Manasses


Manasses or Manasseh is a biblical Hebrew name for men. It is the given name of seven people of the Bible, the name of a tribe of Israel, and the name of one of the apocryphal writings. The name is also used in the modern world.

Biblical individuals

Son of Joseph

was the eldest son of Joseph and the Egyptian Asenath. The name means "he that causes to forget"; Joseph assigned the reason for its bestowal: "God hath made me to forget all my toils, and my father's house". Jacob blessed Manasses ; but gave preference to the younger son Ephraim, despite the father's protestations in favour of Manasses. By this blessing, Jacob put Manasses and Ephraim in the same class with Ruben and Simeon, and gave foundation for the admission of the tribes of Manasses and Ephraim.

Husband of Judith

Manasses, Judith's husband, died of sunstroke in Bethulia.

''Story of Ahikar''

Manasses was a character in the Story of Ahikar told by Tobit on the point of death. The Vatican Manuscript mentions Manasses as one "who gave alms and escaped the snare of death". The Sinaitic Manuscript mentions no one, but clearly refers the almsgiving and escape to Achiacharus. The reading of the Vatican Manuscript may be an error.

Sons of Ezra's companions

Manasses was a son of Bani, one of the companions of Esdras who married foreign wives.
Another Manasses was the son of Hasom, another of the same companions of Esdras.

Ancestor of Jonathan

Manasses was ancestor of Jonathan, a priest of the tribe of Dan. The Vulgate and k’ri of the Massoretic Text give Moses, the correct reading.

King of Judah

was the thirteenth King of Judah, and son and successor to Hezekiah.

Other notable people

Notable people bearing the regnal, religious, or given name Manasses, Manasseh or Menashe include: