Manasseh
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Making to forget”
The elder son of Joseph and Asenath, adopted by Jacob and made a tribe of Israel, though given the lesser blessing behind his brother Ephraim.
Biography
Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph and his Egyptian wife Asenath. Joseph named him Manasseh — "For God… hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house" (Genesis 41:51) — a testimony to God's healing of his painful past.
Adopted as a tribe
When the aged Jacob blessed Joseph's sons, he adopted both Manasseh and Ephraim as his own, so each became a full tribe of Israel (Genesis 48:5). But when Jacob crossed his hands to give the greater blessing to the younger Ephraim, Joseph objected; Jacob insisted, foretelling that the younger would be greater (Genesis 48:14–19). Manasseh's tribe nonetheless grew large, settling on both sides of the Jordan.
Life Timeline
Born to Joseph and Asenath in Egypt
Adopted by Jacob and given the lesser blessing
On the Bible timeline
Manasseh belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Manasseh
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Manasseh appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
9 verses in 1 bookGenesis9 verses
Genesis 41:51
And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. Manasseh: that is, Forgetting
Genesis 46:20
And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. priest: or, prince
Genesis 48:1
And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Genesis 48:5
And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
Genesis 48:13
And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him.
Genesis 48:14
And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.
Genesis 48:17
And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. displeased: was evil in his eyes
Genesis 48:20
And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.
Genesis 50:23
And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees. brought: Heb. born
Frequently asked about Manasseh
Who was Manasseh in the Bible?
The elder son of Joseph and Asenath, adopted by Jacob and made a tribe of Israel, though given the lesser blessing behind his brother Ephraim.
What does the name Manasseh mean?
The name Manasseh means “Making to forget”.
What did Manasseh do in the Bible?
Manasseh served as patriarch.
Who were Manasseh's parents?
Manasseh was the child of Joseph, Asenath.
Where does Manasseh appear in the Bible?
Manasseh is mentioned 9 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Manasseh?
The story of Manasseh touches on themes of parents, jacob, adoption, first born, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Manasseh's life.
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