Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.

2 CHRONICLES 33:4KJV
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2 Chronicles 33:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 33:4 mean?

2 Chronicles 33:4 describes how King Manasseh built altars for other gods inside the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem, even though God had said that His name would be in Jerusalem forever. This act directly disrespected the special place God had chosen for His worship.

The verse is set during the reign of Manasseh, a king of Judah known for leading the people away from worshiping the LORD (H3068). The focus is on Manasseh’s actions inside the "house" (H1004) of the LORD, a place God had declared uniquely His in Jerusalem (H3389). The verse highlights the seriousness of Manasseh’s offense by reminding readers that God had promised His "name" (H8034)—meaning His presence and reputation—would dwell in Jerusalem "for ever" (H5769).

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 33:4

  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayith, H1004): This word refers to the temple, the central place of worship for Israel. The use of "house" stresses that Manasseh’s actions happened in the very place set apart for God.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH, H3068): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, emphasizing that the temple was dedicated to Him alone, not to any other gods.
  • "name" (שֵׁם, shem, H8034): In Hebrew thought, "name" often stands for God’s presence, character, and authority. The verse points out that God’s presence was meant to be in Jerusalem permanently.
  • "ever" (עוֹלָם, olam, H5769): This word is often understood as "forever" or "for all time," underlining the lasting nature of God’s promise about Jerusalem.

Why 2 Chronicles 33:4 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Manasseh’s wrongdoing was not just idol worship in general, but a direct violation of the temple’s unique role as the LORD’s dwelling place.
  • By mentioning God’s promise about His "name" in Jerusalem, the verse emphasizes how Manasseh’s actions went against a specific, long-standing commitment God had made to His people.
  • This verse helps explain why Manasseh’s reign is portrayed so negatively in the wider passage: he undermined the very foundation of Israel’s relationship with God by corrupting the temple itself.