Lexical Summary Menashshi: Manassites Original Word: מְנַשֶּׁי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of Manasseh, Manassites From Mnashsheh; a Menashshite or descendant of Menashsheh -- of Manasseh, Manassites. see HEBREW Mnashsheh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Menashsheh Definition desc. of Mannasseh NASB Translation Manassites (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְנַשִּׁי adjective, of a people of ׳מ 1; only with article ׳הַמְֿ, as collective noun, of tribe east of Jordan: Deuteronomy 4:43; 2 Kings 10:33; ׳שֵׁבֶט הַמְֿ Deuteronomy 29:7; 1 Chronicles 26:32. מְנָת see מנה Topical Lexicon Entry Title: מְנַשֶּׁי – Manassite, of ManassehOccurrences in Scripture The form appears four times (Deuteronomy 4:43; Deuteronomy 29:8; 2 Kings 10:33; 1 Chronicles 26:32), always designating people or territory belonging to the tribe of Manasseh. Each occurrence reinforces a distinct aspect of the tribe’s historical footprint in Israel’s covenant story. Geographical Significance Manasseh’s inheritance was unique: one half-tribe settled west of the Jordan, while the other half received extensive holdings east of the river, stretching from the Arnon Gorge northward to Bashan (Joshua 13:29-31). The term מְנַשֶּׁי therefore often signals the broadest borders of Israel’s possession, highlighting the tribe as a bridge between Cisjordan and Transjordan regions. Covenantal Provision: The City of Refuge (Deuteronomy 4:43) “and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites.” The mention connects Manasseh with the gracious institution of asylum. Housing a city of refuge underlines the tribe’s role in maintaining justice and mercy within Israel’s legal framework. In the broader biblical narrative, this anticipates Christ’s refuge for sinners (Hebrews 6:18). Military Success and Stewardship of Conquest (Deuteronomy 29:8) “We took the land of the Amorites who lived across the Jordan… and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh.” Here Manasseh stands as proof that obedience brings tangible blessing. Their allotment east of the Jordan illustrates faith appropriating promises even before the nation crossed into Canaan proper (Numbers 32). The tribe’s reception of conquered land also models faithful stewardship of divine victories. National Security and Divine Discipline (2 Kings 10:33) “from the Jordan eastward… all the land of Gilead—the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites…” During Jehu’s reign, Hazael’s incursion stripped these territories. The verse portrays the vulnerability that accompanies apostasy. Manasseh’s eastern holdings, though once vast, became the first to fall when the nation drifted from covenant fidelity, warning believers against complacency. Service at the Sanctuary (1 Chronicles 26:32) From Manasseh came “men of valor” who served as officers “for every matter of God and of the king.” The Chronicler highlights the tribe’s contribution to temple administration during David’s reign, underscoring that worship and governance intertwine. Manassites thus exemplify lay participation in sacred duties—a pattern echoed in the New Testament priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). Theological Themes 1. Promise and Possession: Manasseh’s two-fold inheritance typifies the “already/not yet” tension of salvation—secure in promise, awaiting full realization. Practical Ministry Insights • Boundaries matter: Like Manasseh, churches should guard spiritual frontiers, providing refuge while confronting encroaching compromise. In sum, מְנַשֶּׁי captures a tribe’s journey from conquest to custody, from refuge to restoration. Its limited appearances offer rich testimony to God’s faithfulness, human responsibility, and the enduring unity of Scripture’s redemptive message. Forms and Transliterations הַֽמְנַשִּֽׁי׃ הַֽמְנַשִּׁ֔י המנשי המנשי׃ וְהַֽמְנַשִּׁ֑י והמנשי לַֽמְנַשִּֽׁי׃ למנשי׃ ham·naš·šî HamnashShi hamnaššî lam·naš·šî LamnashShi lamnaššî vehamnashShi wə·ham·naš·šî wəhamnaššîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 4:43 HEB: גּוֹלָ֥ן בַּבָּשָׁ֖ן לַֽמְנַשִּֽׁי׃ NAS: in Bashan for the Manassites. KJV: in Bashan, of the Manassites. INT: and Golan Bashan the Manassites Deuteronomy 29:8 2 Kings 10:33 1 Chronicles 26:32 4 Occurrences |
    |