And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.

2 CHRONICLES 33:16KJV
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2 Chronicles 33:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 33:16 mean?

2 Chronicles 33:16 describes how King Manasseh repaired the altar of the LORD, offered peace and thank offerings on it, and commanded the people of Judah to worship the LORD God of Israel. This verse shows Manasseh taking concrete steps to restore proper worship after a period of wrongdoing.

Manasseh, who had previously led Judah into idolatry, is now actively reversing his earlier actions. He is not only fixing the physical altar but also leading the people back to the worship of the LORD (the God of Israel), showing a public and practical change in direction for both himself and the nation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 33:16

  • "altar" (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeach): This word refers to the specific place where sacrifices were made to God. Repairing it signals a return to the central practices of Israel’s faith.
  • "peace offerings" (שֶׁלֶם, shelem): These offerings were meant to express fellowship and restored relationship with God, highlighting Manasseh’s desire for reconciliation.
  • "thank offerings" (תוֹדָה, todah): These were sacrifices given in gratitude, showing Manasseh’s acknowledgment of God’s mercy.
  • "serve" (עָבַד, avad): This word often means to work or serve, but in this context, it emphasizes worship and loyalty to the LORD, not just outward acts but a commitment of the people’s hearts.

Why 2 Chronicles 33:16 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Manasseh’s repentance was only private or symbolic; he took public, practical steps to lead Judah back to God.
  • The emphasis on repairing the altar and commanding Judah to serve the LORD highlights the importance of both right worship and leadership in spiritual renewal.
  • In the wider story, this verse marks a turning point in Manasseh’s reign, showing that even deeply flawed leaders can change direction and influence their people for good.

Where else these words appear

“offerings” Hebrew H8426 · used in 30 verses

  • Leviticus 7:12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
  • Nehemiah 12:38 And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;
  • Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“peace” Hebrew H8002 · used in 84 verses

  • Exodus 20:24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
  • Leviticus 9:22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.

“sacrificed” Hebrew H2076 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
  • 1 Samuel 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:16 And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.