Manasseh (2)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Manasseh (2) in the Bible?
Manasseh was the eldest son of Joseph and the brother of Ephraim, whose lineage formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel and played a central role in the tribal confederation during the settlement of Canaan.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Manasseh clarifies the complex tribal dynamics of the northern kingdom, particularly the historical shift in primacy from the firstborn Manasseh to the younger Ephraim, and explains the unique territorial distribution of the half-tribes east and west of the Jordan River.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Manasseh (2) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Manasseh (2) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Manasseh (2) clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Manasseh (2)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/manasseh-2/