2 Kings 21:17

KJV

Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the rest {H3499} of the acts {H1697} of Manasseh {H4519}, and all that he did {H6213}, and his sin {H2403} that he sinned {H2398}, are they not written {H3789} in the book {H5612} of the chronicles {H1697}{H3117} of the kings {H4428} of Judah {H3063}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Other activities of M'nasheh, all his accomplishments and the sin he committed are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the acts of Manasseh, along with all his accomplishments and the sin that he committed, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?

American Standard Version

Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 21:17 serves as a concluding summary statement for the exceptionally long and profoundly wicked reign of King Manasseh of Judah, signaling the end of his historical account within the book of Kings. This verse functions as a bibliographic reference, asserting that the comprehensive details of his actions, particularly the depth of his sin, were meticulously recorded in the official chronicles of the kings of Judah, thereby affirming the historical foundation of the biblical narrative while underscoring the gravity of his apostasy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the formal conclusion of the narrative concerning King Manasseh's reign, which spanned an unprecedented 55 years (697-642 BC). It immediately follows a detailed description of his egregious idolatry and spiritual abominations, including the rebuilding of pagan high places, the erection of altars to Baal and the host of heaven, the practice of divination, and even child sacrifice. The preceding verses paint a picture of a king who systematically dismantled the reforms of his righteous father, Hezekiah, and led Judah into deeper spiritual depravity than any king before him. The summary formula in [2 Kings 21:17](/2_kings/21-17 "2 Kings 21:17 - Summary of Manasseh's Reign") is a standard concluding device in the book of Kings, signaling the end of a king's account and directing the reader to external historical sources for further details, while simultaneously emphasizing the most significant aspects of his rule—in Manasseh's case, his unparalleled sin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh's reign occurred during a period of relative geopolitical stability for Judah, as the Assyrian Empire, though still dominant, was beginning to show signs of decline. This stability may have contributed to Manasseh's confidence in pursuing policies contrary to Yahwism without immediate divine retribution in the form of invasion. Culturally, his actions represent a profound syncretism, integrating various Canaanite and Mesopotamian cultic practices into the worship of Yahweh, or even replacing it entirely. The "host of heaven" worship, for example, was a prominent feature of Assyrian religion, and his adoption of such practices likely reflects a political alignment or cultural assimilation with the dominant imperial power. The practice of child sacrifice, though abhorrent, was known in the ancient Near East, particularly among Ammonites and Phoenicians, often associated with the deity Molech. Manasseh's embrace of these practices plunged Judah into a spiritual darkness that would have lasting consequences, setting the stage for the severe judgment prophesied against the nation.

* **Key Themes:** The verse, while a summary, encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout 1 and 2 Kings. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Biblical Record Keeping and Historiography**, demonstrating that the biblical narrative is a divinely inspired, selective summary, pointing to broader historical archives. The recurring phrase "are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?" (or Israel) serves as a bibliographic reference, affirming the historical basis of the biblical account. Secondly, it underscores the **Gravity and Consequences of Sin**, particularly the emphasis on "his sin that he sinned." Manasseh's actions were not merely personal failings but had a profound and detrimental impact on the entire nation, drawing them away from their covenant with God and setting a trajectory toward exile, as explicitly stated in [2 Kings 23:26](/2_kings/23-26 "2 Kings 23:26 - God's Judgment on Judah") and reiterated in [Jeremiah 15:4](/jeremiah/15-4 "Jeremiah 15:4 - Manasseh's Enduring Legacy"). Finally, it subtly points to the theme of **Divine Accountability**, where the actions of leaders, especially their spiritual choices, are meticulously recorded and accounted for before God, with far-reaching implications for their people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sin (Hebrew, _chaṭṭāʾt_):** The Hebrew word חַטָּאתוֹ (_chaṭṭāʾtô_), translated "his sin," refers to a transgression, missing the mark, or an offense against God's law. In the context of Manasseh, it encompasses his profound idolatry, the shedding of innocent blood, and the systematic dismantling of Yahweh's worship. The repetition in "his sin that he sinned" (חַטָּאתוֹ אֲשֶׁר חָטָא, _chaṭṭāʾtô ʾăšer ḥāṭāʾ_) is a common Hebrew idiom known as a cognate accusative or emphatic infinitive. It is not redundant but serves to intensify the meaning, stressing the absolute certainty, severity, and deliberate nature of Manasseh's transgressions. It highlights the depth of his apostasy and the profound, undeniable choices he made against God's commands, emphasizing the cumulative weight of his wickedness.
* **Chronicles (Hebrew, _divrê hayyāmîm_):** The phrase "book of the chronicles" (סֵפֶר דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים, _sēfer divrê hayyāmîm_) literally means "book of the acts/words of the days." This refers to official state annals or royal records, distinct from the biblical books of Chronicles (which were written much later, drawing on various sources). Throughout 1 and 2 Kings, this phrase serves as a recurring bibliographic reference, indicating that the biblical authors were drawing upon, or at least aware of, more extensive historical documentation. It signifies that the biblical narrative, while divinely inspired and theologically focused, is grounded in verifiable historical accounts, lending credibility to its claims.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did,"**: This opening clause functions as a standard formulaic transition in the book of Kings, signaling the end of a king's reign. It refers to the entirety of Manasseh's public and private life, encompassing his administrative decisions, military campaigns (though few are mentioned in Kings), and general conduct as king. The phrase "all that he did" is comprehensive, implying that his entire life was under divine scrutiny and historical record.
* **"and his sin that he sinned,"**: This specific addition to the standard formula is highly significant. While "all that he did" is broad, the explicit mention and emphatic repetition of "his sin that he sinned" singles out his religious apostasy as the defining characteristic and most impactful aspect of his reign. It underscores the unparalleled spiritual damage he inflicted upon Judah, highlighting that his wickedness was not merely incidental but central to his rule and legacy. This phrase sets him apart from other kings, emphasizing the unique depth of his transgression.
* **"[are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"**: This rhetorical question serves as a direct pointer to external, authoritative historical records. It implies that the details of Manasseh's reign, particularly his extensive wickedness, were well-documented and accessible to the original audience. This formulaic conclusion validates the historical veracity of the account in Kings, suggesting that the biblical narrative is a condensed, theologically driven summary of a much larger body of historical data. It also subtly reinforces the idea that all actions, especially those of kings, are recorded and remembered.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Foremost is the **Formulaic Language** or **Colophon**, which is a recurring literary device throughout the books of Kings. This standardized concluding statement for each king's reign ("Now the rest of the acts of [King's Name]... are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah/Israel?") provides a structural rhythm to the narrative and serves as a bibliographic reference, pointing to the existence of more detailed historical records. Another prominent device is the **Rhetorical Question**: "are they not written in the book...?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to assert a fact with emphasis, confirming the availability and authority of the historical records. Furthermore, the phrase "his sin that he sinned" utilizes **Emphasis** through **Cognate Accusative** (or an emphatic construction), where a verb's meaning is intensified by pairing it with a noun from the same root. This is not mere repetition but a powerful way to underscore the profound and deliberate nature of Manasseh's apostasy, highlighting its severity and lasting impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Kings 21:17, though a summary statement, carries profound theological weight, primarily by highlighting the enduring consequences of sin and the meticulous nature of divine remembrance. Manasseh's reign serves as a stark example of how a leader's spiritual choices can profoundly affect an entire nation, leading them away from God and incurring divine judgment. The emphasis on "his sin that he sinned" foreshadows the later pronouncements of judgment against Judah, where Manasseh's abominations are explicitly cited as a primary cause for the nation's downfall and eventual exile. This underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His justice, demonstrating that even long-delayed consequences are inevitable when sin is left unaddressed. While the book of Kings focuses on his wickedness, the broader biblical witness (specifically in 2 Chronicles) reveals God's boundless grace, offering a glimpse into the possibility of repentance even for the most grievous sinners. The "book of the chronicles" metaphorically points to God's own perfect record-keeping, where every deed is noted, ensuring ultimate accountability.

* [2 Kings 23:26](/2_kings/23-26 "2 Kings 23:26 - God's Unwavering Judgment Due to Manasseh's Sins")
* [Jeremiah 15:4](/jeremiah/15-4 "Jeremiah 15:4 - The Lasting Impact of Manasseh's Idolatry")
* [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance and Restoration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The summary of Manasseh's reign in 2 Kings 21:17, with its stark emphasis on "his sin that he sinned," offers a sobering reflection for believers today. It reminds us that our actions, particularly our spiritual choices, are not inconsequential; they are recorded, not only in human history but in the divine ledger. For those in positions of leadership, Manasseh's example is a potent warning: the spiritual direction set by leaders can have profound and lasting consequences for those they lead. His reign plunged Judah into deep apostasy, the effects of which lingered for generations, even after his personal repentance. This highlights the distinction between personal forgiveness and the societal consequences of sin, reminding us that while God's grace is boundless for the repentant heart, the ripples of our choices can extend far beyond ourselves. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a life of integrity, faithfulness, and accountability, recognizing that our walk with God has implications not only for our own souls but for the spiritual health of our communities and future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "his sin that he sinned" challenge my own understanding of the gravity of sin in my life and in society?**
* **In what ways might my actions, particularly my spiritual choices, be impacting those around me, whether positively or negatively?**
* **Considering Manasseh's story, how do I balance the biblical emphasis on God's judgment for sin with His profound mercy and willingness to forgive?**

### FAQ
**Why does 2 Kings emphasize Manasseh's sin so much, while 2 Chronicles mentions his repentance?**

Answer: The differing emphases between 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles reflect their distinct theological purposes and target audiences. Second Kings, part of the Deuteronomistic History, focuses on the covenant faithfulness (or unfaithfulness) of the kings as the primary determinant of Judah's destiny. Manasseh's unparalleled idolatry and the shedding of innocent blood are presented as the ultimate reason for God's irreversible judgment leading to the Babylonian exile, as highlighted in [2 Kings 23:26](/2_kings/23-26 "2 Kings 23:26 - God's Decree of Judgment"). The book's theological agenda requires demonstrating that Judah's destruction was a just consequence of its persistent sin, with Manasseh's reign being the tipping point. Therefore, 2 Kings highlights his sin to underscore the inevitability of judgment. In contrast, 2 Chronicles, written for a post-exilic community, aims to encourage faithfulness and hope by emphasizing God's mercy and the possibility of repentance and restoration, even for the most wicked. [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Humiliation and Prayer") details Manasseh's humiliation, prayer, and God's response, showing that even a king who led his nation into profound apostasy could find personal forgiveness. Both accounts are true and complementary, offering a fuller picture of God's justice and grace, while serving different narrative and theological goals for their respective audiences.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Manasseh, particularly the stark emphasis on "his sin that he sinned" and the resulting judgment on Judah, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Manasseh represents the epitome of a fallen king, whose pervasive sin brought spiritual devastation and divine wrath upon his people, demonstrating humanity's utter inability to escape the consequences of sin through human effort or even subsequent repentance to fully undo the societal damage. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the perfect King, the Son of David who never sinned, and whose reign brings not judgment but salvation. Where Manasseh led his people into idolatry and death, Christ leads His people into true worship and eternal life. The "book of the chronicles" in [2 Kings 21:17](/2_kings/21-17 "2 Kings 21:17 - Manasseh's Historical Record") points to earthly records, but Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act that deals with the "sin that was sinned" by all humanity, offering forgiveness and a new covenant. His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing Blood of Jesus")), and through Him, our names are written not in earthly chronicles but in the [Lamb's book of life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - The Book of Life"), securing an eternal inheritance. Thus, Manasseh's tragic legacy of sin and judgment serves as a dark backdrop against which the glorious light of Christ's perfect righteousness, atoning sacrifice, and redemptive reign shines even brighter, offering true hope and lasting deliverance from the pervasive power of sin and its ultimate consequences.

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 Kings 20:20

And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

2 Kings 20:21

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 33:1

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

2 Chronicles 33:20

So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.