מְנַשִּׁי

מְנַשִּׁי

a Menashshite or descendant of Menashsheh

Definition

The Hebrew word מְנַשִּׁי (Mᵉnashshîy) is a gentilic noun meaning 'a Manassite,' that is, a descendant or member of the tribe of Manasseh. It specifically identifies someone belonging to one of the two major tribal divisions of Israel, tracing their lineage back to Manasseh, the son of Joseph. In the biblical text, it is used to denote the collective people of this tribe, as seen in references to their territorial allotments (Deuteronomy 4:43) and their inclusion in national covenants (Deuteronomy 29:8). The term also appears in historical contexts describing regions conquered by foreign powers from the Manassites (2 Kings 10:33).

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively to identify the tribe of Manasseh within national and territorial contexts. It appears in legal texts specifying cities of refuge (Deuteronomy 4:43), in covenantal addresses listing the tribes of Israel (Deuteronomy 29:8), in historical narratives about territorial loss (2 Kings 10:33), and in administrative records concerning tribal oversight (1 Chronicles 26:32). All four occurrences are in contexts that emphasize the tribe's identity as part of the collective people of Israel.

Etymology

Derived directly from the proper name מְנַשֶּׁה (Mᵉnasheh, H4519), meaning 'Manasseh.' The suffix -ִי (-î) is a standard Hebrew gentilic ending, meaning 'belonging to' or 'descended from,' transforming the personal name into a tribal or ethnic designation.

Semantic Range

This term is significant for understanding the structure and identity of the people of Israel. The tribe of Manasseh, along with Ephraim, represents the double portion of inheritance given to Joseph, fulfilling Jacob's blessing (Genesis 48). The mention of Manassites in key passages like Deuteronomy 29 underscores their integral role in the covenant community. Recognizing this tribal designation enriches reading by highlighting the fulfillment of patriarchal promises and the unity of the twelve tribes in Israel's national life. In its original setting, tribal identity was foundational to one's place in Israelite society, governing inheritance, territory, and social obligations. Being identified as a 'Manassite' conveyed specific geographical, historical, and kinship ties, distinguishing this group from other Israelite tribes. This tribal consciousness is quite different from modern individualistic or national identities. יֹוסֵף (Yôsēph, H3130) — The patriarch Joseph, father of Manasseh and Ephraim, whose descendants form the 'house of Joseph.'; אֶפְרָיִם (ʼEphrayim, H669) — The brother tribe of Manasseh, both descended from Joseph, often mentioned together.

Word Details