99 The name Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה, ménasheh) describes God’s activity on behalf of Joseph, explaining in general the significance of his change of fortune. The name is a Piel participle, suggesting the meaning “he who brings about forgetfulness.” The Hebrew verb נַשַּׁנִי (nashani) may have been used instead of the normal נִשַּׁנִי (nishani) to provide a closer sound play with the name. The giving of this Hebrew name to his son shows that Joseph retained his heritage and faith; and it shows that a brighter future was in store for him.
100 The word “saying” has been supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.
101 Or “for.”

In other versions

Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.”

Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”

Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh and said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and my whole family.”

Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, “God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family.”

And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, for he said, “God has caused me to forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.”

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

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