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Genesis 41:51 - Forgotten pain, divine comfort

Genesis 41:51 - בראשית 41:51

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקְרָא יוֹסֵף אֶת־שֵׁם הַבְּכוֹר מְנַשֶּׁה כִּי־נַשַּׁנִי אֱלֹהִים אֶת־כָּל־עֲמָלִי וְאֵת כָּל־בֵּית אָבִי׃

English Translation

And Yosef called the name of the firstborn Menashshe: For God, said he, has made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.

Transliteration

Vayikra Yosef et-shem habekhor Menashe ki-nashani Elohim et-kol-amali ve'et kol-beit avi.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקְרָ֥א יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם הַבְּכ֖וֹר מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה כִּֽי־נַשַּׁ֤נִי אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־כׇּל־עֲמָלִ֔י וְאֵ֖ת כׇּל־בֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי׃
וַיִּקְרָ֥א יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת־שֵׁ֥ם הַבְּכ֖וֹר מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה כִּֽי־נַשַּׁ֤נִי אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת־כׇּל־עֲמָלִ֔י וְאֵ֖ת כׇּל־בֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Menashe

The verse states: "And Yosef called the name of the firstborn Menashe: For God, said he, has made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house." (Bereishit 41:51). This naming reflects Yosef's emotional and spiritual state after enduring years of hardship in Egypt.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the name Menashe (מְנַשֶּׁה) is derived from the root נ-שׁ-ה, meaning "to forget." Yosef acknowledges that Hashem enabled him to forget the suffering he endured—both the pain of being sold into slavery by his brothers and the anguish of separation from his father's household. However, Rashi clarifies that Yosef did not literally forget his family, but rather, the emotional distress associated with those memories was eased.

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Providence

Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) teaches that recognizing Hashem's hand in one's life leads to emotional and spiritual healing. Yosef's naming of Menashe demonstrates his deep faith—he attributes his ability to move forward not to his own resilience but to divine intervention. This aligns with the principle of hashgacha pratit (individual divine providence), where Yosef sees his suffering as part of a greater divine plan.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (90:3) suggests that Yosef named his son Menashe to signify that he was able to "forget" his brothers' betrayal, allowing him to focus on his new role in Egypt without bitterness.
  • The Sforno adds that Yosef's ability to forget his past struggles was a necessary step in fulfilling his destiny—preparing Egypt for the eventual arrival of his family during the famine.

The Dual Meaning of "Forgetting"

The Malbim explains that Yosef's "forgetting" was not mere erasure of memory but a transformation of perspective. By recognizing that his suffering had a higher purpose—saving nations from famine and reuniting with his family—Yosef could reinterpret his pain as part of Hashem's plan. Thus, Menashe's name symbolizes both relief from anguish and the wisdom to see divine providence in hardship.

Practical Lesson in Emunah

This verse teaches a profound lesson in emunah (faith). Yosef's ability to name his son in gratitude—despite his past suffering—demonstrates that true faith involves acknowledging Hashem's role in both hardship and redemption. As the Talmud (Berachot 60b) states, one should bless Hashem for the bad just as one blesses Him for the good, recognizing that all is for an ultimate purpose.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the names given by biblical figures and their significance, particularly how names reflect divine interactions and personal experiences.
📖 Sotah 36b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing Yosef's (Joseph's) experiences in Egypt and his acknowledgment of God's role in his life, illustrating themes of divine providence and gratitude.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yosef name his first son Menashe?
A: Yosef named his first son Menashe (מְנַשֶּׁה) because it comes from the root 'to forget' (נ-שׁ-ה), symbolizing that Hashem helped him forget the hardships of his past, including his suffering in his father's house and being sold into slavery (Rashi on Genesis 41:51).
Q: What does the name Menashe teach us about Yosef's character?
A: The name Menashe shows Yosef's ability to move forward without bitterness. Despite his difficult past, he recognized Hashem's kindness in allowing him to start anew in Egypt (Ramban on Genesis 41:51). This teaches us the importance of focusing on the present and future rather than dwelling on past pain.
Q: How is the concept of 'forgetting' in this verse viewed positively in Judaism?
A: In Jewish thought, 'forgetting' here doesn't mean erasing memory, but rather not being burdened by painful memories. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) explains this as a divine gift that allowed Yosef to function productively in his new role in Egypt without being paralyzed by past suffering.
Q: Why does Yosef mention forgetting 'his father's house' if family is so important in Judaism?
A: Yosef wasn't rejecting his family - he later reunited with them. He meant he was able to temporarily set aside his longing for home to fulfill his mission in Egypt (Sforno on Genesis 41:51). This shows that sometimes we must focus on our current responsibilities while maintaining ultimate loyalty to family.
Q: How can we apply Yosef's lesson about Menashe in our lives today?
A: Like Yosef, we should acknowledge painful experiences but not let them define us. The name Menashe teaches us to recognize Hashem's help in overcoming difficulties and moving forward productively (based on teachings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch on this verse).