2 Kings 21:26 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 21:26 mean?

2 Kings 21:26 says that Manasseh, the king of Judah, was buried in his own tomb in the garden of Uzza, and after his death, his son Josiah became king. The verse marks the end of Manasseh’s reign and the beginning of Josiah’s rule.

This verse is part of a historical record written for the people of Judah, describing the burial place of Manasseh and the succession of his son. The mention of the "garden of Uzza" is notable because it is not the usual burial place for kings of Judah, which was typically the City of David. This detail hints at something unusual or significant about Manasseh’s burial.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 21:26

• "buried" (קָבַר, qāvar): This word means to lay someone to rest in a grave. The verse uses it to show that Manasseh received a formal burial.
• "sepulchre" (קֶבֶר, qéver): This word refers to a tomb or grave, emphasizing that Manasseh had a specific burial place prepared for him.
• "garden" (גַּן, gan): This is the ordinary Hebrew word for "garden." The use of "garden of Uzza" instead of the royal tombs suggests a different or private burial location.
• "Uzza" (עֻזָּא, Uzzā’): The name is not explained in the text, but it likely refers to the owner or a notable figure associated with the garden, making the burial site distinctive.
• "Josiah" (יֹאשִׁיָּה, Yoshiyyāh): The name of Manasseh’s son, who is introduced here as the next king, connecting the verse to the larger story of Judah’s kings.

Why 2 Kings 21:26 matters

• The verse clarifies that Manasseh was not buried with other kings in the City of David, which may suggest a break from tradition or a statement about his reign.
• Mentioning Josiah as Manasseh’s successor sets up the next major section of the narrative, where Josiah’s reforms become important.
• The specific mention of the "garden of Uzza" invites questions about why this location was chosen, hinting at possible historical or religious reasons that are not fully explained in the text.