Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah.

2 KINGS 21:1KJV
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2 Kings 21:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 21:1 mean?

2 Kings 21:1 states that Manasseh became king of Judah at the age of twelve and ruled in Jerusalem for fifty-five years. The verse also tells us the name of his mother, Hephzibah.

This verse introduces Manasseh as a young king and notes his unusually long reign, which is significant in the history of Judah. The mention of his mother, Hephzibah, is typical for the books of Kings, where the mother’s name is often given for each king, possibly to clarify royal lineage or influence. This sets the stage for the following account of Manasseh’s actions as king.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 21:1

  • מְנַשֶּׁה (Menashsheh, "Manasseh"): This is the king’s name, which can mean "causing to forget" or "making to forget." The name itself may hint at themes of memory or legacy in his reign.
  • חֵפְצִי־בָּהּ (Hephzibah, "Hephzibah"): The mother’s name means "my delight is in her." Including her name may suggest her importance or status in the royal family.
  • חָמֵשׁ וְחָמֵשׁ שָׁנָה (chamishim v’chamesh shanah, "fifty and five years"): The Hebrew construction stresses the length of Manasseh’s reign, which stands out as the longest of any king in Judah’s history.

Why 2 Kings 21:1 matters

  • The verse highlights Manasseh’s young age and long reign, which frame the coming narrative about his influence—both positive and negative—on Judah.
  • Naming Hephzibah as Manasseh’s mother may hint at her significance or at the importance of maternal lineage in royal succession.
  • This introduction marks a turning point in the history of Judah, as Manasseh’s reign is often remembered for significant religious and political changes that shaped the nation’s future.

Where else these words appear

“Hephzibah” Hebrew H2657 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 62:4 Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Joshua 17:5 And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.

“fifty” Hebrew H2572 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:21 And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.