאֹד מְאֹד, _me'od me'od_) intensifies the degree, indicating an extreme, unparalleled quantity of bloodshed. It highlights that this was not an accidental or limited occurrence but a deliberate and extensive policy of terror and persecution.
* **"till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another;"**: This hyperbolic expression vividly describes the geographical and quantitative extent of Manasseh's atrocities. It implies that the shedding of innocent blood was so pervasive that it seemed to saturate the entire city, leaving no district untouched. This imagery emphasizes the profound impact of his violence on the urban landscape and its inhabitants, creating an atmosphere of fear and death.
* **"beside his sin wherewith he made Judah to sin,"**: This phrase introduces a second, equally grave charge against Manasseh: his active role in leading the entire nation of Judah into idolatry and apostasy. The word "beside" (לְבַד, _levad_) indicates that this spiritual corruption was an additional sin, compounding his personal guilt for the bloodshed. As king, his actions set the standard, and he actively compelled or encouraged his subjects to abandon Yahweh and embrace pagan practices, making him responsible for their collective spiritual downfall.
* **"in doing [that which was] evil in the sight of the LORD."**: This concluding phrase serves as a theological verdict, framing all of Manasseh's actions—both the bloodshed and the national corruption—as a direct affront to God's holiness and commandments. The phrase "evil in the sight of the LORD" is a recurring judgment in the Deuteronomistic History, signifying a profound violation of the covenant and an act of rebellion against divine authority. It underscores that Manasseh's wickedness was not merely a social or political failing but a deep spiritual offense against the sovereign God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey the horror of Manasseh's reign. **Hyperbole** is prominently used in the phrase "till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another," which is not meant to be taken literally but rather to emphasize the overwhelming scale and pervasiveness of the bloodshed. This exaggeration serves to shock the reader and underscore the unprecedented nature of his cruelty. The verse also utilizes **juxtaposition**, implicitly contrasting Manasseh's reign with that of his righteous father, Hezekiah, thereby highlighting the tragic decline of Judah under his rule. Furthermore, the repeated emphasis on "sin" and "evil in the sight of the LORD" functions as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the inevitable divine judgment that will befall Judah as a direct consequence of Manasseh's abominations. The phrase "shed innocent blood" is a stark **euphemism** for murder, yet its directness is intended to evoke moral revulsion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Kings 21:16 stands as a chilling testament to the profound consequences of unrighteous leadership and apostasy. Manasseh's reign represents the nadir of Judah's spiritual decline, where the sanctity of human life, a cornerstone of God's covenant, was utterly disregarded, and the nation was actively led away from the Lord. This verse highlights the interconnectedness of personal sin and national corruption, demonstrating how a leader's depravity can unleash widespread moral decay and violence. The shedding of innocent blood is consistently presented in scripture as an abomination that defiles the land and cries out for divine justice, ultimately leading to severe judgment. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and His intolerance for such egregious violations of His moral order.

* [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Genesis 9:6 - The Sanctity of Human Life")
* [Exodus 20:13](/exodus/20-13 "Exodus 20:13 - The Sixth Commandment")
* [Jeremiah 15:4](/jeremiah/15-4 "Jeremiah 15:4 - Manasseh's Sin Leads to Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark account of Manasseh's reign, particularly the shedding of innocent blood and his pervasive corrupting influence, serves as a powerful and enduring warning for all generations. It compels us to consider the immense responsibility of leadership, whether in the home, church, community, or nation, recognizing that our choices can have far-reaching spiritual and moral consequences for those under our influence. The verse also challenges us to uphold the sanctity of human life in all its forms, from conception to natural death, recognizing that every individual bears the image of God. Furthermore, it calls us to vigilance against spiritual compromise and the insidious nature of idolatry, reminding us that turning away from God's truth, even subtly, can lead to profound moral decay. In a world where innocent lives are still tragically lost and spiritual leadership can falter, Manasseh's story urges us to pursue righteousness, advocate for justice, and remain steadfast in our commitment to God's ways, resisting any influence that would lead us or others into sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the account of Manasseh's reign challenge our understanding of leadership and its spiritual impact?**
* **In what ways might we, even unintentionally, "make others to sin" through our actions or inactions?**
* **How does the Bible's emphasis on the "shedding of innocent blood" inform our contemporary ethical considerations regarding life?**
* **What lessons can we draw from Manasseh's story about resisting cultural pressures that contradict God's commands?**

### FAQ
**What was the full extent of Manasseh's "innocent blood" shedding?**

Answer: While the Bible does not provide a precise number, the phrase "filled Jerusalem from one end to another" is a hyperbole indicating that the shedding of innocent blood was incredibly widespread and pervasive throughout the city. This likely included the execution of prophets and faithful Yahwists who resisted his idolatrous reforms, as well as the horrific practice of child sacrifice to pagan deities like Molech, which Manasseh engaged in ([2 Kings 21:6](/2_kings/21-6 "2 Kings 21:6 - Manasseh's Abominations")). Jewish tradition, though not canonical, suggests that the prophet Isaiah was martyred by being sawn in half during Manasseh's reign, illustrating the brutal nature of his persecution. The sheer scale of this violence was a primary reason for God's severe judgment on Judah.

**How could Manasseh, the son of the righteous King Hezekiah, be so wicked?**

Answer: Manasseh's profound wickedness, despite being the son of the reforming King Hezekiah, highlights the reality of individual moral choice and the power of external influences. While Hezekiah had purged idolatry, Manasseh, upon ascending the throne at a young age (12 years old), systematically reversed his father's reforms. This could be attributed to several factors: the influence of powerful pagan factions within the court, a rebellion against his father's strict monotheism, or a strategic move to align with Assyrian religious practices prevalent in the region at the time to ensure political stability. Ultimately, the Bible presents his actions as a deliberate choice to do "that which was evil in the sight of the LORD" ([2 Kings 21:2](/2_kings/21-2 "2 Kings 21:2 - Manasseh's Evil Reign")), demonstrating that even a godly upbringing does not guarantee a righteous life if one chooses to reject divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The horrific account of Manasseh's reign, characterized by the shedding of innocent blood and the leading of a nation into profound sin, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Manasseh, an unrighteous king, shed the blood of the innocent, defiling Jerusalem and bringing judgment upon his people. In stark contrast, Jesus, the perfectly righteous King, allowed His own innocent blood to be shed, not to defile but to purify; not to condemn but to redeem. His sacrifice on the cross, the ultimate act of self-giving love, is the antithesis of Manasseh's cruelty. Where Manasseh led Judah into sin, Christ came to take away the sin of the world, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The judgment that fell upon Judah because of Manasseh's actions points forward to the need for a perfect sacrifice and a righteous King who could truly atone for sin and establish an everlasting kingdom of righteousness. Jesus, the [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus"), fulfills this need, reigning not with terror but with grace, and offering eternal life to all who believe in His name, cleansing them by His [precious blood](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Christ's Blood") and leading them in paths of righteousness, unlike the destructive path Manasseh forged. His kingdom is one where [justice rolls down like waters](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down") and innocent blood is never shed in vain, but rather, by His blood, we find peace and reconciliation with God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 33:9

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.

Numbers 35:33

So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye [are]: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.

2 Kings 21:11

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:

Matthew 23:30

And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

Matthew 23:31

Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

Deuteronomy 21:8

Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them.

Deuteronomy 21:9

So shalt thou put away the [guilt of] innocent blood from among you, when thou shalt do [that which is] right in the sight of the LORD.