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Manasseh

biblical_proper_name theological_term standard

A biblical proper name borne by more than one figure, especially Joseph’s son, the tribe descended from him, and King Manasseh of Judah.

At a Glance

Manasseh is a biblical name shared by multiple figures; context determines the intended referent.

Key Points

Description

Manasseh is a Hebrew biblical name shared by more than one figure, so it should be read in context rather than treated as a single theological concept. In Genesis, Manasseh is Joseph’s firstborn son, and his name is explained in connection with Joseph’s experience of God’s goodness. The name also identifies the tribe descended from him, which receives inheritance language in Joshua. In Kings and Chronicles, Manasseh is the name of a Judean king remembered especially for idolatry, though Chronicles also records his humbling himself before the Lord. Because the same name is used for multiple historical figures, this entry functions as a disambiguating headword rather than a doctrinal topic.

Biblical Context

The name first appears in Genesis with Joseph’s family in Egypt, then continues in the tribal and land-allotment narratives of Joshua, and later appears again in the monarchic history of Judah. The biblical usage therefore spans family, tribe, and kingship.

Historical Context

Joseph’s son Manasseh became the ancestor figure for one of the tribes of Israel, while King Manasseh of Judah ruled many centuries later during the period of the divided monarchy. The two should not be confused, since they belong to very different settings in Israel’s history.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In the ancient Near Eastern and biblical context, names often carried commemorative meaning and could be reused across generations. Manasseh is a good example of a name that identifies both a patriarchal descendant line and a later monarch.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

From Hebrew מְנַשֶּׁה (Menasheh), traditionally connected with the idea of “causing to forget,” especially in Joseph’s naming of his son in Genesis 41:51.

Theological Significance

Manasseh illustrates how Scripture preserves names within redemptive history and how one name can point to very different moral outcomes. Joseph’s son and the tribe named after him fit into the covenant storyline, while King Manasseh of Judah shows both the seriousness of idolatry and, in Chronicles, the possibility of genuine humbling before God.

Philosophical Explanation

This entry is primarily about identification and reference. The same word can point to different historical persons or groups, so careful interpretation depends on context, not on the name alone.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not confuse Joseph’s son Manasseh with King Manasseh of Judah. When the text mentions Manasseh, the surrounding context should determine whether the reference is to the patriarchal family line, the tribe, or the king.

Major Views

No major doctrinal dispute is attached to the name itself; the main issue is correct identification of the intended biblical referent.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry is a historical and lexical identification aid, not a doctrinal definition. It should not be used to support speculative theology beyond the plain sense of the passages named.

Practical Significance

A clear understanding of Manasseh prevents confusion when reading Genesis, Joshua, Kings, and Chronicles, and it helps readers follow the flow of Israel’s history without mixing separate individuals.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Manasseh

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