Manasseh (son of Joseph)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: From Hebrew Mĕnaššeh (מְנַשֶּׁה), linked to “to forget,” reflecting Joseph’s statement about forgetting hardship (Genesis 41:51).
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period
• Main References: Genesis 41; Genesis 48; Genesis 50; Numbers 26–27; Joshua 13–17
• Key Connections: Son of Joseph and Asenath; brother of Ephraim; grandson of Jacob (Israel); ancestor of the tribe of Manasseh

Who was Manasseh (son of Joseph)?

Manasseh was Joseph’s firstborn son, born in Egypt before the famine and named in connection with Joseph’s experience of loss and restoration.
He was adopted by Jacob alongside Ephraim, giving him status among the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48).
His name later identified one of Israel’s tribes, which became prominent in the allotment of land.

Key Events & Achievements

• Birth and naming: Born to Joseph in Egypt and named Manasseh as Joseph marked “forgetting” past trouble (Genesis 41:51).
• Jacob’s blessing: Received a patriarchal blessing from Jacob, though Ephraim was placed ahead in prominence (Genesis 48:13–20).
• Tribal inheritance: His descendants formed a tribe with substantial land allotments, including territory east and west of the Jordan (Joshua 13:29–31; 17:1–6).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Manasseh’s place in Israel’s genealogy shows how family lineage and blessing shaped tribal identity and land inheritance in the covenant community.

Key Verse

"Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.”" — Genesis 41:51, ESV