God has made me forget
Two sons were born to Joseph in Egypt. First of all, let us try to understand the original Hebrew meaning of their names. “Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh" (Gen 41:51). The name Menashe- מְנַשֶּׁה (Manasseh) is derived from the Hebrew root נ-ש-ה (n-sh-a): “to cause to forget”. Joseph wanted to forget all the suffering and affliction that he went through. That’s why he called his son Menashe.
God has made me fruitful
“The name of the second he called Ephraim” (Gen.41:52). The name Ephraim - אֶפְרַיִם is derived from the root פ-ר-ה (p-r-a) – here “to make fruitful”. Evidently, Joseph was able to forget his suffering and to move on: to become fruitful and productive in the foreign land. Moreover, Ephraim and Menashe are the first brothers in the Torah whose relationship is not marked by jealousy and rivalry - a powerful testimony to the peace in Joseph’s heart and Joseph’s house.
Uncover scripture’s hidden treasures
Before his death, Jacob chooses his two grandchildren for the blessings across the ages. The Jewish Rabbis see a powerful message in this blessing. When they say to their sons: “May God make you like Ephraim and Menashe” – they wish them to be always spiritually connected to their people and their God, regardless of where they live and grow. I hope you like this beautiful Hebrew insight as I do. Now is the best time to study Biblical Hebrew in our live online courses. Enroll today, and rediscover the Holy Scriptures.
