Manasseh

Lore & Background

Manasseh is introduced as Joseph’s firstborn in Egypt, named to signify Joseph’s forgetfulness of his past hardships (Genesis 41:51). When Jacob was ill, Joseph brought both Manasseh and Ephraim to his father (Genesis 48:1). Jacob then adopted the two boys, declaring them his own, equal to Reuben and Simeon (Genesis 48:5). During the blessing, Jacob deliberately crossed his hands, placing his right hand on the younger Ephraim and his left on Manasseh the firstborn, despite Joseph’s objection (Genesis 48:13-14, 17). Jacob blessed them, setting Ephraim before Manasseh (Genesis 48:20). Later, Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation, and the children of Manasseh’s son Machir were brought up on Joseph’s knees (Genesis 50:23). The tribe’s families included the Machirites and Gileadites (Numbers 26:29).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray Manasseh primarily through his relationship to Joseph and Jacob. He is the firstborn, yet his younger brother Ephraim receives the greater blessing, a reversal that Jacob intentionally performs (Genesis 48:14, 20). Joseph is displeased by this, but Jacob insists, setting Ephraim before Manasseh (Genesis 48:17, 20). This narrative emphasizes that divine blessing does not follow human expectations of primogeniture. Manasseh’s name itself reflects Joseph’s personal experience of God causing him to forget his toil and his father’s house (Genesis 41:51). The genealogical note of Machir and Gilead (Numbers 26:29) shows the tribe’s internal structure. The passages do not provide any further details about Manasseh’s personal actions or character beyond his birth, naming, and role in Jacob’s blessing.

Did You Know?

• Manasseh was born in Egypt to Joseph and Asenath, daughter of a priest of On (Genesis 46:20).
• Jacob adopted Manasseh and Ephraim, making them equal to his own sons Reuben and Simeon (Genesis 48:5).
• Jacob deliberately placed his right hand on the younger Ephraim instead of Manasseh the firstborn (Genesis 48:14).
• The tribe of Manasseh was led by Gamaliel son of Pedahzur in the wilderness (Numbers 2:20; Numbers 7:54).