Genesis 41:51 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Joseph names his firstborn son Manasseh, meaning 'forgetting,' because God has made him forget his past sufferings.
The Context of Genesis 41:51
Joseph names his first son, reflecting his spiritual healing and integration into Egypt.
What Does Genesis 41:51 Mean?
The name Manasseh (Menasheh) derives from a root meaning 'to forget.' Joseph's choice reflects his spiritual state: he has moved beyond the trauma of betrayal by his brothers, false accusation, and imprisonment. These painful memories have lost their grip on him.
Joseph's statement 'hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house' is profound. He does not mean literal amnesia but rather healing—the pain no longer dominates his identity. This forgetting is not denial but transformation. Joseph can serve Egypt fully because he is no longer bound by resentment or longing for what he left behind.
Genesis 41:51 in the Original Language
Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה) — 'causing to forget' — from the verb meaning 'to forget'
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 41:51
What does Genesis 41:51 mean?
Joseph names his firstborn son Manasseh, meaning 'forgetting,' because God has made him forget his past sufferings.
What is the context of Genesis 41:51?
Joseph names his first son, reflecting his spiritual healing and integration into Egypt.