2 Chronicles 33:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 33:18 mean?

2 Chronicles 33:18 says that the rest of King Manasseh’s deeds, including his prayer to God and the messages from prophets who spoke to him in God’s name, are written down in another record called "the book of the kings of Israel." This verse points readers to another source for more details about Manasseh’s life and spiritual experiences.

This verse is part of a summary at the end of Manasseh’s story. The writer is telling the audience (the people of Israel or Judah reading Chronicles) that not everything about Manasseh is included here, but more can be found in another historical record. It highlights that Manasseh’s prayer and the words of the seers—prophets who spoke for God—were important enough to be written down elsewhere.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 33:18

• "Prayer" (תְּפִלָּה, tefillah): This word means a plea or petition to God. Mentioning Manasseh’s prayer shows that his relationship with God, especially his repentance, was significant.
• "Seers" (חֹזֶה, chozeh): This word refers to prophets who received visions from God. The verse notes that these seers spoke to Manasseh in God’s name, emphasizing the seriousness of their messages.
• "Book" (דִּבְרֵי, divrei): Here, "book" refers to written records or annals. The verse points to another historical source, showing that the Chronicler relied on earlier records and that Manasseh’s story was well documented.

Why 2 Chronicles 33:18 matters

• This verse clarifies that the account in Chronicles is not the only record of Manasseh’s reign; other sources existed, giving a fuller picture of his life.
• By mentioning Manasseh’s prayer and the words of the seers, the verse highlights the importance of spiritual turning points and prophetic messages in Israel’s history.
• The verse connects Manasseh’s story to the broader tradition of Israel’s kings, reminding readers that his reign was part of a larger historical and spiritual narrative.