מְנַשֶּׁה

Menasheh is the Hebrew name for Manasseh, the elder son of Joseph and Asenath, and one of the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Despite being the firstborn, Jacob prophetically placed his younger brother Ephraim before him, signifying Ephraim's greater future prominence. The name itself is connected to the Hebrew verb meaning "to forget," as Joseph declared, "God has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house" (Genesis 41:51). Therefore, the name carries a semantic weight of divine intervention in overcoming past hardship.

The tribe of Manasseh was significant in the allocation of territory in the Promised Land. Uniquely, the tribe received land on both sides of the Jordan River: the eastern half-tribe settled in Gilead and Bashan, while the western half-tribe settled west of the Jordan, north of Ephraim. This dual inheritance highlights the tribe's expansive influence and strategic location. Throughout Israelite history, Manasseh is frequently mentioned in conjunction with Ephraim, reflecting their close tribal and geographic relationship as descendants of Joseph.

Biblical narratives showcase the tribe's participation in various conflicts and national undertakings, including the census taken by Moses in the wilderness, the conquest of Canaan, and later, the struggles against idolatry and foreign invaders. While the individual Manasseh is primarily remembered in connection with Jacob's blessing and his role in the patriarchal narrative, the tribe bearing his name played a continuing role in the unfolding history of ancient Israel. The name also appears for a king of Judah, Manasseh, who reigned for a long period and was notably wicked, yet eventually repented.