King James Version

What Does Genesis 41:51 Mean?

Genesis 41:51 in the King James Version says “And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my fath...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. Manasseh: that is, Forgetting”

Genesis 41:51 · KJV

Context

49

And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

50

And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. priest: or, prince

51

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. Manasseh: that is, Forgetting

52

And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. Ephraim: that is, Fruitful

53

And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.

Read Genesis 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my t... This passage is part of the Joseph narrative, a masterfully crafted account demonstrating God's sovereign providence working through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Joseph cycle shows how God transforms evil intentions into instruments of salvation.

Central themes include divine providence orchestrating events toward redemptive ends, the testing and refinement of character through suffering and success, forgiveness overcoming betrayal and injustice, and the preservation of God's covenant people through famine. Joseph's rise from slavery to second-in-command of Egypt illustrates how God exalts the humble and uses seeming disasters for ultimate good.

Theologically, these chapters reveal: (1) God's meticulous sovereignty over all events, even evil human actions; (2) suffering as preparation for future service rather than punishment; (3) forgiveness as reflecting divine character and enabling reconciliation; (4) God's covenant faithfulness across generations ensuring the survival and blessing of His people; (5) how present suffering gains meaning when viewed from the perspective of God's larger purposes. Joseph's words "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (50:20) epitomize biblical theodicy and providence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיִּקְרָ֥א1 of 16

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יוֹסֵ֛ף2 of 16

“And Joseph”

H3130

joseph, the name of seven israelites

אֶת3 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שֵׁ֥ם4 of 16

“the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הַבְּכ֖וֹר5 of 16

“of the firstborn”

H1060

first-born; hence, chief

מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה6 of 16

“Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

כִּֽי7 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

נַשַּׁ֤נִי8 of 16

“said he hath made me forget”

H5382

to forget; figuratively, to neglect; causatively, to remit, remove

אֱלֹהִים֙9 of 16

“For God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶת10 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל11 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֲמָלִ֔י12 of 16

“all my toil”

H5999

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

וְאֵ֖ת13 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל14 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בֵּ֥ית15 of 16

“house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אָבִֽי׃16 of 16

“and all my father's”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 41:51 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 41:51 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 30:5Proverbs 31:7Genesis 41:30Psalms 30:11Deuteronomy 33:17Isaiah 65:16

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