Old Testament
Genesis 41:51
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Genesis 41:51, Joseph names his firstborn son Manasseh, which means 'to forget.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Joseph named his 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.
Verse Analysis
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. Explore related forgiveness.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Genesis
Genesis 1: Creation
God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.
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