Who was Manasses?

Manasses, mentioned in Matthew 1:10, was a king of Judah included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. His name in Greek is Manassēs (Μανασσῆς), derived from the Hebrew Menasheh (מְנַשֶּׁה), which means “causing to forget” or “one who makes to forget.” This name originally belonged to the son of Joseph (Genesis 41:51), but in Matthew 1, it refers specifically to King Manasseh of Judah, the son of King Hezekiah and father of Amon.

Manasses is listed in the royal line of David that leads to Jesus the Messiah. Despite his reputation as one of the most wicked kings of Judah, his inclusion in Christ’s lineage reveals the grace and sovereignty of God in working through flawed humanity to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Biblical References

• Matthew 1:10 – “Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah.”

• 2 Kings 21:1-18 – Account of Manasseh’s reign and sins.

• 2 Chronicles 33:1-20 – Extended narrative including his repentance.

• Jeremiah 15:4 – Reference to the consequences of Manasseh’s evil.

• 2 Kings 23:26 – God’s anger remained because of Manasseh’s deeds.

Historical and Biblical Background

Manasses’ Reign as King

Manasses became king of Judah at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem, the longest reign of any king of Judah or Israel (2 Kings 21:1). His reign is notoriously remembered for its idolatry, wickedness, and rebellion against God.

He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had torn down, erected altars to Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshipped “all the starry hosts.” He practiced divination, witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists (2 Kings 21:3-6). Even more grievous, he placed a carved idol in the temple of the Lord and shed innocent blood, filling Jerusalem with violence (2 Kings 21:7,16).

His Repentance

Despite his wickedness, 2 Chronicles 33:10-13 records a stunning turning point. After being captured by the Assyrians and taken in chains to Babylon, Manasseh humbled himself before God and prayed for forgiveness. In His mercy, God restored him to Jerusalem. After his return, Manasseh removed the foreign gods and images from the temple, restored the altar of the Lord, and commanded Judah to worship the Lord God of Israel.

Though his repentance came late, it was genuine, and God’s grace was extended to him. This account is omitted in 2 Kings but preserved in Chronicles as a testimony to God‘s readiness to forgive even the worst of sinners who truly repent.

Theological Implications

God’s Mercy and Grace

Manasses’ life is a vivid display of divine grace. He committed shocking sins, leading an entire nation into rebellion and idolatry. Yet when he humbled himself, God forgave him. His story shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.

This reminds believers today that repentance leads to restoration. Even after seasons of rebellion, God invites the humble heart back to Himself. The forgiveness offered to Manasseh prefigures the full redemption offered in Jesus Christ, the very descendant of Manasseh.

Human Depravity and Divine Sovereignty

Manasses’ inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy underscores the theme that God uses broken people to accomplish His perfect will. Christ’s lineage includes murderers, adulterers, prostitutes, Gentiles, and idolatrous kings. This is not to glorify sin but to magnify God’s sovereign grace.

Legacy and Consequences

Although Manasseh repented, the damage he caused left lasting effects. His son Amon continued in wickedness (2 Kings 21:20-22), and Judah would not fully recover. This illustrates that while forgiveness is available, sin still carries earthly consequences that can impact future generations.

How This Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Manasses’ story contributes to the gospel narrative in at least three significant ways:

1. Jesus Came Through a Line of Sinners – His family line includes notorious individuals, emphasizing that salvation is by grace, not by human merit.

2. Jesus Came to Save the Worst of Sinners – If God could forgive Manasseh, He can forgive anyone. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross fully satisfies the justice of God and opens the way for even the most defiled heart to be cleansed.

3. Jesus Is the Greater King – Unlike Manasseh, Jesus was perfectly obedient. He never sinned, yet He bore the punishment for the sins of people like Manasseh so that they could be made righteous.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Repentance and Restoration

Manasseh’s transformation after his exile highlights the power of true repentance. This theme echoes through Scripture: David (Psalm 51), the prodigal son (Luke 15), and Peter after denying Christ (John 21).

2. Grace in the Genealogy

Matthew 1 intentionally includes flawed individuals to show that Jesus came to redeem fallen humanity, not to celebrate a royal pedigree.

3. God’s Sovereignty in Salvation History

Despite Manasseh’s rebellion, God‘s plan continued. His promise to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16) was not thwarted. The Messiah still came through this royal line, proving that God’s purposes are unstoppable.

Reflection Questions

1. What does Manasseh’s story teach us about the nature of God’s forgiveness?

2. Are there areas in your life where you’ve thought you’re beyond redemption?

3. How does God’s use of broken people encourage you in your own walk with Him?

4. What consequences from past sin might God be calling you to face with humility today?

5. In what ways does Manasseh’s life point you to Jesus, and how does this deepen your appreciation for the gospel?

Manasses, though once infamous for wickedness, became a powerful example of repentance, mercy, and the redemptive reach of God. His life reminds every believer that no sin is too great for God’s grace, and that through Jesus Christ, even the vilest can be made new.