Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which were before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:

2 KINGS 21:11KJV
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2 Kings 21:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 21:11 mean?

2 Kings 21:11 says that King Manasseh of Judah committed terrible acts that were even worse than the sins of the Amorites, who lived in the land before Israel, and that he led the people of Judah into sin by encouraging idol worship. The verse highlights how Manasseh’s actions were seen as especially offensive compared to earlier peoples.

This verse is part of a message from God, delivered through prophets, explaining why judgment is coming on Judah. The focus is on Manasseh’s leadership and how his choices influenced the whole nation, not just himself. The comparison to the Amorites shows that Manasseh’s behavior broke faith with God in a way that surpassed even the notorious pagan nations before Israel.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 21:11

  • תּוֹעֵבָה (toʿevah, “abominations”): This word refers to things that are detestable or disgusting, often used in the Hebrew Bible for practices God especially rejects, like idolatry. Its use here underlines how serious Manasseh’s actions were considered.
  • הֵרַע (heraʿ, “done wickedly”): This verb means to do evil or cause harm. The verse uses it to stress that Manasseh’s deeds were not just wrong, but actively harmful and corrupting.
  • חָטָא (chataʾ, “sin”): This word means to miss the mark or go astray, often used for moral or spiritual failure. The verse says Manasseh “made Judah also to sin,” showing that his influence led others away from what was right.
  • גִּלּוּלִים (gillulim, “idols”): This word is a strong, often mocking term for idols, sometimes carrying the sense of something worthless or even disgusting. Its use here emphasizes the depth of Judah’s unfaithfulness.

Why 2 Kings 21:11 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Manasseh’s reign marked a turning point where Judah’s sins became as bad as, or worse than, the nations God had previously judged, explaining why Judah would now face similar consequences.
  • By naming Manasseh’s influence over Judah, the verse shows the far-reaching impact a leader’s choices can have on an entire community’s direction and fate.
  • The comparison to the Amorites connects this moment to earlier biblical history, reminding readers that the land’s previous inhabitants were removed for similar reasons, and now Judah faces the same warning.

Where else these words appear

“idols” Hebrew H1544 · used in 45 verses

  • Leviticus 26:30 And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.
  • Ezekiel 14:3 Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?
  • Ezekiel 20:39 As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your idols.

“wickedly” Hebrew H7489 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 19:7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
  • Isaiah 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

“Amorites” Hebrew H567 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 10:16 And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,
  • Deuteronomy 1:27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, Because the LORD hated us, he hath brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.
  • Joshua 24:12 And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.

“abominations” Hebrew H8441 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 43:32 And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians.
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
  • Ezekiel 7:4 And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.