Manasseh
- Dates
- 1668–1578 BC
Name means "who makes to forget." He is the eldest of two sons born to Joseph through Asenath, a wife given to him by Pharaoh. When Jacob blesses Joseph's two sons, he crosses his arms, placing a hand on Ephraim who becomes greater than his brother.
In detail
The elder son of Joseph, by Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Gen 41:50, 51). When before his death Jacob blessed Manasseh and his brother Ephraim, the old patriarch indicated by crossing his arms and placing his left hand upon Manasseh, that Ephraim, though younger, would become superior (ch 48:8—21). This prophecy was later fulfilled when Manasseh's descendants, though forming an influential tribe in Israel, were surpassed in importance by the tribe descended from Ephraim.
Bible passages
- Genesis 41:45-51
45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath–paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti–pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. 46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. …
Text of the King James Version.