2 Chronicles 33 23

2 Chronicles 33:23 kjv

And humbled not himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.

2 Chronicles 33:23 nkjv

And he did not humble himself before the LORD, as his father Manasseh had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.

2 Chronicles 33:23 niv

But unlike his father Manasseh, he did not humble himself before the LORD; Amon increased his guilt.

2 Chronicles 33:23 esv

And he did not humble himself before the LORD, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself, but this Amon incurred guilt more and more.

2 Chronicles 33:23 nlt

But unlike his father, he did not humble himself before the LORD. Instead, Amon sinned even more.

2 Chronicles 33 verses

2 Chronicles 33 23 Meaning

This verse succinctly describes the spiritual failure of King Amon (rendered "Amos" in some older translations, but Amon in most modern versions and consistent with the Hebrew). It highlights that, unlike his father Manasseh who humbled himself before the Lord after a period of intense sin, Amon chose not to humble himself. Instead, Amon progressively increased his transgression and guilt against God. It emphasizes a rejection of repentance and a deepening commitment to sin despite the powerful example of divine judgment and subsequent restoration witnessed in his father's life.

2 Chronicles 33 23 Context

Amon's reign follows that of his father, Manasseh, who had reigned for an exceptionally long 55 years (2 Ch 33:1). Manasseh's reign was initially characterized by extreme idolatry, wickedness, and a reversal of the reforms implemented by his father Hezekiah (2 Ch 33:3-9). However, later in his life, Manasseh was captured and exiled to Babylon. During his distress, he deeply humbled himself before God, confessed his sins, and was restored to his kingdom (2 Ch 33:12-13). Upon his return, Manasseh removed idols and repaired the altar, commanding Judah to serve the Lord (2 Ch 33:15-16). Verses 18-20 summarize Manasseh's life, highlighting both his early evil and his later repentance and reforms.

Amon's rule, lasting only two years (2 Ch 33:21), tragically marks a rapid regression. He did "what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as Manasseh his father had done" (2 Ch 33:22), indicating he mirrored Manasseh's earlier idolatrous ways. This verse (33:23) is a critical addition in Chronicles, emphasizing a spiritual distinction from his father. While Manasseh eventually humbled himself, Amon willfully refused to do so, deepening his transgression. The Chronicler highlights Amon's complete lack of spiritual discernment and unwillingness to learn from Manasseh's redemptive experience.

2 Chronicles 33 23 Word analysis

• He (וְהוּא - wə·hū)
  • Refers to King Amon. This pronoun places the emphasis on him specifically, despite his father's legacy.
• did not humble himself (לֹא נִכְנַע - lō’ niḵ·na‘)
  • לֹא (lō’) - "not," a direct negation.
  • נִכְנַע (niḵ·na‘) - The Niphal form of the verb kana‘, meaning "to be humbled," "to submit," "to subdue oneself." It implies an internal disposition leading to outward submission and acknowledgment of one's lowliness or sin before a superior authority. The Niphal form often indicates a reflexive action – "he did not cause himself to be humbled." This contrasts sharply with Manasseh's active humbling.
• before the Lord (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה - lip̄·nê Yah·weh)
  • לִפְנֵי (lip̄·nê) - "in the presence of," "before." Emphasizes that this act of humility, or lack thereof, is directed specifically towards God, acknowledging His supreme authority and judgment.
  • יְהוָה (Yah·weh) - The sacred covenant name of God. This specifies that Amon's defiance was not just against abstract morality, but against the God of Israel who had revealed Himself to His people.
• as Manasseh his father had humbled himself (כַּאֲשֶׁר נִכְנַע מְנַשֶּׁה אָבִיו - ka·’ă·šer niḵ·na‘ Mə·naš·šeh ’ā·ḇîw)
  • כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka·’ă·šer) - "as," "just as," a strong comparison. This direct comparison draws a stark contrast between the son and the father concerning the act of humbling oneself.
  • This comparison refers specifically to Manasseh's later life (as recounted in 2 Ch 33:12-13) when he did humble himself after suffering the consequences of his initial sin. Amon chose to follow Manasseh's earlier bad example, not his later repentant one.
• but Amon continued to trespass more and more (כִּי עָמוֹס הוּא הִרְבָּה אַשְׁמָה - kî ‘ā·môs hū hir·bāh ’aš·māh)
  • כִּי (kî) - "but," "for," indicating a contrast or explanation.
  • הִרְבָּה (hir·bāh) - The Hiphil form of the verb rabah, meaning "to increase," "to multiply," "to make great." In Hiphil, it often means "to cause to abound" or "to do greatly." Here, it signifies a deliberate and continuous multiplication or intensification of sin.
  • אַשְׁמָה (’aš·māh) - "trespass," "guilt," "offense," "punishment." It refers to moral or legal transgression that incurs guilt or punishment. This indicates not just passive wrongdoing but an active, escalating pattern of offenses against God and His law. The phrase implies a deeper descent into rebellion than even Manasseh's initial reign because Amon had the witness of Manasseh's repentance.

2 Chronicles 33 23 Bonus section

Amon's deliberate choice not to humble himself is particularly stark given that Manasseh’s story was one of the most remarkable examples of repentance and God's restorative grace in Israelite history. Amon witnessed firsthand (or at least lived in the immediate aftermath) of God's severe judgment (exile) and then glorious restoration on his father. This knowledge should have served as a powerful deterrent and motivation for humility, yet it appears to have hardened his heart further. His two-year reign, a stark contrast to Manasseh's 55 years, suggests swift divine judgment on unrepentant wickedness, emphasizing that even the patience God showed Manasseh had limits when repentance was entirely absent. Amon’s rebellion also indirectly polemicizes against any belief that ritual or inherited privilege could substitute for a truly humble heart before God, as his lineage and kingship brought him no favor without submission.

2 Chronicles 33 23 Commentary

Amon's short and ignoble reign serves as a powerful illustration of the rejection of divine grace and an example of individual accountability. Unlike his father Manasseh, who engaged in severe wickedness but later experienced genuine, life-altering repentance and restoration, Amon saw this profound turnaround but chose to imitate Manasseh's initial path of sin rather than his path of repentance. The crucial point of departure for Amon was his deliberate refusal to "humble himself before the Lord." This wasn't merely a failure to repent but an active posture of defiance, which led him to "trespass more and more." His sin wasn't just a continuation of wickedness but an escalation, implying a hardened heart that learned nothing from history, experience, or spiritual example. This tragic lack of humility underscores a foundational principle: outward circumstances or family heritage do not dictate one's spiritual condition; personal choice and a responsive heart toward God's discipline are paramount. Amon's increasing guilt swiftly brought about his demise, fulfilling the warning that pride precedes a fall.