The word Manassēs, represented by G3128, is of Hebrew origin and refers to an Israelite. It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name serves to identify both a specific individual in a lineage and the patriarch of one of the tribes of Israel.
In the biblical narrative, G3128 is used in two key contexts. First, it establishes genealogical identity in the lineage of Jesus Christ, where Ezekias G1478 begat G1080 Manasses, and Manasses in turn begat G1080 Amon G300 Matthew 1:10. Second, it identifies one of the tribes of Israel in the book of Revelation, where twelve G1427 thousand G5505 from the tribe G5443 of Manasses were sealed G4972 Revelation 7:6.
Several related words help clarify the role of Manassēs:
- G1478 Ezekías: An Israelite who is identified as the father of Manasses, placing him within a specific royal lineage Matthew 1:10.
- G1080 gennáō (to procreate): This verb is used to establish the direct father-son relationship between Ezekias, Manasses, and Amon, highlighting the continuity of the genealogical line Matthew 1:10.
- G5443 phylḗ (an offshoot, i.e. race or clan): This term defines Manasses not just as a person but as the progenitor of a major clan within Israel, identified as the tribe of Manasses Revelation 7:6.
- G4972 sphragízō (to stamp for security or preservation): This word describes the action taken upon the tribe of Manasses, indicating they are marked for divine security and purpose Revelation 7:6.
The significance of G3128 is tied to its dual role in scripture:
- Genealogical Link: The inclusion of Manasses in the genealogy of Matthew places him as an ancestor of Jesus Christ. His position as a link in the chain from Ezekias G1478 to Amon G300 is crucial for demonstrating the historical and covenantal line leading to the Messiah Matthew 1:10.
- Tribal Preservation: In Revelation, the tribe G5443 of Manasses is counted among those who are sealed G4972 by God. This signifies that the people identified with him are part of God's preserved remnant, set apart for security and attestation in the end times Revelation 7:6.
In summary, G3128 Manassēs functions as a key identifier in the biblical record. It connects the past, through his role in a significant ancestral line, to the future, as the namesake for a tribe marked for divine preservation. The name illustrates the importance of both individual lineage and collective tribal identity within God's overarching plan of redemption.
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