Old Testament
Genesis 41:51
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Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh, saying, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's household."
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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.
What Genesis 41:51 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Genesis 41:51, Joseph names his firstborn son Manasseh, which means 'to forget.' This name reflects Joseph's feelings about his past struggles and the pain of being separated from his family. After enduring years of hardship, including being sold into slavery and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph acknowledges that God has helped him move on from these difficulties. By naming his son Manasseh, Joseph expresses gratitude for the healing he has experienced and the new life he has built in Egypt. This moment signifies a turning point in Joseph's life, where he recognizes God's role in his journey and the blessings that have come despite his earlier suffering. It highlights the theme of divine providence and the ability to overcome past traumas through faith and resilience.
How to apply Genesis 41:51 to your life
Just as Joseph found healing and a new identity after his struggles, we too can find hope and renewal in our lives. By acknowledging our past and recognizing God's role in our journey, we can move forward and embrace new opportunities, leaving behind the burdens that weigh us down.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: The Years of Plenty (Genesis 41:47–57)
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Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 41:51 mean?
Genesis 41:51 describes Joseph naming his firstborn son Manasseh, which means 'to forget.' This name symbolizes Joseph's ability to move past his hardships and the pain of being separated from his family, acknowledging God's help in his healing.
What is the significance of the name Manasseh in Genesis 41:51?
The name Manasseh signifies forgetfulness, reflecting Joseph's feelings of having overcome his past struggles and hardships. By naming his son this, Joseph expresses gratitude for the new life he has built and the healing he has experienced.
How does Genesis 41:51 relate to themes of healing and resilience?
Genesis 41:51 illustrates themes of healing and resilience by showing how Joseph has moved on from his painful past. His naming of Manasseh reflects a conscious decision to embrace a new identity and life despite previous traumas.
What can we learn from Genesis 41:51 about moving on from the past?
From Genesis 41:51, we learn that acknowledging our past and recognizing the support we receive can help us move forward. Joseph's experience teaches us that healing is possible and that new beginnings can arise from difficult circumstances.
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