Definition: Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations, [and] hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, which [were] before him, and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Kings 21:11. It's a really important and sad passage in the Bible about a period of intense conflict and moral decay in Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Manasseh, a king in Judah, has committed terrible sins – things that were considered very bad even for the Amorites (a group of people who lived nearby) – and those actions have led to widespread sin and trouble within Israel. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations…” This means Manasseh did something seriously wrong. “Abomination” is a very strong word, meaning something that goes against God's law or moral standards. “…and hath done wickedly above all that the Amorites did…” This is the key part. The verse compares Manasseh’s actions to those of the Amorites. The Amorites were before Manasseh and had been practicing wickedness – they were doing bad things, possibly involving idolatry (worshipping false gods). This is saying that Manasseh's actions are far worse than anything the Amorites ever did. “Which [were] before him…” This emphasizes that Manasseh’s sins came before a time when the people of Judah were vulnerable to these bad influences. “…and hath made Judah also to sin with his idols:” This is the most important part. It means Manasseh’s actions, and particularly his refusal to follow God's laws, led to widespread idolatry – worshipping false gods instead of the true God. He created a culture where people were focusing on things that weren’t really sacred or right. What does this all mean? It paints a picture of a kingdom struggling with deep moral problems. It suggests: A Loss of Faith: Manasseh's actions likely undermined the faith of his people, causing them to stray from God. Social Decay: The widespread idolatry led to social problems – families breaking apart, people losing their sense of right and wrong, etc. God’s Punishment: The verse speaks about God’s judgment upon Judah because of this sin. It's a warning that ignoring God's laws can have serious consequences. In short, this verse is a stark reminder of the importance of living according to God’s commandments and avoiding practices that lead to moral darkness. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this passage? (Are you trying to grasp its historical context, its theological significance, or something else?)