Prayer of Manasseh
c. 2nd–1st century BC · Early Jewish / Second Temple Texts
About this text
A beautiful penitential prayer attributed to King Manasseh of Judah (referenced in 2 Chronicles 33:12–13). Expresses deep repentance.
Significance
Included in some Orthodox Bibles and historical prayer collections. A profound text on repentance.
Key excerpts
"I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge my transgressions. I humbly beseech thee, forgive me, O Lord, forgive me."
"For thou art the God of those who repent, and in me thou wilt show all thy goodness."
Scripture cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 — Manasseh humbled himself and God heard him
- Psalm 51 — David's penitential psalm — similar spirit of repentance
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This text is one of 17 in the Early Jewish / Second Temple Texts category, and one of 62 across the entire library.