Joseph’s Egyptian wife Asenath bore him two sons in Egypt. He called the first-born son Manasseh מְנַשֶּׁה (menasheh). Joseph said: “God has made me forget (כִּי־נַשַּׁנִי אֱלֹהִים) completely my hardship and my parental home”. The name Manasseh is connected to the verbal stem נשך (nashach) which refers to forgetting and letting go. A very common usage of נשך (nashach) describes someone being, “relieved from debt.” This positive meaning is a better parallel to the second sons’ name, Ephraim (אֶפְרָיִם), which means, “made me fruitful”.
When naming Ephraim, Joseph said: “God has made me fertile (כִּי־הִפְרַנִי אֱלֹהִים) in the land of my affliction” (Gen.41:51-52). As seven fruitful harvest years came to an end, it became obvious that Joseph was not a lunatic and that Pharaoh had been wise in appointing him to the task of setting aside massive quantities of food. When the people of Egypt thought of Joseph, they naturally thought of wealth and prosperity.
The meaning of these names has everything to do with Joseph’s awareness that it was God who set him free and made him fruitful. In Hebrew, Egypt (מִצְרַיִם) is a place of “confinement” and “limitation”, where one cannot prosper. God’s faithfulness to Jacob’s children is best seen in Joseph’s ability to survive and thrive against all odds in that land of “confinement” and “limitation”. Centuries later, Israelites who came out of Egypt heard these stories and were strengthened by knowing that the same God who took take care of Joseph would take care of them as well.
Thank you for this insight, Dr. Eli. In the sentence “God has made me forget (כִּי־נַשַּׁנִי אֱלֹהִים) completely my hardship and my parental home”, is the Hebrew word “made” an action verb that denotes G-d actively and forcefully causing Joseph to forget his affliction or can the word be translated in English as “caused”. G-d has caused (is the reason for) Joseph forgetting his affliction to denote Joseph had a choice as to whether he would yield to the will of G-d in the healing process of forgiving his brothers and those who had wronged him.
Your question shows good insight….food for thought…I hope someone who knows Hebrew can clarify this for us. Thank you Deobroah!
i believe that the Word is spirit..in this case,it has the essence to permiate the wounds and the hurting heart to heal supernaturally. We are to virtually totally surrender to the cleasing, purifying fire of HIS Word. ..His name shall be called Wonderful,Counsellor,Everllasting Father the Prince of Peace…Merry Chrismas.
Thank you Samuela. Your comments really speak to me, as do Judy and Deobroah.
Check out “gibbor”. “Hero/Warrior”, not “everlasting Father”. David was God’s “beloved son”, anointed king, ma’seYah, shepherd, wonderful counselor, gibbor, and soon returning king.
Is there an Institute app?
Ward, shalom. Not currently, but we are shopping around for someone to develop it for us. We wanted to wait for a while so that we know exactly what should go into its functionality. Our site is adjustable to all mobile devices, however, which is the next best thing to an excellent app.
We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: The Stories of Jewish Christ: First Century Diversity or Leviticus and The New Testament. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
There is a good software company who could suitable for you.
http://www.appdrawn.com
I would personally recommend them.
I appreciate your helpful insights.
Chris
Awesome Chris, but actually We are already in the process of developing an app for IBC. Thank you nevertheless for the suggestion!
Wow Dr Eli. This has truly encouraged me. I’m not even able to comment. I’m basking in His Glory.
Hi Dellareese, You are too kind. I am flattered – but most of all I am glad that you are encouraged!
Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including Exodus and The New Testament and The Revelation in a Jewish Context II : Discovery. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
It’s interesting also that like the name Yaakov (Jacob), Ephraim sometimes refers to the entire nation of Israel in the Hebrew Bible– fruitful in so many ways.
Johanna, I know I am being lazy, but do you mind supplying an example or two? If this is so it may be significant.
Perhaps she meant as in Hosea, repeatedly God refers to the people as “Ephraim”. Chapters 6-8 are filled with references to what seems to be the people of Israel but called Ephraim. Unless you interpret these verses differently?
Thanks, Steve, I will look at it at some point later. Blessings to you both.
Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including Jewish Insights Into Scriptures I and The Jewish Apostle Paul I: His World. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
Dr. Eli, there’s quite a few references in numerous places, but “Israel” being synonymous with Ephraim is usually in reference to the Northern Kingdom. The best example is from Ezek 37:16 “And you, son of man, take for yourself one stick and write on it, ‘For Judah and for the sons of Israel, his companions’; then take another stick and write on it, ‘ For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim and all the house of Israel, his companions.’” Currently writing my masters thesis on this topic. It is very significant.
I signed up a Hebrew course 2 weeks. I still don’t have time to take the first lesson. It is a pity due to my busy study in theology degree. I like your short essay very much. Dr. Eli, God bless your teaching and sharing.
We are blessed to have you Wai Chiu as a member of our student body :-). I once did a theology degree (actually I did 3) and boy do I know the value of supplementing the formal seminary/college program with Jewish contextual material like you find here at Israel Bible Center. Where are you studying and for what degree?
The principles in these names are so beautiful. How often I have been told that my circumstances (unchurched, Old Testament) were outside of God’s healing wings. #NotReplacedRestored
Really good stuff today, as always. YHWH does indeed heal us completely, and causes us to forget all the pain in which sin bound us. We are heretofore, spiritually and emotionally free in Y’shua, And also loosed into fruitfulness (In making others free!) on His behalf.
Thank, Remi! Glory be to God.
Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including The Story of Our Hebrew Fathers: Abraham and Isaac and The Revelation in a Jewish Context II : Discovery. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
Thank you Dr Eli for the daily short insights ! I love to read them and enjoy them . I’m deaf that is why I appreciate them so much to get a glimpse of the meaning of the Live and events in our Bible! Be blessed. Donata
We are privileged to have you with us!
Thank you so very much for these posts; I truly appreciate them. At this particular time I cannot join your classes, but I do read all the posts, and just purchased your book “Jewish Insights”. I have several other books about Jewish customs and history and enjoy them all. Again, thank you!!!
Thank you for your kind words. I am sure the right time will come for you to take your commitment to the next level. Once it does, we will be here to help you! Blessings and much peace!
We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: Exodus and The New Testament or Jewish Insights Into Scriptures I. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
Your insights help me to preach the Bible more accurately and effectively. Thank you. I have found that learning from Jewish people, even those who are not followers of Christ help me to understand the background and character of the Bible. Please continue to share all that you do. Again, thank you.
When we pray for our male children we ask our Most High to Bless them and keep them like Manasseh and Ephraim. Joseph was given a very unique Egyption name by Pharaoh, as Pharaoh acknowledged the GOD of Joseph as their saviour. Be Blessed
Thanks, Roberto. And you as well!
The root for Manasseh’s name is נשה rather than נשך
Yes Timothy! You are correct!
Thank you for these short studies, anything that helps me understand at a deeper level, as your studies do, is a real blessing and encouragement. Bless you.
Hi June. You are so welcome. I am so glad to hear these studies have been an encouragement to you.
Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including Jewish Insights Into Scriptures I and The Jewish Apostle Paul I: His World. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
It’s so good to hear the Hebrew understanding of scripture instead of the western(Greek mindset) view.To the Jew first,then the others (Greeks)
Hi Larry, Understanding the Jewish worldview of the Biblical authors is so important! Thanks for being a part of our community.
I always said to learn from Jews is a blessing. Thanks to all who is obedient to the call of our LORD and SAVIOR JEWISH JESUS CHRIST
Amen.
Thank you so much,as a Christian I am enjoying the illumination of your studies into important aspects in the Bible. Much is explained there.
Thank you, Nike for your kind words!
Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including The Stories of Jewish Christ: First Century Diversity and The Jewish Apostle Paul I: His World. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
Joanna’s comment that sometimes Ephraim refers to the entire nation of Israel is misunderstood. Sometimes Ephraim refers to Israel as meaning the 10 tribes of Israel. When what we call the whole of Israel was divided into Judah (the 2 tribes of Judah and Benjamin) and the Israel (the remaining 10 tribes.) It is confusing because of what we understand today as Israel as the whole.
PLEASE, would you explain why “someone relieved from debt’ is a better parallel to Joseph’s ‘made me fruitful,’ than is ‘forgetting and letting go’ ? — To me, and to my wife,’ the former seems to be the better of the two. Greatly puzzled.
To God be the Glory. Study to show thyself approved unto God… Thank you Dr. Eli for helping us see the truth from the word of God… Amen
Blessings!
We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: The Stories of Jewish Christ: First Century Diversity or The Jewish Apostle Paul I: His World. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
Thank u so very much I just love this BIBLE STUDY and learning HEWBREW!!!! GOD BLESS U!!!!!!
I’m enjoying the short articles and comments very much. I’m hoping to be able to do more studies as my life situation changes.
Born to an untaught Jewish father and Christian mother I’ve had a life long drawing to God. I’m a lady pastor. Not too rare anymore but still a novelty to some. I earned my degrees in Biblical studies and Biblical ethics .. If that seems like a misnomer it should. Ethics is straight from God. Human nature is drawn in a different direction.
I love the study of Joseph and the course of Gods unusual plan for his life. I love reading of his love for family and forgiveness of that family. God’s spectacular provision for a region about to go into hardship. The gift of two sons to comfort a hurting mans heart. What a wonderful God we serve. Right time. Right place. God’s plan!
Last week my husband sat down for a moment in the middle of hanging newly painted cabinet doors. I stepped out to tell a driver” bring the boxes in here”. I turned back and he wasn’t breathing. I couldn’t find a pulse. I prayed out loud as I started CPR and quickly he responded. Today he’s recuperating from the insertion of a new pacemaker lead into his heart. One had broken.
He turned 80 last month and his daughter is coming this week to see him. He has Dimentia and its only slightly more pronounced. For that and his life I praise God. He tells me many times each day how blessed he is to be with me and how much he loves me. I council women who would give anything to hear those words. So I’m blessed by his presence in my life. But I’m most blessed by a God who loves me and even in the midst of hard situations I know he is there and ultimately his will, will be done and it’s okay.
Mary as soon as you can start here – https://israelbiblecenter.com/courses/
Good teaching came at right time as I am more passionate about doctrine.
Interesting and informative.
I would love to take these courses…have thought of going back to college but they dont teach what I desire and long to know…..Biblical Hebrew Understanding….I have been studying commentaries for about 10 yrs feeding upon on the knowledge and understanding…alot dif views but I enjoy all the opinions….
Now, how hard is this to get the classes…I have a desktop computer and email…are the classes in the emails? explain to me more specific and maybe I sign up….don’t want waste anyone’s time or money…all permissible but not all profitable…..Shalom
Jan, this is both permissible and profitable :-). See registration page (see menu above). Since you can cancel any time, there is no risk here.
We are very happy that you’ve joined our discussion forum. Would you believe that these articles are only a taste of what Israel Bible Center has to offer? We also provide comprehensive teaching on a variety of biblical, historical, and cultural topics. You might begin with The Stories of Jewish Christ: First Century Diversity or The Revelation in a Jewish Context II : Discovery. You’ll be amazed at the Jewish world that awaits you. Don’t delay another minute: enroll now!
I find your insights helpful and thought provoking. I graduated in ’81 with a degree in Theology with a graduate level minor in Biblical Languages. I really enjoy the work you are getting out and find blessings in them. Thank you.
That’s great to hear. Thank you!
Woooow Dr. Eli! That insight really got to me! That’s my (new) favorite one of yours. In addition to your main point, it spoke to me of being healed of PTSD or just a lousy past. Thank you Lord!
Hallelujah, that’s wonderful to hear!
We are very happy that you’ve joined our discussion forum. Would you believe that these articles are only a taste of what Israel Bible Center has to offer? We also provide comprehensive teaching on a variety of biblical, historical, and cultural topics. You might begin with Leviticus and The New Testament or Jewish Insights Into Scriptures I. You’ll be amazed at the Jewish world that awaits you. Don’t delay another minute: enroll now!
God is faithful.Am trusting Him to make me fruitful also.
Yes He is!
Your program is so educating but it seems to be hard on me since I don’t have any one close who can guide me on Hebrew alphabet and pronunciation.
Joseph, our introduction to Hebrew course will give you all the tools you need to read the Hebrew Bible for yourself.
https://israelbiblecenter.com/courses/biblical-hebrew-first-steps/
Invest in yourself and your Bible studies, and join this foundational course.
Many Blessings to you
We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: Leviticus and The New Testament or The Jewish Gospel of John I: The Arrival of the King. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
Thank you for the insights. I never saw the Bible like this before. They are just awesome and eye opener. Stay blessed
These free articles are really just the tip of the iceberg, Winnie. Wouldn’t you like to dive into the scriptures like never before?
https://israelbiblecenter.com/courses/
How do you spell Egypt?
Egypt is correct in English. Do you mean in Hebrew? מצרים
We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: Jewish Insights Into Scriptures I or The Jewish Apostle Paul I: His World. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
As you wrote in The Jewish Gospel of John, the village of Ephraim was the last place Jesus stayed with his disciples before going to Jerusalem. It is now called Taybeh. What you didn’t mention is that it is the last Christian village in the West Bank, has three churches of different traditions, and has a fine brewery.
Joseph came a long way for a guy who had a coat of many colors!
I think there is a Hebrew saying parallel to Islam’s ‘Insh’Allah’ or Christianity’s ‘Deo volunta’. I thought the name Ephraim was part of it but I may have misremembered. I would love to be reminded.
In Hebrew we say, b’Ezrat HaShem. In Aramaic it’s BeSiyata DiShmaya.
Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including The Jewish Apostle Paul I: His World and The Jewish Gospel of John I: The Arrival of the King. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
Thank you for Sir for making me understand the deep meaning of Hebrew names.
Vinaka vakalevu.
I’m glad you enjoy these insights. If you want to plunge into the deep end, consider embarking on a Hebrew Bible and Jewish Studies program.
Thanks you Dr. Eli, I so enjoy seeing the Hebrew meanings in the Bible. One little word makes a big difference to a verse!
I’m so glad that you are blessed by these insights, Lynette. If you would like to get into more depth, then join our program and take some courses on the Hebrew Bible or the Jewish Context of the New Testament.
Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including Leviticus and The New Testament and The Revelation in a Jewish Context II : Discovery. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
Thank you for your sharing God’s word, Jesus God bless us
This is beautiful about the deeper meanings of the Joseph’s sons.
Do you have a study from a Jewish perspective on the Triune God? I am being told I can not believe the teaching of “trinity” as it means I am not saved.
Yeshua is the Judge of hearts, not doctrinal statements. Check out this article: Trinity doctrine.
There is every likelihood that in his position, Joseph manipulated both the abundant years and the years of famine. In his long plan he then was able to invite his Hebrew family & friends to live in Egypt. God of Love does not and would not act in that way.
Thanks IBC. You’re a Bless…
Efraim was my grand father.. am proud to b beni yuosafzai.. the word Afraim changed tody by irani and Indians to the name of Afghan .. thanks doctr Eli..sir . We proud to b bani isreal..
Glad to have you in the discussion.
We are very happy that you’ve joined our discussion forum. Would you believe that these articles are only a taste of what Israel Bible Center has to offer? We also provide comprehensive teaching on a variety of biblical, historical, and cultural topics. You might begin with Exodus and The New Testament or The Story of Our Hebrew Fathers: Abraham and Isaac. You’ll be amazed at the Jewish world that awaits you. Don’t delay another minute: enroll now!
Thank you Dr Eli for your daily write-ups. I think a short write-up on the purpose and value of naming would be much appreciated. To me especially. From your explanation on names it seems their is a purpose and value of naming beyond identity and status?
Good idea!
How would you say “Be free!”
In Hebrew? Either tittir (תתיר) or tipater (תיפטר).
Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including Jewish Insights Into Scriptures I and The Revelation in a Jewish Context II : Discovery. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
The names showed deep understanding of the workings of G-d. First, to forget and removed all the old ‘baggages’. Second, the fruitfulness, the blessings flow because there is no more ‘baggages’ to obstruct the blessings. Very applicable, to forget the hurt then receive His blessings.
wow. excellent Dr . Eli. thanks for the insight.
These expositions are quite enlightening for me. It really brings new meaning to the bible. I pray that God will help forget the things in my past and make me fruitful.
Thanks, Dr. Eli for wonderful insight, through this lesson soon I will be fruitful in the canal and spiritual ream, may God bless you
Thanks, Dr. Eli for wonderful and useful teaching, may God bless you