Manasseh was the firstborn son of JosephJoseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Favored by his father yet betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. Through God's providence, he rose to become a ruler in Egypt and preserved his family during a severe famine. His life is one of the clearest Old... More and Asenath, born during Joseph’s years of authority in EgyptEgypt is the powerful ancient civilization along the Nile that appears throughout Scripture as a place of refuge, oppression, and divine deliverance. It is central to the stories of Joseph, Moses, the Exodus, and later prophecies, symbolizing both worldly strength and the need for God’s redemption (Genesis 37–50; Exodus 1–14). More before the great famine spread across the region. At his birth, JosephJoseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Favored by his father yet betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. Through God's providence, he rose to become a ruler in Egypt and preserved his family during a severe famine. His life is one of the clearest Old... More declared:
“For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.” ()
For this reason, he named his son Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה, Menasheh), a name meaning “causing to forget” or “one who makes forget.”
Although Manasseh was Joseph’s firstborn, an important event occurred when the aging JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More blessed Joseph’s two sons. As JosephJoseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Favored by his father yet betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. Through God's providence, he rose to become a ruler in Egypt and preserved his family during a severe famine. His life is one of the clearest Old... More presented Manasseh and EphraimEphraim was the younger son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was not the firstborn, Jacob bestowed upon him the greater blessing, and his descendants became one of the most influential tribes in Israel. The Tribe of Ephraim later emerged as a leading tribe of the northern kingdom, and the name "Ephraim" is often used in Scripture... More before his father, JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More deliberately crossed his hands, placing his right hand upon EphraimEphraim was the younger son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was not the firstborn, Jacob bestowed upon him the greater blessing, and his descendants became one of the most influential tribes in Israel. The Tribe of Ephraim later emerged as a leading tribe of the northern kingdom, and the name "Ephraim" is often used in Scripture... More, the younger son:
“His younger brother shall be greater than he.” ()
JosephJoseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Favored by his father yet betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. Through God's providence, he rose to become a ruler in Egypt and preserved his family during a severe famine. His life is one of the clearest Old... More objected because Manasseh was the firstborn, but JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More insisted that EphraimEphraim was the younger son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was not the firstborn, Jacob bestowed upon him the greater blessing, and his descendants became one of the most influential tribes in Israel. The Tribe of Ephraim later emerged as a leading tribe of the northern kingdom, and the name "Ephraim" is often used in Scripture... More would receive the greater national prominence. Nevertheless, JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More also promised that Manasseh would become a great people.
Through Jacob’s adoption of EphraimEphraim was the younger son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was not the firstborn, Jacob bestowed upon him the greater blessing, and his descendants became one of the most influential tribes in Israel. The Tribe of Ephraim later emerged as a leading tribe of the northern kingdom, and the name "Ephraim" is often used in Scripture... More and Manasseh, JosephJoseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Favored by his father yet betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. Through God's providence, he rose to become a ruler in Egypt and preserved his family during a severe famine. His life is one of the clearest Old... More received a double inheritance among the tribes of IsraelThe Tribes of Israel were the twelve family divisions descended from the sons of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). These tribes formed the nation of Israel, received territorial inheritances in the Promised Land, and played a central role throughout the Old Testament. The tribes trace their ancestry to the twelve sons of Jacob and represent the covenant people... More:
“EphraimEphraim was the younger son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was not the firstborn, Jacob bestowed upon him the greater blessing, and his descendants became one of the most influential tribes in Israel. The Tribe of Ephraim later emerged as a leading tribe of the northern kingdom, and the name "Ephraim" is often used in Scripture... More and Manasseh… are mine; as ReubenReuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, making him the eldest of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Although he possessed the privileges associated with the birthright, Reuben forfeited his preeminence through sinful actions and did not become the leading tribe of Israel. His life illustrates both the responsibilities and consequences that accompany leadership and inheritance. More and SimeonSimeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah and the founder of the Tribe of Simeon. Known for his fierce response to the defilement of his sister Dinah, Simeon's life is remembered for both loyalty to family and the dangers of uncontrolled anger. His descendants became one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and eventually settled within the territory... More, they shall be mine.” ()
As a result, both sons became tribal heads in IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More, and the Tribe of Manasseh was counted among the Twelve Tribes of IsraelThe Tribes of Israel were the twelve family divisions descended from the sons of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). These tribes formed the nation of Israel, received territorial inheritances in the Promised Land, and played a central role throughout the Old Testament. The tribes trace their ancestry to the twelve sons of Jacob and represent the covenant people... More.
The descendants of Manasseh became one of the largest tribes in the nation. Their inheritance was unique because it was divided into two portions. Half of the tribe settled east of the Jordan River, while the other half received territory west of the Jordan in the land of CanaanCanaan is the son of Ham and grandson of Noah, remembered as the ancestor of the peoples who later inhabited the land bearing his name. His story marks the beginning of a lineage that becomes central to Israel’s early history and the unfolding of God’s promises. More (). This division gave Manasseh one of the largest territorial inheritances among the tribes.
One notable descendant of Manasseh was Gideon, the judge whom God used to deliver IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said:
“My family is poor in Manasseh.” ()
Despite Gideon’s humble circumstances, God used him to achieve a great victory, demonstrating that deliverance comes through God’s power rather than human strength.
The tribe of Manasseh also played a significant role during the reigns of DavidDavid is Israel’s second king — a shepherd, warrior, poet, and the central human figure in the Messianic line. Scripture presents him as “a man after God’s own heart,” whose life reveals covenant loyalty, repentance, worship, and the promise of an everlasting throne. More and later kings of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More. Warriors from Manasseh joined DavidDavid is Israel’s second king — a shepherd, warrior, poet, and the central human figure in the Messianic line. Scripture presents him as “a man after God’s own heart,” whose life reveals covenant loyalty, repentance, worship, and the promise of an everlasting throne. More before he became king over all IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More (). Their support helped establish his kingdom and demonstrated the tribe’s military strength and influence.
In later biblical history, the western half of Manasseh became associated with the Northern Kingdom of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More. Like many northern tribes, Manasseh experienced periods of both faithfulness and rebellion. Yet throughout Scripture, the tribe remained a testimony to God’s covenant promises and His blessings upon the descendants of JosephJoseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Favored by his father yet betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. Through God's providence, he rose to become a ruler in Egypt and preserved his family during a severe famine. His life is one of the clearest Old... More.
The history of Manasseh illustrates God’s ability to bring healing and restoration. JosephJoseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Favored by his father yet betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. Through God's providence, he rose to become a ruler in Egypt and preserved his family during a severe famine. His life is one of the clearest Old... More named his son because God had helped him move beyond the hardships and betrayals of his past. Through Manasseh’s descendants, God established a powerful tribe that contributed greatly to the history and development of the nation of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More.
Hebrew Name
מְנַשֶּׁה (Menasheh)
Meaning: “Causing to Forget,” “One Who Makes Forget,” or “Forgetfulness.”
The name comes from the HebrewHebrew is the ancient language of the people of Israel and the primary language in which most of the Old Testament was originally written. As a member of the Northwest Semitic language family, Hebrew contains rich layers of meaning that provide deeper insight into Scripture, biblical names, prophecy, covenant theology, and God's revelation to His people. More root נָשָׁה (nashah) meaning “to forget” or “to put aside.” JosephJoseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Favored by his father yet betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. Through God's providence, he rose to become a ruler in Egypt and preserved his family during a severe famine. His life is one of the clearest Old... More chose the name to express gratitude that God had helped him overcome the pain of his earlier suffering.
Related Terms
- JosephJoseph was the eleventh son of Jacob and the first son born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. Favored by his father yet betrayed by his brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. Through God's providence, he rose to become a ruler in Egypt and preserved his family during a severe famine. His life is one of the clearest Old... More
- EphraimEphraim was the younger son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. Although he was not the firstborn, Jacob bestowed upon him the greater blessing, and his descendants became one of the most influential tribes in Israel. The Tribe of Ephraim later emerged as a leading tribe of the northern kingdom, and the name "Ephraim" is often used in Scripture... More
- JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More
- Asenath
- Gideon
- JoshuaJoshua was the successor of Moses, a faithful leader of Israel, and the commander who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Born into the Tribe of Ephraim, Joshua served as Moses' assistant, one of the twelve spies, and later became the leader appointed by God to guide Israel across the Jordan River and conquer Canaan. His life is remembered... More
- Jordan River
- CanaanCanaan is the son of Ham and grandson of Noah, remembered as the ancestor of the peoples who later inhabited the land bearing his name. His story marks the beginning of a lineage that becomes central to Israel’s early history and the unfolding of God’s promises. More
- Twelve Tribes of IsraelThe Tribes of Israel were the twelve family divisions descended from the sons of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). These tribes formed the nation of Israel, received territorial inheritances in the Promised Land, and played a central role throughout the Old Testament. The tribes trace their ancestry to the twelve sons of Jacob and represent the covenant people... More
- Birthright
- Inheritance
- Northern Kingdom
- GenealogyGenealogy is the record and study of family lineage, ancestry, and descent. Throughout Scripture, genealogies establish historical continuity, trace covenant promises, preserve tribal identities, and demonstrate God's faithfulness across generations. Biblical genealogies are especially important in tracing the lineage from Adam to Noah, from Abraham to Israel, and ultimately to the Messiah. More
- IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More
- Promised LandThe Promised Land is the land that God pledged to give to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants as an everlasting inheritance. Often identified with the land of Canaan, it became the homeland of the nation of Israel and serves as a powerful symbol of God's covenant faithfulness, provision, and rest for His people. More
