TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
Complete Jewish Bible
The second he called Efrayim [fruit], "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my misfortune."
Berean Standard Bible
And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”
American Standard Version
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.
World English Bible Messianic
The name of the second, he called Ephraim: “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Also hee called the name of the second, Ephraim: For God, sayde he hath made me fruitfull in the land of mine affliction.
Young's Literal Translation
and the name of the second he hath called Ephraim: `for, God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of mine affliction.'
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 1,248 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Genesis 41 verses 46–57
46 ¶ And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.
47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.
48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.
49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.
50 And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.
51 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.
52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
53 And the seven years of plenteousness, that was in the land of Egypt, were ended.
54 And the seven years of dearth began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands; but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.
55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.
56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth: And Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold unto the Egyptians; and the famine waxed sore in the land of Egypt.
57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.
Observe here, I. The building of Joseph's family in the birth of two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, Gen 41:50-52. In the names he gave them, he owned the divine Providence giving this happy turn to his affairs, 1. He was made to forget his misery, Job 11:16. We should bear our afflictions when they are present as those that know not but Providence may so outweigh them by after-comforts as that we may even forget them when they are past. But could he be so unnatural as to forget all his father's house? He means the unkindness he received from his brethren, or perhaps the wealth and honour he expected from his father, with the birthright. The robes he now wore made him forget the coat of divers colours which he wore in his father's house. 2. He was made fruitful in the land of his affliction. It had been the land of his affliction, and in some sense it was still so, for it was not Canaan, the land of promise. His distance from his father was still his affliction. Note, Light is sometimes sown for the righteous in a barren and unlikely soil; and yet if God sow it, and water it, it will come up again. The afflictions of the saints promote their fruitfulness. Ephraim signifies fruitfulness, and Manasseh forgetfulness, for these two often go together; when Jeshurun waxed fat, he forgot God his Maker.
II. The accomplishment of Joseph's predictions. Pharaoh had great confidence in the truth of them, perhaps finding in his own mind, beyond what another person could, an exact correspondence between them and his dreams, as between the key and the lock; and the event showed that he was not deceived. The seven plenteous years came (Gen 41:47), and, at length, they were ended, Gen 41:53. Note, We ought to foresee the approaching period of the days both of our prosperity and of our opportunity, and therefore must not be secure in the enjoyment of our prosperity nor slothful in the improvement of our opportunity; years of plenty will end, therefore, Whatever thy hand finds to do do it; and gather in gathering time. The morning cometh and also the night (Isa 21:12), the plenty and also the famine. The seven years of dearth began to come, Gen 41:54. See what changes of condition we are liable to in this world, and what need we have to be joyful in a day of prosperity and in a day of adversity to consider, Ecc 7:14. This famine, it seems, was not only in Egypt, but in other lands, in all lands, that is, all the neighbouring countries; fruitful lands are soon turned into barrenness for the iniquity of those that dwell therein, Psa 107:34. It is here said that in the land of Egypt there was bread, meaning probably, not only that which Joseph had bought up for the king, but that which private persons, by his example, and upon the public notice of this prediction, as well as by the rules of common prudence, had laid up.
III. The performance of Joseph's trust. He was found faithful to it, as a steward ought to be. 1. He was diligent in laying up, while the plenty lasted, Gen 41:48, Gen 41:49. He that thus gathers is a wise son. 2. He was prudent and careful in giving out, when the famine came, and kept the markets low by furnishing them at reasonable rates out of his stores. The people in distress cried to Pharaoh, as that woman to the king of Israel (Kg2 6:26), Help, my lord, O king: he sent them to his treasurer, Go to Joseph. Thus God in the gospel directs those that apply to him for mercy and grace to go to the Lord Jesus, in whom all fulness dwells; and, What he saith to you, do. Joseph, no doubt, with wisdom and justice fixed the price of the corn he sold, so that Pharaoh, whose money had bought it up, might have a reasonable profit, and yet the country might not be oppressed, nor advantage taken of their prevailing necessity; while he that withholdest corn when it is dear, in hopes it will yet grow dearer, though people perish for want of it, has many a curse for so doing (and it is not a curse causeless), blessings shall be upon the head of him that thus selleth it, Pro 11:26. And let the price be determined by that golden rule of justice, to do as we would be done by.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 46–57. Public domain.
Copy as
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 64.2
Notice that this child’s name too is suggestive of gratitude. “Not only did he grant me forgetfulness of my distress,” he is saying, “but he also made me prosper in the land where I suffered such awful humiliation as to be reduced to the limit and run a risk to life itself.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Genesis 41:52 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Genesis 41:52 records Joseph's profound act of naming his second son Ephraim, a name signifying "doubly fruitful," which serves as a powerful declaration of God's transformative power and redemptive faithfulness. Despite enduring years of unjust suffering, betrayal, and imprisonment in Egypt, Joseph publicly acknowledges that God has not only preserved him but has actively caused him to flourish and bear abundant fruit in the very land of his deep affliction, turning his past pain into present abundance and demonstrating divine sovereignty over all circumstances.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Joseph's act of naming his second son Ephraim is not merely a parental custom but a profound theological statement, a public testimony to God's transformative power. The name itself, and Joseph's accompanying declaration, encapsulates the dramatic reversal of his fortunes and the divine hand behind it.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs Contrast to highlight God's transformative power. The phrase "land of my affliction" stands in stark opposition to "caused me to be fruitful," emphasizing the dramatic reversal of Joseph's fortunes and the unexpected source of his blessing. This contrast underscores the miraculous nature of God's intervention. Symbolism is also central, as the name Ephraim itself becomes a powerful symbol of divine abundance, restoration, and the ability to thrive even in hostile environments. Joseph's naming act is a Theological Statement, a public declaration of his faith and recognition of God's sovereign hand in his life, transforming personal experience into a testimony of divine faithfulness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 41:52 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign and redemptive providence, demonstrating His ability to bring about good and fruitfulness even from the most dire circumstances. Joseph's testimony is a powerful reminder that God is not limited by human suffering or injustice; rather, He actively works through them, transforming seasons of affliction into opportunities for abundant blessing and growth. This verse underscores the biblical truth that God can turn our wildernesses into fruitful fields, cultivating spiritual and physical prosperity in unexpected ways and places. It is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness and His capacity to restore what was lost, bringing forth new life and purpose from the ashes of despair.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 41:52 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that our "land of affliction"—be it a season of hardship, injustice, personal struggle, or professional setback—can become a place where God causes us to be fruitful. Just as Joseph acknowledged God as the ultimate source of his blessings and transformation, we are called to recognize divine providence in our own lives, understanding that our resilience, growth, and successes are ultimately enabled by His grace. This verse assures us that our past sufferings do not define our future; rather, God can redeem our painful experiences, using them to shape us into individuals who bear much fruit for His glory, often in unexpected and miraculous ways. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's greater plan, believing that He can cultivate abundance even in the most barren seasons of our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Joseph name his sons Manasseh and Ephraim?
Answer: Joseph named his sons to commemorate and declare God's specific work in his life during his time in Egypt. He named his first son Manasseh (meaning "causing to forget" or "God has made me forget") as a testament to God's grace in helping him overcome the pain and trauma of his past, including his toil and separation from his father's house (Genesis 41:51). He named his second son Ephraim (meaning "doubly fruitful") to declare that God had made him abundantly fruitful in the very land where he had suffered affliction, highlighting God's restorative power and blessing amidst profound hardship. Together, these names form a powerful two-part testimony of God's healing, restoration, and abundance.
What is the significance of "the land of my affliction"?
Answer: "The land of my affliction" refers to Egypt, where Joseph endured years of immense suffering, including being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and unjustly imprisoned. By using this phrase, Joseph emphasizes the stark contrast between his past misery and his present prosperity and fruitfulness. It highlights God's extraordinary ability to transform the very place of one's deepest pain and injustice into a place of profound blessing, influence, and abundance. This demonstrates that God's redemptive work is not limited by circumstances or location, but can manifest powerfully even in the most unlikely and difficult environments, turning sorrow into joy and barrenness into fruitfulness.
Does this verse imply God causes suffering to make people fruitful?
Answer: This verse does not imply that God directly causes suffering or evil, but rather that He is sovereign over all circumstances, including those that involve human sin, injustice, or natural hardship. Joseph's testimony, particularly when viewed alongside Genesis 50:20, reveals that while evil intentions may be at play, God can redeem and repurpose suffering, bringing about good and fruitfulness even from the most difficult experiences. It speaks to God's redemptive power to bring life out of death, blessing out of affliction, and purpose out of pain, demonstrating His ultimate control and His commitment to His people's flourishing, rather than His authorship of evil.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joseph's journey from profound suffering and betrayal to ultimate exaltation, and his subsequent fruitfulness in the very "land of his affliction," serves as a powerful and poignant type of Christ. Just as Joseph was unjustly betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned, only to be raised to a position of supreme power to save his people and the world from famine, so too was Christ unjustly betrayed, crucified, and buried. Yet, it was through His ultimate affliction on the cross that Christ was raised and exalted to the right hand of God (Philippians 2:8-11), bringing forth the greatest and most enduring fruitfulness: salvation for humanity and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. His suffering became the source of our spiritual abundance and eternal life (John 12:24), demonstrating that true life and fruitfulness emerge from His sacrificial death and resurrection. Through Christ, the "land of our affliction"—our sin, brokenness, and mortality—is transformed into a realm of spiritual prosperity and eternal life, making us fruitful for God's glory (Colossians 1:10).