Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

2 CHRONICLES 33:11KJV
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2 Chronicles 33:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 33:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 33:11 describes how God allowed the army commanders of the king of Assyria to capture King Manasseh of Judah, binding him with chains and taking him away to Babylon. This verse shows a moment when Manasseh, because of his actions, faced defeat and humiliation at the hands of a foreign power.

The verse is part of a historical account where the chronicler explains the consequences of Manasseh’s rule, especially his unfaithfulness to God. The LORD (the God of Israel) is shown as the one who permits this event, using the Assyrian captains to discipline Manasseh. The mention of Manasseh being taken “among the thorns” and bound with “fetters” paints a vivid picture of his capture and loss of royal dignity.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 33:11

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, highlighting that it was not random chance but a deliberate act of God allowing these events.
  • thorns (בַּחוֹחִים, bachochim): This word is often understood as “thorns” or “briers,” suggesting Manasseh was hiding or caught in a difficult, humiliating situation when captured.
  • fetters (נְחֻשְׁתַּיִם, nechoshtayim): This means “bronze” or “copper” shackles, emphasizing the harshness and humiliation of Manasseh’s captivity.

Why 2 Chronicles 33:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Manasseh’s downfall was not just political but was seen as a direct result of his actions against God, making the story about more than just military defeat.
  • The detail about “thorns” and “fetters” shows the depth of Manasseh’s humiliation, highlighting how far a king could fall when turning away from God.
  • The verse sets up the following story, where Manasseh’s suffering leads to repentance, showing a turning point in his life and reign.

Where else these words appear

“thorns” Hebrew H2336 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Kings 14:9 And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle.
  • Job 31:40 Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.
  • Song of Solomon 2:2 As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.

“him” Hebrew H631 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 39:20 And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.
  • Judges 15:13 And they spake unto him, saying, No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:3 And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.

“took” Hebrew H3920 · used in 112 verses

  • Numbers 21:32 And Moses sent to spy out Jaazer, and they took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amorites that were there.
  • Judges 9:45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.
  • Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.

“fetters” Hebrew H5178 · used in 119 verses

  • Genesis 4:22 And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
  • Deuteronomy 8:9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:16 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the LORD be with thee.