מְנַשֶּׁה (me.nash.sheh)
me.nash.sheh
Manasseh
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 119 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Menasseh, derived from the Hebrew root meaning "to forget," carries a complex theological weight in Scripture. Joseph applied it to his firstborn son upon the birth of Manasseh, declaring that God had made him forget his hardship and his father’s household (Genesis 41:51). This etymology highlights a theme of divine restoration, where past trauma is superseded by new provision.
While the name signifies forgetting, its biblical history records both blessing and severe judgment. The tribe descended from this patriarch received a substantial inheritance in Canaan, yet another king named Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, is remembered for introducing idolatry that led to Judah’s exile (2 Kings 21). The lexical data distinguishes these figures clearly: the patriarch represents covenantal promise, while the monarch represents national apostasy.
Translators consistently render this proper noun as Menasseh or Manasseh without attempting to translate the meaning "forgetter" into the narrative text. This preserves the name’s function as a specific identifier for the tribe, its territory, and the various individuals who bore it throughout the biblical timeline.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Menasseh carries a quiet promise of restoration. Joseph named his firstborn son with this word because he believed God had helped him forget his past hardships and the pain of being separated from his family. It is a reminder that even in deep distress, divine care can bring a sense of peace that allows us to move forward.
Yet the biblical story of Menasseh is not simple. While the patriarch represented a covenantal blessing, later figures with this name led people into serious error. This contrast shows that names and heritage do not guarantee faithfulness. We are reminded that our current circumstances, no matter how difficult, are held within God’s larger purpose for renewal.
When we face seasons of forgetting or loss, the story of Menasseh invites us to trust that God can bring new life from old wounds. It encourages a hope that looks beyond present pain toward future restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 119 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Manasseh101×
- <the>/ Manasseh12×
- and/ Manasseh10×
- to/ Manasseh2×
- in/ Manasseh1×
- for/ Manasseh1×
- and/ to/ Manasseh1×
- and/ like/ Manasseh1×
- [belonged] to/ Manasseh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה19×
- מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה16×
- מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה13×
- מְנַשֶּׁ֥ה9×
- מְנַשֶּׁ֣ה9×
- מְנַשֶּׁה֙8×
- מְנַשֶּֽׁה\׃7×
- מְנַשֶּׁ֗ה7×
- וּ/מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה4×
- מְנַשֶּׁ֤ה3×
- מְנַשֶּׁ֜ה3×
- הַֽ/מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 41:51
Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, “For”, he said, “God has made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.”
This verse establishes the etymological root of the name, linking it directly to Joseph’s declaration that God removed his memory of past toil.
-
Genesis 48:14
Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.
Here the narrative subverts expectations as Israel deliberately blesses the younger Ephraim over the firstborn Manasseh, highlighting divine sovereignty over human tradition.
-
Numbers 26:34
These are the families of Manasseh. Those who were counted of them were fifty-two thousand seven hundred.
This census data confirms the significant growth and established presence of the tribe despite their origins in a foreign land.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Menasseh mean?
Why is Menasseh mentioned with Ephraim?
Is there a difference between the patriarch Menasseh and King Manasseh?
Every Occurrence (119 verses across 11 books)
Genesis 9 verses
Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, “For”, he said, “God has made me forget all my toil, and all my…
Genesis 46:20To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On,…
Genesis 48:1After these things, someone said to Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and…
Genesis 48:5Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and…
Genesis 48:13Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward…
Genesis 48:14Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on…
Genesis 48:17When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He held up his father’s…
Genesis 48:20He blessed them that day, saying, “Israel will bless in your name, saying, ‘God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh’”…
Genesis 50:23Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children also of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on…