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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Genesis 41:46–57. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Observe here, I. The building of Joseph's family in the birth of two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Gen 41:50-52. In the names he gave them, he owned the divine Providence giving this happy turn to his affairs, 1. He was made to forget his misery, Job 11:16. We should bear our afflictions when they are present as those that know not but Providence may so outweigh them by after-comforts as that we may even forget them when they are past. But could he be so unnatural as to forget all his father's house? He means the unkindness he received from his brethren, or perhaps the wealth and honour he expected from his father, with the birthright. The robes he now wore made him forget the coat of divers colours which he wore in his father's house. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. It had been the land of his affliction, and in some sense it was still so, for it was not Canaan, the land of promise. His distance from his father was still his affliction. Note, Light is sometimes sown for the righteous in a barren and unlikely soil; and yet if God sow it, and water it, it will come up again. The afflictions of the saints promote their fruitfulness. Ephraim signifies fruitfulness, and Manasseh forgetfulness, for these two often go together; when Jeshurun waxed fat, he forgot God his Maker.
II.The accomplishment of Joseph's predictions.
Pharaoh had great confidence in the truth of them, perhaps finding in his own mind, beyond what another person could, an exact correspondence between them and his dreams, as between the key and the lock; and the event showed that he was not deceived. The seven plenteous years came (Gen 41:47), and, at length, they were ended, Gen 41:53. Note, We ought to foresee the approaching period of the days both of our prosperity and of our opportunity, and therefore must not be secure in the enjoyment of our prosperity nor slothful in the improvement of our opportunity; years of plenty will end, therefore, Whatever thy hand finds to do do it; and gather in gathering time. The morning cometh and also the night (Isa 21:12), the plenty and also the famine. The seven years of dearth began to come, Gen 41:54. See what changes of condition we are liable to in this world, and what need we have to be joyful in a day of prosperity and in a day of adversity to consider, Ecc 7:14. This famine, it seems, was not only in Egypt, but in other lands, in all lands, that is, all the neighbouring countries; fruitful lands are soon turned into barrenness for the iniquity of those that dwell therein, Psa 107:34. It is here said that in the land of Egypt there was bread, meaning probably, not only that which Joseph had bought up for the king, but that which private persons, by his example, and upon the public notice of this prediction, as well as by the rules of common prudence, had laid up.
III.The performance of Joseph's trust. He was found faithful to it, as a steward ought to be.
1.He was diligent in laying up, while the plenty lasted, Gen 41:48, Gen 41:49. He that thus gathers is a wise son.
2.He was prudent and careful in giving out, when the famine came, and kept the markets low by furnishing them at reasonable rates out of his stores. The people in distress cried to Pharaoh, as that woman to the king of Israel (Kg2 6:26), Help, my lord, O king: he sent them to his treasurer, Go to Joseph. Thus God in the gospel directs those that apply to him for mercy and grace to go to the Lord Jesus, in whom all fulness dwells; and, What he saith to you, do. Joseph, no doubt, with wisdom and justice fixed the price of the corn he sold, so that Pharaoh, whose money had bought it up, might have a reasonable profit, and yet the country might not be oppressed, nor advantage taken of their prevailing necessity; while he that withholdest corn when it is dear, in hopes it will yet grow dearer, though people perish for want of it, has many a curse for so doing (and it is not a curse causeless), blessings shall be upon the head of him that thus selleth it, Pro 11:26. And let the price be determined by that golden rule of justice, to do as we would be done by.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Consider the man’s God-fearing attitude. By recording the memory of everything by the name of his son, Joseph purposely expressed his constant thankfulness. He did so that the one born to him might be in a position to know from his own name the trials and endurance that characterized the good man and so brought Joseph to such prominence. “Because he made me forget all my hardships and all those of my father.” What is the meaning of “all those of my father”? Here I think there is reference to the former enslavement and the latter, as well as the deprivation in prison. “All those of my father” means the separation he endured in being away from his father’s embrace and the fact that, being raised with such care, at a tender age he exchanged freedom for slavery.
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Summary
Genesis 41:51 records Joseph's naming of his firstborn son, Manasseh, a name he chose to commemorate God's profound work in his life. Joseph declared that God had enabled him to "forget" the immense toil and suffering he endured, as well as the painful separation from his father's house. This act signifies a pivotal moment of divine healing, restoration, and a new beginning for Joseph, highlighting God's faithful sovereignty in transforming deep sorrow into abundant joy and purpose.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the climactic narrative of Joseph's life in Egypt, following his miraculous rise from prisoner to prime minister. Having successfully interpreted Pharaoh's dreams of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, Joseph is elevated to a position of unparalleled authority, second only to Pharaoh himself (see Genesis 41:39-44). Pharaoh gives him a wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, priest of On, and this verse immediately follows the description of the abundant harvest during the years of plenty. The birth of Manasseh, followed by Ephraim (recorded in Genesis 41:52), marks the establishment of Joseph's own family in Egypt, a significant development after his long and painful separation from his original family in Canaan. It precedes the onset of the famine and the eventual reunion with his brothers, setting the stage for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the naming of children was a deeply significant act, often reflecting the parents' experiences, hopes, or theological understanding. Names were not mere labels but carried profound meaning, serving as a summary of circumstances, a prayer, or a prophetic declaration. For Joseph, naming his son Manasseh was a public declaration of God's work in his life, a testament to divine intervention. The concept of "forgetting" in this context does not imply literal amnesia, but rather a profound release from the emotional and psychological burden of past trauma. It speaks to a state of peace and healing where the sting of past suffering no longer dominates one's present reality. Joseph's position as vizier in Egypt also highlights the immense cultural chasm he had crossed, from a Hebrew shepherd boy to an Egyptian ruler, further emphasizing the depth of God's transformative power in his life.
Key Themes
Genesis 41:51 contributes powerfully to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of Divine Providence, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work in Joseph's life, orchestrating events for His purposes even through great suffering (as Joseph himself later acknowledges in Genesis 50:20). It highlights God's Faithfulness to His covenant promises, showing how He sustains and blesses His chosen ones even in foreign lands. The verse also introduces the theme of Healing and Restoration, illustrating God's capacity to mend broken hearts and release individuals from the grip of past trauma and bitterness. Furthermore, it foreshadows New Beginnings and Fruitfulness, as Joseph, once a victim of betrayal and injustice, now experiences the joy of family and leadership, signifying a shift from barrenness to blessing, a theme echoed throughout the patriarchal narratives, such as with Abraham and Sarah's miraculous son, Isaac, in Genesis 21.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "causing to forget." Joseph's choice of this name for his firstborn son is a direct etymological link to the verb "to forget," signifying that God had actively worked in his life to remove the oppressive weight of his past. It's not about erasing memories, but about nullifying the power of those memories to inflict pain or bitterness.
A primitive root meaning "to forget; figuratively, to neglect; causatively, to remit, remove." This verb, in its causative Hiphil form, emphasizes divine agency. Joseph explicitly states that God (Elohim) was the one who caused him to forget, implying a supernatural act of emotional and spiritual liberation. It signifies a release from the psychological and emotional bondage of his past suffering.
Meaning "toil, i.e. wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind; grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness." This word encompasses the full spectrum of Joseph's arduous experiences: the physical labor of slavery, the mental anguish of false accusation and imprisonment, and the emotional pain of betrayal and separation. God's act of "making him forget" this toil means He removed the debilitating effects and lingering bitterness associated with these profound hardships.
Verse Breakdown
"And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh"
This clause establishes the central action of the verse: Joseph's naming of his eldest son. The act of naming was profoundly significant in ancient cultures, often encapsulating a parent's experience or a divine truth. Joseph's deliberate choice of "Manasseh" (meaning "causing to forget") immediately signals the theological explanation that follows, highlighting his personal journey and God's intervention.
"For God, [said he], hath made me forget all my toil"
Here, Joseph provides the divine rationale for the name. He explicitly attributes his ability to overcome the immense suffering and hardship ("toil") he endured to God's direct intervention. The phrase "made me forget" signifies a profound emotional and spiritual healing, where the debilitating power of past pain, bitterness, and resentment was supernaturally removed, allowing him to live in peace and freedom.
"and all my father's house"
This phrase clarifies the specific nature of the "toil" that God enabled him to forget. It refers to the deep emotional wound of being separated from his family, particularly the betrayal by his brothers that led to his enslavement. It encompasses the longing for his father, Jacob, and the painful memories of the familial discord. God's work of "forgetting" extended to healing this profound relational brokenness, allowing Joseph to move forward without being consumed by the past.
Literary Devices
The verse prominently features Etymological Wordplay, where the name "Manasseh" (מְנַשֶּׁה, Mᵉnashsheh) is directly linked to the Hebrew verb "to forget" (נָשָׁה, nâshâh). This connection is explicitly stated by Joseph himself, serving as a powerful interpretive key for the reader. There is also clear Divine Agency at play, as Joseph attributes his healing and release from past burdens directly to "God" (אֱלֹהִים, ʼĕlôhîym). This emphasizes God's active and providential role in his life, not merely as a distant observer but as an intimate healer. Furthermore, the naming itself functions as Symbolism, representing a profound shift in Joseph's life from suffering and separation to healing, new beginnings, and fruitfulness. The birth of Manasseh symbolizes the triumph of God's grace over human cruelty and the promise of a future unburdened by past trauma.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Joseph's naming of Manasseh is a profound theological statement on God's redemptive power and providential care. It demonstrates that God's work is not limited to external circumstances, such as Joseph's rise to power, but extends deeply into the internal landscape of the human heart, bringing healing from trauma and releasing individuals from the grip of bitterness. This narrative powerfully illustrates that God can transform even the most grievous suffering into a testimony of His faithfulness, enabling His people to move beyond their pain into a season of peace and fruitfulness. It underscores the biblical truth that God is the ultimate source of healing and restoration, capable of mending broken hearts and providing new beginnings.
Reflection and Application
Joseph's experience with the naming of Manasseh offers profound encouragement for believers today who have endured deep pain, loss, or injustice. This verse reminds us that God is capable of bringing profound healing and enabling us to move forward, not by erasing our memories, but by removing the power of those memories to cause ongoing suffering, bitterness, or resentment. It invites us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that even in the midst of our greatest trials, He can bring about a season of "forgetfulness" of sorrow and usher in new blessings and purpose, just as He did for Joseph. This narrative underscores the truth that God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Our past does not have to define our future when God is actively at work, transforming our pain into a platform for His glory and our growth. We are called to surrender our hurts to Him, allowing His healing hand to bring peace where there was once only turmoil.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does the name Manasseh mean?
The name Manasseh (Hebrew: Mᵉnashsheh) means "to cause to forget" or "one who causes to forget." Joseph chose this name because he believed God had supernaturally enabled him to release the pain and toil of his past, effectively "forgetting" its power over him.
Did Joseph literally forget his family and past suffering?
No, "forget" in this context does not mean literal amnesia or the erasure of memories. Joseph clearly remembered his family and past events, as evidenced by his emotional reactions when his brothers later came to Egypt (e.g., Genesis 42:24 and Genesis 45:1-3). Instead, it signifies a profound emotional and spiritual healing where the power of past trauma, bitterness, and sorrow to control or define his present life was removed by God. He was freed from the debilitating, soul-crushing effects of his suffering, allowing him to live with peace and purpose.
Why does Joseph say "God...hath made me forget"?
Joseph attributes his healing and release from bitterness directly to God's active intervention. This highlights his deep faith and understanding of divine providence. He recognized that his ability to move past such profound suffering—betrayal, slavery, false imprisonment—was not merely a result of his own resilience or willpower but a supernatural work of God in his heart and mind. It underscores the biblical truth that true inner healing is ultimately a gift from God, who transforms our sorrow into joy.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Joseph's journey from profound suffering to exalted leadership, and his experience of God enabling him to "forget" past pain, profoundly foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. Like Joseph, Jesus endured immense suffering, betrayal, and injustice, being sold for a price (Matthew 26:14-16) and unjustly condemned (Mark 15:15). Yet, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross, He was exalted to the right hand of God (Philippians 2:8-9). Christ is the ultimate Manasseh, for through His atoning work, He enables us to "forget" the power of sin and death, not by erasing our memory of them, but by liberating us from their dominion, guilt, and condemnation (Romans 8:1-2). He provides true spiritual healing, forgiving our past (Colossians 1:13-14) and granting us a new identity and purpose in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Christ, we find true redemption from suffering, a new beginning, and the ultimate source of spiritual fruitfulness, far surpassing any earthly healing or prosperity Joseph experienced, as He makes all things new (Revelation 21:5).