### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Mᵉnashsheh**, represented by `{{H4519}}`, is rooted in the word `{{H5382}}` **nâshâh**, meaning "to forget." Appearing **146 times** in **133 verses**, it refers to Joseph's firstborn son, the tribe descended from him, its territory, and later, a king of Judah. The name's core meaning is "causing to forget."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4519}}` is first given to Joseph's firstborn son, because God had made him **forget** all his toil and his father's house [[Genesis 41:51]]. Although Manasseh was the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}`, his grandfather Jacob intentionally blessed his younger brother Ephraim `{{H669}}` before him ([[Genesis 48:14]], [[Genesis 48:20]]). Later, the name refers to the tribe of Manasseh, which uniquely received an inheritance on both sides of the Jordan River, with a **half** `{{H2677}}` **tribe** `{{H7626}}` settling in Gilead and Bashan [[Numbers 32:33]]. The name is also associated with a king of Judah, the son of Hezekiah, who led the people into profound sin, doing more **evil** `{{H7451}}` than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed [[2 Kings 21:9]]. After being taken captive to Babylon, King Manasseh humbled himself and prayed, and God restored him to his kingdom [[2 Chronicles 33:11-13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the identity and story of Manasseh:
* `{{H5382}}` **nâshâh** (to forget): This is the direct root of the name **Mᵉnashsheh**. Joseph uses this word to explain his son's name, signifying that God had made him **forget** his hardship [[Genesis 41:51]].
* `{{H669}}` **ʼEphrayim** (Ephraim): As Manasseh's younger brother, Ephraim received the greater blessing from Jacob, a pivotal moment that established their future prominence [[Genesis 48:20]]. The two tribes are often mentioned together [[Deuteronomy 33:17]].
* `{{H1060}}` **bᵉkôwr** (firstborn): This term is central to Manasseh's identity as Joseph's **firstborn** son, highlighting the reversal of expectations when Jacob blessed Ephraim first [[Genesis 48:14]].
* `{{H2677}}` **chêtsîy** (half): This word is frequently used to describe the **half** tribe of Manasseh that settled east of the Jordan, a defining feature of the tribe's inheritance [[1 Chronicles 5:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H4519}}` is multifaceted, touching on themes of divine purpose, sovereignty, and redemption.
* **Providence in a Name:** The name's origin points to God's ability to bring restoration from suffering, allowing Joseph to **forget** his past toil through the blessing of a son [[Genesis 41:51]].
* **Sovereignty Over Birthright:** The blessing of Ephraim over the **firstborn** `{{H1060}}` Manasseh demonstrates that God's favor is not bound by human tradition. Jacob guided his hands wittingly `{{H7919}}`, signifying a divinely-inspired choice [[Genesis 48:14]].
* **A Legacy of Sin:** King Manasseh represents one of the lowest points in Judah's history. His actions provoked the LORD to **wrath** `{{H2740}}`, and his sins were cited as a reason for Judah's eventual removal from the land ([[2 Kings 23:26]], [[2 Kings 24:3]]).
* **The Possibility of Repentance:** Despite his extreme wickedness, King Manasseh's story is also a powerful testament to redemption. After being humbled, he **prayed** `{{H6419}}`, and God heard his supplication and restored him [[2 Chronicles 33:13]].
### Summary
In summary, **Mᵉnashsheh** `{{H4519}}` is a name with layered significance throughout scripture. It begins as a symbol of God's power to make one forget past hardship, defines a tribe whose inheritance was uniquely divided, and becomes the name of a king who embodied both the depths of human sin and the profound potential for divine forgiveness. From Joseph's son to a repentant king, the name Manasseh serves as a complex and enduring biblical emblem.
TRV