2 Chronicles 33:6 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Manasseh led his own children through fire as an offering and engaged in multiple forms of divination and sorcery.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 33:6
Manasseh's escalation to the most severe religious violations.
What Does 2 Chronicles 33:6 Mean?
The practice of causing children to pass through fire was an offering to Molech, a Canaanite deity. This act represented the ultimate violation of the parent-child covenant and was among the most explicitly condemned practices in Israel's law. Manasseh coupled this with divination techniques—observing times (astrology), enchantments, witchcraft, necromancy (familiar spirits), and consultation with mediums and wizards.
Each form of divination represented a rejection of reliance on God's revelation through prophets and law, substituting human attempts to access spiritual knowledge through forbidden channels. The verse's emphasis that he 'wrought much evil' and 'provoke[d]' God's anger underscores the deliberate character of these choices.
2 Chronicles 33:6 in the Original Language
Hinnom (הִנּוֹם), 'Hinnom' — the valley south of Jerusalem later called Gehenna, already associated with pagan sacrifice and later symbolizing judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 33:6
What does 2 Chronicles 33:6 mean?
Manasseh led his own children through fire as an offering and engaged in multiple forms of divination and sorcery.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 33:6?
Manasseh's escalation to the most severe religious violations.