And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

2 KINGS 21:6KJV
Know the Bible

2 Kings 21:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 21:6 mean?

2 Kings 21:6 describes how King Manasseh of Judah committed serious acts that were considered evil by the standards of the LORD, including child sacrifice, practicing forbidden forms of divination and magic, and consulting with spirits and wizards. These actions were seen as direct provocations against God and are listed to show the depth of Manasseh’s wrongdoing.

This verse is part of a historical account where the writer is describing the reign of Manasseh, who ruled Judah after his father Hezekiah. The verse lists specific practices—like making his son "pass through the fire" (a form of child sacrifice), observing times (astrology or divination), using enchantments (magical practices), and seeking out familiar spirits and wizards (consulting with the dead or occult practitioners)—to highlight just how far Manasseh led the nation away from the worship of the LORD.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 21:6

  • "Pass" (עָבַר, avar) and "fire" (אֵשׁ, esh): The phrase refers to a ritual where a child was made to "pass through the fire," often understood as a form of child sacrifice associated with pagan worship, which was strictly forbidden in Israelite law.
  • "Observed times" (עָנַן, anan): This word is often linked to divination or seeking omens, suggesting Manasseh practiced forms of fortune-telling or astrology.
  • "Enchantments" (נָחַשׁ, nachash): This term refers to using spells or magical practices, which were condemned in Israelite tradition.
  • "Familiar spirits" (אוֹב, ov) and "wizards" (יִדְּעֹנִי, yiddeoni): These words point to consulting mediums or spiritists, people believed to communicate with the dead or spirits, which was considered a serious violation of Israel’s laws.

Why 2 Kings 21:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies the specific ways Manasseh broke with the faith of his ancestors and adopted practices from surrounding nations, which were strictly forbidden in Israel.
  • The detailed list of forbidden acts emphasizes just how serious Manasseh’s rebellion was and why it provoked such strong condemnation.
  • Understanding these practices helps explain the later judgment and downfall of Judah, as these actions are shown to have lasting consequences for the nation.

Where else these words appear

“enchantments” Hebrew H5172 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 30:27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
  • Genesis 44:15 And Joseph said unto them, What deed is this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?
  • 1 Kings 20:33 Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.

“times” Hebrew H6049 · used in 11 verses

  • Genesis 9:14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
  • Deuteronomy 18:14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
  • Isaiah 2:6 Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers.

“wizards” Hebrew H3049 · used in 11 verses

  • Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
  • Deuteronomy 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
  • 2 Kings 23:24 Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.

“spirits” Hebrew H178 · used in 16 verses

  • Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
  • 1 Samuel 28:7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.