This verse follows the common formula that is used to summarize the reign of a ruler of Israel or Judah by stating Manasseh’s age when he took over (twelve years old), the length of his reign (fifty-five years), and his capital (Jerusalem). However, it does not mention his mother’s name. See the comments on 2 Chr 12.13.

Since this is the beginning of a new section, Good News Translation translates he began to reign as “he became king of Judah.”

He reigned fifty-five years: When the dates for the kings who ruled before and after Manasseh are calculated, it is difficult to explain the number fifty-five. The number “forty-five” seems to fit better. One way to solve the chronological problem is to assume that the first ten years of the young King Manasseh’s rule overlapped with the reign of his father Hezekiah. If this is done, then Manasseh ruled 697–642 B.C. Some scholars suggest that he had a shorter reign of 687–642 B.C. However, all interpreters are agreed that the text says fifty-five years, and this is what must be translated in the receptor language.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .