And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.

2 CHRONICLES 33:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 33:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 33:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 33:13 describes how King Manasseh prayed to God, and God responded to his prayer by allowing him to return to Jerusalem and rule as king again. After this, Manasseh recognized that the LORD truly is God.

Manasseh had been taken captive by enemies because of his earlier wrongdoing. In his distress, he humbled himself and prayed (prayed: H6419) to God. God was moved by his plea (intreated: H6279; supplication: H8467), listened (heard: H8085), and restored him (again: H7725) to his kingdom (kingdom: H4438) in Jerusalem (Jerusalem: H3389). This turning point led Manasseh (Manasseh: H4519) to truly understand (knew: H3045) who the LORD (LORD: H3068) is—God (God: H430).

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 33:13

  • פָּלַל (palal, H6419) — "prayed": This word often carries the sense of interceding or earnestly pleading, showing that Manasseh was deeply seeking God's help, not just saying routine words.
  • עָתַר (atar, H6279) — "intreated": This word means to be moved by someone’s request. Here, it shows God’s willingness to respond compassionately when someone truly repents.
  • תְּחִנָּה (teḥinnah, H8467) — "supplication": This word refers to a humble, earnest plea for mercy, highlighting Manasseh’s desperate and sincere request.
  • שָׁמַע (shamaʿ, H8085) — "heard": This word means more than just listening; it often implies acting in response. God not only heard Manasseh but also acted to restore him.
  • שׁוּב (shuv, H7725) — "again": This word means "to return" or "to restore." It emphasizes that Manasseh was brought back to his former place, showing a full restoration, not just forgiveness.

Why 2 Chronicles 33:13 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Manasseh was beyond forgiveness; it shows that even a king known for great evil could be restored if he truly turned to God.
  • The verse emphasizes the personal realization Manasseh had about God’s reality and power, marking a major change in his life and reign.
  • It connects to the larger story by showing that God’s mercy is available even after serious failure, setting up the reforms Manasseh would later make in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“intreated” Hebrew H6279 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  • Exodus 9:28 Intreat the LORD(for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

“supplication” Hebrew H8467 · used in 24 verses

  • Joshua 11:20 For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Kings 8:54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the LORD, he arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.
  • Psalms 55:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

“prayed” Hebrew H6419 · used in 82 verses

  • Genesis 20:7 Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine.
  • 1 Kings 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
  • Job 42:10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.

“kingdom” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 35:19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this passover kept.
  • Esther 6:8 Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: