Genesis 41:51

Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, ¹  saying, ²  “Certainly ³  God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s house.”

Ge 41:30; Ge 48:5,13,14,18-20; De 33:17; Ps 30:5,11; Ps 45:10; Pr 31:7; Isa 57:16; Isa 65:16

¹ sn The name Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה, mÿnasheh) describes God’s activity on behalf of Joseph, explaining in general the significance of his change of fortune. The name is a Piel participle, suggesting the meaning “he who brings about forgetfulness.” The Hebrew verb נַשַּׁנִי (nashani) may have been used instead of the normal נִשַּׁנִי (nishani) to provide a closer sound play with the name. The giving of this Hebrew name to his son shows that Joseph retained his heritage and faith; and it shows that a brighter future was in store for him.

² tn The word “saying” has been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

³ tn Or “for.”