2 Kings 21:2 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

◄ 2 Kings 21:2 ►

New International Version
He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

New Living Translation
He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.

English Standard Version
And he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD drove out before the people of Israel.

Berean Standard Bible
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

King James Bible
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

New King James Version
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

New American Standard Bible
He did evil in the sight of the LORD, in accordance with the abominations of the nations whom the LORD dispossessed before the sons of Israel.

NASB 1995
He did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD dispossessed before the sons of Israel.

NASB 1977
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations whom the LORD dispossessed before the sons of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he did what was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh dispossessed before the sons of Israel.

Amplified Bible
He did [great] evil in the sight of the LORD, in accordance with the [idolatrous] repulsive acts of the [pagan] nations whom the LORD dispossessed before the sons (descendants) of Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, imitating the detestable practices of the nations that the LORD had dispossessed before the Israelites.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, imitating the detestable practices of the nations that the LORD had dispossessed before the Israelites.

American Standard Version
And he did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, after the abominations of the nations whom Jehovah cast out before the children of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
Manasseh disobeyed the LORD by following the disgusting customs of the nations that the LORD had forced out of Israel.

English Revised Version
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He did what the LORD considered evil by copying the disgusting things done by the nations that the LORD had forced out of the Israelites' way.

Good News Translation
Following the disgusting practices of the nations whom the LORD had driven out of the land as his people advanced, Manasseh sinned against the LORD.

International Standard Version
He did what the LORD considered to be evil, following the despicable practices of the nations whom the LORD had expelled in full view of the people of Israel.

Majority Standard Bible
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

NET Bible
He did evil in the sight of the LORD and committed the same horrible sins practiced by the nations whom the LORD drove out from before the Israelites.

New Heart English Bible
He did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the nations whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

World English Bible
He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, after the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and he does evil in the eyes of YHWH, according to the abominations of the nations that YHWH dispossessed from the presence of the sons of Israel,

Young's Literal Translation
and he doth the evil thing in the eyes of Jehovah, according to the abominations of the nations that Jehovah dispossessed from the presence of the sons of Israel,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will do evil in the eyes of Jehovah, according to the abominations of the nations which Jehovah dispossessed from the face of the sons of Israel.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the idols of the nations, which the Lord destroyed from before the face of the children of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, in accord with the idols of the nations that the Lord destroyed before the face of the sons of Israel.

New American Bible
He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight, following the abominable practices of the nations whom the LORD had dispossessed before the Israelites.

New Revised Standard Version
He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, following the abominable practices of the nations that the LORD drove out before the people of Israel.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, according to the abominations of the nations which the LORD destroyed from before the children of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he did evil before LORD JEHOVAH, like the defilement of the Gentiles whom LORD JEHOVAH destroyed from before the children of Israel.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the nations, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations which the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Manasseh Reigns in Judah
1Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. 2And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 3For he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had destroyed, and he raised up altars for Baal. He made an Asherah pole, as King Ahab of Israel had done, and he worshiped and served all the host of heaven.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Chronicles 33:2
And he did evil in the sight of the LORD by following the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

Deuteronomy 18:9-12
When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. / Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, / casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. ...

Leviticus 18:24-30
Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for by all these things the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves. / Even the land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. / But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances, and you must not commit any of these abominations—neither your native-born nor the foreigner who lives among you. ...

2 Kings 16:3
Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even sacrificed his son in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.

2 Kings 17:17
They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire and practiced divination and soothsaying. They devoted themselves to doing evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger.

2 Kings 23:26-27
Nevertheless, the LORD did not turn away from the fury of His burning anger, which was kindled against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to provoke Him to anger. / For the LORD had said, “I will remove Judah from My sight, just as I removed Israel. I will reject this city Jerusalem, which I chose, and the temple of which I said, ‘My Name shall be there.’”

Jeremiah 15:4
I will make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 28:1-4
Ahaz was twenty years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem sixteen years. And unlike David his father, he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD. / Instead, he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and even made cast images of the Baals. / Moreover, Ahaz burned incense in the Valley of Ben-hinnom and sacrificed his sons in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. ...

2 Chronicles 36:14
Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people multiplied their unfaithful deeds, following all the abominations of the nations, and they defiled the house of the LORD, which He had consecrated in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 1:4
Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.

Ezekiel 16:47
And you not only walked in their ways and practiced their abominations, but soon you were more depraved than they were.

Matthew 23:32
Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers.

Romans 1:28-32
Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. / They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. ...

Ephesians 5:5-6
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. / Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.

Colossians 3:5-6
Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.

Treasury of Scripture

And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.

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Abominable Abominations Cast Children Copying Detestable Disgusting Dispossessed Driven Drove Evil Eyes Following Heathen Israel Israelites Nations Practices Presence Sight Ways

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Abominable Abominations Cast Children Copying Detestable Disgusting Dispossessed Driven Drove Evil Eyes Following Heathen Israel Israelites Nations Practices Presence Sight Ways

2 Kings 21

1. Manasseh's reign.
3. His great idolatry.
10. His wickedness causes prophecies against Judah.
17. Amon succeeds him.
19. Amon's wicked reign.
23. He being slain by his servants, and those murderers slain by the people,
26. Josiah is made king.

Berean Study Bible

And he did evil
The phrase "did evil" in Hebrew is "וַיַּעַשׂ הָרַע" (vaya'as hara). This expression is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe actions that are morally and spiritually corrupt, particularly in the context of the kings of Israel and Judah. The word "evil" (הָרַע, hara) encompasses not only moral wickedness but also actions that are contrary to God's commandments. This phrase sets the tone for Manasseh's reign, indicating a departure from the covenantal faithfulness expected of a king of Judah.

in the sight of the LORD
The Hebrew phrase "בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה" (be'enei Yahweh) translates to "in the sight of the LORD." This expression underscores the omniscience of God, who sees and judges the actions of individuals and nations. It serves as a reminder that human actions are always visible to God, who is the ultimate judge of righteousness. This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of Manasseh's actions, as they are not just politically or socially wrong, but offensive to God Himself.

according to the abominations
The term "abominations" in Hebrew is "כְּתוֹעֲבוֹת" (keto'avot), which refers to practices that are detestable and repugnant to God. These often include idolatry, child sacrifice, and other pagan rituals that were common among the Canaanite nations. The use of this term highlights the severity of Manasseh's sins, as he engaged in practices that were explicitly condemned by God and were the reason for the original expulsion of the Canaanites from the land.

of the nations
The "nations" (הַגּוֹיִם, hagoyim) refers to the pagan peoples who inhabited the land of Canaan before the Israelites. These nations were known for their idolatrous practices and moral corruption. By following their ways, Manasseh not only rejected the distinctiveness of Israel as God's chosen people but also aligned himself with those whom God had judged and displaced.

that the LORD had driven out
The phrase "had driven out" (הוֹרִישׁ, horish) refers to the divine action of dispossessing the Canaanite nations to make way for the Israelites. This was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and a demonstration of His power and judgment against sin. Manasseh's actions are thus portrayed as a reversal of God's redemptive work, as he reintroduces the very practices that led to the Canaanites' expulsion.

before the Israelites
The term "before" (מִפְּנֵי, mipnei) indicates precedence and serves as a historical reminder to the Israelites of God's past actions on their behalf. The Israelites were meant to be a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding peoples. Manasseh's adoption of pagan practices is a direct affront to this calling and serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of forsaking God's commands.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) And he did that which was evil.--Perhaps under the pernicious influence of his courtiers. (Comp. the case of Rehoboam.)

After the abominations.--Comp. Deuteronomy 29:17; 1Kings 11:5.

The heathen . . . cast.--The nations . . . dispossessed--i.e., the peoples of Canaan (2Kings 17:8).

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. Manasseh was too young at the death of his father for his character to have been then definitively formed. He probably fell under the influence of the "princes of Judah," who, supported by many of the priests, had maintained themselves as a party antagonistic to Isaiah during the whole of Hezekiah's reign. Hezekiah's reformation had been carried out against their wishes. They had always leant towards foreign alliances (Isaiah 20:5; Isaiah 30:1-7) and foreign rites (Isaiah 2:6-9; Isaiah 65:3). The accession of a boy-king would be joyfully hailed by them, and they would make every effort to draw him to their side. It would seem that they were successful. After the abominations of the heathen - the details which follow in vers. 3-9 sufficiently explain this strong expression - whom the Lord east out before the children of Israel. It was solely because of their abominations that they were east out (see Genesis 15:16; Leviticus 18:25; Leviticus 20:23; Deuteronomy 9:5; Deuteronomy 18:12, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And he did
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

evil
הָרַ֖ע (hā·ra‘)
Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

in the sight
בְּעֵינֵ֣י (bə·‘ê·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of the LORD
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

by following the abominations
כְּתֽוֹעֲבֹת֙ (kə·ṯō·w·‘ă·ḇōṯ)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 8441: Something disgusting, an abhorrence, idolatry, an idol

of the nations
הַגּוֹיִ֔ם (hag·gō·w·yim)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

that
אֲשֶׁר֙ (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the LORD
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

had driven out
הוֹרִ֣ישׁ (hō·w·rîš)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3423: To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin

before
מִפְּנֵ֖י (mip·pə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the Israelites.
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

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OT History: 2 Kings 21:2 He did that which was evil (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)