Hephzibah חֶפְצִי־בָהּ
The mother of King Manasseh of Judah.
Who is Hephzibah in the Bible?
Hephzibah was the wife of King Hezekiah and mother of King Manasseh of Judah, as recorded in 2 Kings 21:1. She bore Manasseh, who became one of Judah's most infamous kings, ascending to the throne at age twelve and ruling for fifty-five years. Though the Bible provides no details about Hephzibah's own character or beliefs, her significance lies in her role as the mother of a king whose reign was marked by severe apostasy, including idolatry, child sacrifice, and consultation with mediums, actions that reversed the religious reforms of his father Hezekiah. Her legacy is intertwined with Manasseh's dramatic story of wickedness followed by repentance and God's mercy.
Biography
Hephzibah is mentioned in the Bible as the mother of King Manasseh, who ruled over Judah. She was the wife of King Hezekiah (2Ki.21.1). Manasseh, born to Hezekiah and Hephzibah, succeeded his father as king at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem. Manasseh's reign was marked by idolatry and wickedness, as he undid many of the religious reforms his father had implemented. He even practiced child sacrifice and consulted mediums and spiritists. Despite this, God showed mercy to Manasseh when he humbled himself and prayed for forgiveness. No further details about Hephzibah's life or character are provided in the Bible. (2Ki.21.1).
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Kings 1 verse
- 2 Kings 21:1
"Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | חֶפְצִי־בָהּ |