Meaning of the Name Manasseh
In Genesis 41:51 the name Manasseh is linked to the Hebrew idea of 'causing to forget' and is explained as 'one who makes forget' or 'he has caused to forget.' This is the Bible's own popular etymological explanation. Although several figures bear the name, the interpretation usually remains along this line.
Origin
The name Manasseh is of Hebrew origin.
Who is Manasseh in the Bible?
Several important figures bear the name Manasseh; one of the best known is Manasseh king of the southern kingdom of Judah. Second Kings and Second Chronicles emphasize his long reign, his idolatry, and in Chronicles his repentance; Joseph's son Manasseh is also the ancestor of one of Israel's tribes.
The story of Manasseh in the Bible
The name Manasseh belongs to more than one figure in Scripture. The first is Joseph's firstborn son, born in Egypt; Joseph gave him the name saying God had made him forget all his hardship, and Manasseh became the ancestor of one of Israel's tribes. The best-known bearer is King Manasseh of Judah, son of Hezekiah, who came to the throne at twelve and reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem, the longest reign among Judah's kings. He rebuilt the high places his father had torn down, set up altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, worshiped the host of heaven, built altars in the courts of the LORD's temple, and is said to have shed much innocent blood. Second Chronicles adds a striking sequel: Assyrian commanders took him captive to Babylon, and in his distress he humbled himself deeply and prayed to the God of his ancestors. God heard him and restored him to his kingdom, and Manasseh removed the foreign gods and repaired the LORD's altar, so his name carries a story of both deep failure and sincere repentance.
Is Manasseh mentioned in the Quran?
The name Manasseh is not mentioned in the Quran; although the story of Joseph is told there, his sons are not named. In the Bible, Manasseh is the name both of Joseph's firstborn and of a king of Judah.
Verses where Manasseh appears
- Genesis 41:51 —
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.”
- 2 Kings 21:1 —
Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Hephzibah.
- 2 Chronicles 33:12 —
When he was in distress, he begged Yahweh his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.