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Genesis 41:51

Genesis 41:51 in Multiple Translations

Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.”

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.

And Joseph called the name of the first-born Manasseh: For, said he, God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.

And to the first he gave the name Manasseh, for he said, God has taken away from me all memory of my hard life and of my father's house.

Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh, because he said, “The Lord has made me forget all my troubles and all my father's family.”

And Ioseph called the name of the first borne Manasseh: for God, said he, hath made me forget all my labour and al my fathers houshold.

and Joseph calleth the name of the first-born Manasseh: 'for, God hath made me to forget all my labour, and all the house of my father;'

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.”

And Joseph called the name of the first-born Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.

And he called the name of the firstborn Manasses, saying: God hath made me to forget all my labours, and my father’s house.

Joseph named the first one Manasseh, which sounds like the Hebrew word that means ‘forget’, because, he said, “God has caused me to forget all my troubles and all my father’s family.”

Joseph named his 1st son Manasseh. That name means he let me forget. Joseph said, “You see, God was good to me. He let me forget about all that trouble I had, and he even let me forget that I miss my family.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:51

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 41:51 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת שֵׁ֥ם הַ/בְּכ֖וֹר מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה כִּֽי נַשַּׁ֤/נִי אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת כָּל עֲמָלִ֔/י וְ/אֵ֖ת כָּל בֵּ֥ית אָבִֽ/י
וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹסֵ֛ף Yôwçêph H3130 Joseph N-proper
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
שֵׁ֥ם shêm H8034 name N-ms
הַ/בְּכ֖וֹר bᵉkôwr H1060 firstborn Art | N-ms
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 Moses N-proper
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
נַשַּׁ֤/נִי nâshâh H5382 to forget V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
עֲמָלִ֔/י ʻâmâl H5999 trouble N-cs | Suff
וְ/אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place N-ms
אָבִֽ/י ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:51

וַ/יִּקְרָ֥א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
יוֹסֵ֛ף Yôwçêph H3130 "Joseph" N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שֵׁ֥ם shêm H8034 "name" N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הַ/בְּכ֖וֹר bᵉkôwr H1060 "firstborn" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה Mᵉnashsheh H4519 "Moses" N-proper
Manasseh was a grandson of Jacob and the ancestor of a large tribe in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis 41:51 and throughout the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Another name of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Manasseh = "causing to forget" 1) the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh 1a) the tribe descended from Manasseh 1b) the territory occupied by the tribe of Manasseh 2) son of king Hezekiah of Judah and himself king of Judah; he was the immediate and direct cause for the exile 3) a descendant of Pahath-moab who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Hashum who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Manasseh. See also: Genesis 41:51; Joshua 22:21; Psalms 60:9.
כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נַשַּׁ֤/נִי nâshâh H5382 "to forget" V-Piel-Perf-3ms | Suff
To forget means to neglect or disregard something, like a memory or a responsibility. This verb is used in the Bible to describe human forgetfulness and God's remembering. It can also mean to remit or remove a debt or punishment.
Definition: 1) to forget, deprive 1a) (Qal) to forget 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to forget, allow to be forgotten
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: forget, deprive, exact. See also: Genesis 41:51; Isaiah 44:21; Jeremiah 23:39.
אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֲמָלִ֔/י ʻâmâl H5999 "trouble" N-cs | Suff
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
וְ/אֵ֖ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אָבִֽ/י ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

Study Notes — Genesis 41:51

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 30:5 For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.
2 Proverbs 31:7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
3 Deuteronomy 33:17 His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.”
4 Genesis 41:30 but seven years of famine will follow them. Then all the abundance in the land of Egypt will be forgotten, and the famine will devastate the land.
5 Psalms 30:11 You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
6 Isaiah 65:16 Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth, and whoever takes an oath in the land will swear by the God of truth. For the former troubles will be forgotten and hidden from My sight.
7 Genesis 48:13–14 And Joseph took both of them—with Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand—and brought them close to him. But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn.
8 Genesis 48:5 And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here shall be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.
9 Isaiah 57:16 For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me, with the breath of those I have made.
10 Genesis 48:18–20 “Not so, my father!” Joseph said. “This one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” So that day Jacob blessed them and said: “By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” So he put Ephraim before Manasseh.

Genesis 41:51 Summary

[Genesis 41:51 tells us that Joseph named his firstborn son Manasseh, which means 'God has made me forget.' This name showed that Joseph trusted God to help him forget his past hardships and the household of his father. Just like Joseph, we can trust God to help us forget our past pains and give us a new perspective, as seen in Psalm 30:11. By focusing on God's goodness and faithfulness, we can, like Joseph, experience joy and purpose in our lives, even in difficult circumstances (Romans 8:28).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Manasseh mean in the context of Genesis 41:51?

The name Manasseh is derived from the Hebrew word 'nashah,' which means 'to forget.' Joseph chose this name to express how God had helped him forget his past hardships and the household of his father, as stated in Genesis 41:51.

How did Joseph's experiences shape his perspective on God's providence?

Joseph's experiences, including his time in prison and his rise to power in Egypt, helped him understand that God was sovereign over all events, as seen in Genesis 41:51 and Genesis 45:5, where he acknowledges God's hand in his life.

What can we learn from Joseph's attitude towards his past in Genesis 41:51?

Joseph's statement in Genesis 41:51 teaches us that God can help us forget past pains and hardships, not by erasing memories, but by giving us a new perspective and a sense of purpose, as also seen in Psalm 30:11, where David expresses joy in the midst of troubles.

How does Joseph's naming of his son Manasseh reflect his trust in God?

By naming his son Manasseh, Joseph demonstrated his trust in God's ability to redeem and restore, as stated in Genesis 41:51, and his confidence that God would continue to be with him, as promised in Genesis 39:2-3 and Genesis 49:25.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some hardships or painful memories that I have been carrying, and how can I trust God to help me forget them, just as He did for Joseph?
  2. In what ways has God been faithful to me in the past, and how can I, like Joseph, acknowledge His providence in my life?
  3. How can I, like Joseph, choose to focus on God's goodness and faithfulness, even in the midst of difficulties, and trust that He is working all things together for my good, as stated in Romans 8:28?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'forget' my past, and how can I apply this principle in my own life, as Joseph did in Genesis 41:51?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:51

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh,.... Which signifies forgetfulness, as the reason of it shows: for God, [said he], hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house; all

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:51

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:51

i.e. Hath expelled all sorrowful remembrance of it by my present comfort and glory. All my toil, and all my father’ s house, i.e. the toil of my father’ s house, or the toil and misery which for many years I have endured by means of my father’ s family, and my own brethren, who sold me hither; a figure called hendyadis.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:51

Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, [said he], hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’ s house. Ver. 51. Manasseh: For God, said he, hath, &c.] He writes God’ s mercies to himself upon the names of his two children; that might be as so many monitors to thankfulness and obedience. The stork is said to leave one of her young ones where she hatches, as it were, out of some instinct of gratitude. Doves, at every grain they pick, look upward, as giving thanks. And all my father’ s house.] Even that toil and those indignities that were offered me in my father’ s house, so Jnnius; the grief whereof his preferment allayed and mitigated.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:51

(51) Manasseh.—That is, causing to forget. Joseph has been blamed for forgetting “his father’s house,” but the phrase means that now that he was married and had a child, he ceased to suffer from home sickness, and became contented with his lot. He pined no longer for the open downs of Canaan as he had done in the prison; but his love for his father was as warm as ever.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:51

50–52 (E). Joseph’s Sons 51. Manasseh] That is, Making to forget. There is to be no thought of return to his father’s house. The name makes us ask the question why Joseph, when supreme in Egypt, sent no message to his father, who was living in a region distant only a few days’ journey. That there were continual communications between Egypt and Canaan is conclusively shewn by the Tel-el-Amarna tablets, and by the subsequent events in the present narrative.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 41:51

51. Manasseh — We must not construe this name and its signification so as to imply that Joseph allowed himself to forget, or desired to forget, his father’s house.

Sermons on Genesis 41:51

SermonDescription
Don Courville On Eagles' Wings Pt 495 by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of a family with four wicked sons and one tender-hearted youngest son. The father had trained the sons to be rascals, but the youngest s
Basilea Schlink (Messages) Nearness of Jesus by Basilea Schlink In this sermon, Mother Basilia Schlink talks about the experience of Canaan, the land where God dwelled and performed miracles in biblical times. She emphasizes that Canaan has bec
David Wilkerson The Making of a Man of God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of a man who initially failed in his mission but later became a powerful leader. The speaker then shifts the focus to Jesus, empha
David Wilkerson Making of a Man of God by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing a desire to draw closer to God and be broken before Him. He emphasizes that even in the midst of trials and confusion, God is at w
A.W. Tozer The Ministry of the Night by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of conversion and describes it as a call from God to move from darkness and wickedness into light and holiness. He emphasizes tha
J. Vernon McGee Jeremiah the Man of Sorrows by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of young people preparing for the mission field and the focus on success rather than serving God. He emphasizes the need for a high s
Carter Conlon Dont Let Discouragement Take Your Strength by Carter Conlon This sermon is a powerful message about overcoming discouragement by trusting in God's faithfulness and purpose, even in the darkest moments. It emphasizes the importance of waitin

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