### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G3128, *Manassēs* (Μανασσῆς), is a transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun מְנַשֶּׁה (Menashsheh), Strong's number `{{H4519}}`. Its etymological root is derived from the Hebrew verb נָשָׁה (*nashah*), meaning "to forget" or "to cause to forget." This meaning is explicitly stated in the biblical account of the naming of Joseph's firstborn son: "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'" [[Genesis 41:51]]. Thus, the core meaning of *Manassēs* is "causing to forget" or "one who causes to forget," signifying a divine act of alleviating past sorrow or hardship. Semantically, it functions exclusively as a personal name, referring to specific individuals within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Manassēs* appears in the New Testament exclusively in the genealogy of Jesus Christ as recorded by Matthew: "Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amon, and Amon the father of Josiah" [[Matthew 1:10]]. This reference is to Manasseh, King of Judah, who reigned for 55 years (c. 697-642 BC). His reign is described as one of the most idolatrous and wicked in Judah's history, marked by the reintroduction of pagan worship, child sacrifice, and the shedding of innocent blood [[2 Kings 21:1-18]]. However, the account in [[2 Chronicles 33:11-19]] details his capture by the Assyrians, his profound repentance during captivity, and his subsequent restoration to the throne, after which he initiated reforms to remove idolatry.
While G3128 itself is limited to this single New Testament occurrence, its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H4519}}` (Menashsheh), features prominently throughout the Old Testament. It refers primarily to two distinct figures:
1. **Manasseh, son of Joseph:** As mentioned, his name signifies God's deliverance from past suffering [[Genesis 41:51]]. He was the elder son of Joseph, yet Jacob prophetically blessed his younger brother Ephraim above him, signifying a divine reversal of natural order [[Genesis 48:17-20]]. His descendants formed the powerful Tribe of Manasseh, whose inheritance was uniquely split on both sides of the Jordan River [[Numbers 32:33]], [[Joshua 17:1-18]].
2. **Manasseh, King of Judah:** His inclusion in Christ's genealogy [[Matthew 1:10]] is particularly striking given his notorious wickedness. This highlights God's sovereignty and grace, demonstrating that the divine plan of salvation proceeds even through profoundly flawed human agents, and that true repentance can lead to restoration and inclusion in God's redemptive history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew original, `{{H4519}}` (Menashsheh), which is the direct source of the Greek transliteration *Manassēs*. The root verb נָשָׁה (*nashah*), meaning "to forget," is fundamental to understanding the name's significance.
Other related concepts and figures include:
* **Ephraim (`{{H669}}`):** Manasseh's younger brother, often mentioned alongside him, particularly in the context of the tribal divisions and the prophetic blessing that elevated Ephraim above Manasseh.
* **Tribal Identity:** The Tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, played a significant role in the settlement and history of the land.
* **Kingship:** King Manasseh's reign represents a critical period in the history of the Davidic monarchy, showcasing the extremes of apostasy and the possibility of profound repentance.
* **Genealogy:** The inclusion of Manasseh in the lineage of Christ underscores themes of divine faithfulness, human sin, and God's redemptive work through imperfect lines.
* **Repentance and Forgiveness:** King Manasseh's story, particularly in Chronicles, provides a powerful example of the depth of sin and the transformative power of genuine repentance and God's forgiveness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Manassēs* is multifaceted, drawing insights from both of its prominent biblical bearers.
1. **Divine Providence and Healing from Suffering:** Joseph's naming of his son Manasseh eloquently testifies to God's capacity to heal past traumas and bring forth new life and joy, enabling a "forgetting" of former toil and sorrow [[Genesis 41:51]]. This is not an erasure of memory but a release from the pain associated with it, a divine act of restoration.
2. **God's Sovereign Choice:** The account of Jacob blessing Ephraim over Manasseh [[Genesis 48:17-20]] illustrates God's prerogative to choose and elevate according to His divine will, rather than human convention or birth order. This foreshadows a recurring theme in biblical history where God's chosen instruments are not always the most obvious or expected.
3. **Grace Abounding Over Sin:** The most profound theological implication arises from the inclusion of King Manasseh in the genealogy of Jesus Christ [[Matthew 1:10]]. Manasseh was arguably the most wicked king in Judah's history, yet his later repentance [[2 Chronicles 33:12-19]] and subsequent inclusion in the Messiah's lineage powerfully demonstrate God's boundless grace and forgiveness. It underscores that God's redemptive plan is not thwarted by human sin, but rather, His grace is magnified in His ability to redeem and use even the most unlikely and unholy individuals within His covenant purposes. This inclusion serves as a testament to the fact that Christ's lineage, and by extension His mission, embraces all humanity, including those who have fallen furthest from God, offering hope for redemption to all who repent.
### Summary
G3128, *Manassēs*, transliterates the Hebrew `{{H4519}}`, meaning "causing to forget." This name is borne by two significant figures in biblical history: Joseph's firstborn son, symbolizing God's restorative power over past suffering, and a notorious king of Judah who, despite profound wickedness, later repented. In the New Testament, *Manassēs* appears in the genealogy of Jesus Christ [[Matthew 1:10]], referring to the repentant king. The theological significance of the name encompasses divine providence, God's sovereign choice, and most notably, the profound truth that God's grace triumphs over human sin, as evidenced by the inclusion of a repentant sinner in the very lineage of the Messiah.
TRV