Genesis 46:20

KJV

And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And unto Joseph {H3130} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} were born {H3205} Manasseh {H4519} and Ephraim {H669}, which Asenath {H621} the daughter {H1323} of Potipherah {H6319} priest {H3548} of On {H204} bare {H3205} unto him.

Complete Jewish Bible

To Yosef in the land of Egypt were born M'nasheh and Efrayim, whom Osnat the daughter of Poti-Fera priest of On bore to him.

Berean Standard Bible

Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.

American Standard Version

And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-phera priest of On, bare unto him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 46:20 meticulously records the birth of Manasseh and Ephraim to Joseph and his Egyptian wife, Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, priest of On. This seemingly brief genealogical entry is profoundly significant, underscoring Joseph's remarkable ascent to power and integration into the highest echelons of Egyptian society, while simultaneously affirming the continuation and expansion of God's covenant lineage, even as it takes root and flourishes in a foreign land, setting the stage for the burgeoning nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 46:20 is embedded within a detailed genealogical list that enumerates the "souls of the house of Jacob, which came into Egypt" [Genesis 46:26](/genesis/46-26 "Jacob's household enters Egypt"). This verse specifically serves as a parenthetical note within the broader enumeration of Jacob's descendants, clarifying that Joseph's family was already established in Egypt prior to the arrival of the rest of Jacob's household. It follows the listing of Jacob's sons and their children, highlighting Joseph's unique position as the one who had already found favor and established a family in the foreign land, thereby setting the stage for the entire family's survival and future growth. The preceding chapters, particularly [Genesis 37-45](/genesis/37-45 "The Story of Joseph"), narrate Joseph's dramatic journey from slavery to becoming the vizier of Egypt, culminating in the reunion with his family and their invitation to settle in Goshen. This verse thus confirms the fruit of Joseph's elevated status and God's providential care in preserving the nascent nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Egypt was a highly structured society with a sophisticated religious and political hierarchy. Joseph's marriage to Asenath, the daughter of Potipherah, a "priest of On," was not merely a personal union but a strategic alliance orchestrated by Pharaoh himself [Genesis 41:45](/genesis/41-45 "Pharaoh gives Asenath to Joseph"). On, also known as Heliopolis, was one of the most ancient and influential religious centers in Egypt, dedicated primarily to the worship of the sun god Ra. A "priest of On" would have held immense religious, social, and political power, often serving as a trusted advisor to the Pharaoh. This marriage firmly integrated Joseph into the highest echelons of Egyptian society, solidifying his authority and access to power, which was crucial for the survival and prosperity of his family during the famine. The naming of his sons, Manasseh ("causing to forget") and Ephraim ("fruitful"), also reflects Egyptian cultural practices of naming children to commemorate life events or express aspirations, while simultaneously revealing Joseph's personal spiritual journey and reliance on God [Genesis 41:51-52](/genesis/41-51-52 "Joseph names his sons").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in orchestrating Joseph's rise to power and the establishment of his family in Egypt, ensuring the survival and growth of the covenant people against all odds. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Continuity and Fulfillment**, as the birth of Manasseh and Ephraim directly contributes to the increasing number of Jacob's descendants, a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that his offspring would be numerous and become a great nation, as seen in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise of a great nation to Abraham") and reiterated in [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's promise of innumerable descendants to Abraham"). Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of **Integration vs. Identity**, as Joseph, despite his deep integration into Egyptian culture through marriage and position, maintains his distinct Israelite identity, and his sons, though born to an Egyptian mother, are later adopted by Jacob and receive a full tribal inheritance, affirming their place within the covenant family of Israel [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joseph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** From the root meaning "to add" or "he will add." This name, given by Rachel, prophetically points to God's future addition of another son (Benjamin) and, more broadly, to Joseph's role in adding to the family's prosperity and ensuring its survival. In this verse, it emphasizes the individual around whom the family's future in Egypt revolves, the one through whom God's providential plan for the covenant lineage is being fulfilled.
* **born/bare (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young" or "to beget." This word is crucial in genealogical contexts, emphasizing the continuity of lineage and the fulfillment of the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply." Its repetition (implied for "born" and explicit for "bare") highlights the act of procreation as central to the growth of the family, a direct counterpoint to the threat of famine and extinction that brought them to Egypt. It underscores the miraculous nature of life continuing and expanding even in a foreign land.
* **priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** An active participle meaning "one officiating" or "a priest." This term denotes a person holding a position of religious authority and influence, often associated with a specific deity or cult. Potipherah's title as "priest of On" signifies his high social standing and connection to the powerful religious establishment of ancient Egypt, particularly the sun god Ra. This detail highlights the significant cultural and religious bridge Joseph's marriage created, placing the covenant family's patriarch at the very heart of Egyptian power and pagan worship, yet under God's sovereign control.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim":** This clause immediately establishes the setting for the births – "the land of Egypt," emphasizing Joseph's established life and high status there. The mention of Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph's firstborn sons, highlights the continuation of his lineage and the burgeoning of the covenant family. Their names, given by Joseph himself, reflect his personal journey of overcoming past suffering ("Manasseh" meaning "causing to forget") and experiencing God's abundant blessing and fruitfulness ("Ephraim" meaning "fruitful") in a foreign land, as detailed in [Genesis 41:51-52](/genesis/41-51-52 "Joseph names his sons"). These sons would later be adopted by Jacob, receiving a full tribal inheritance and effectively giving Joseph a double portion among his brothers, as recorded in [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh").
* **"which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him":** This identifies the mother of Joseph's sons as Asenath, an Egyptian woman, and crucially, her father, Potipherah, as a "priest of On." On, also known as Heliopolis, was a preeminent religious and intellectual center in ancient Egypt, primarily devoted to the worship of the sun god Ra. A "priest of On" held a position of immense religious, social, and political influence, often being part of the Pharaoh's inner circle. This detail underscores the strategic importance and high status of Joseph's marriage, which was arranged by Pharaoh himself [Genesis 41:45](/genesis/41-45 "Pharaoh gives Asenath to Joseph"). This union not only solidified Joseph's position at the pinnacle of Egyptian power but also demonstrates God's providential care in elevating Joseph and ensuring the survival and growth of the nascent Israelite nation through a seemingly unlikely, yet divinely orchestrated, union.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Genealogy** is the overarching framework, as this verse is a concise entry within a broader list, serving to meticulously track the covenant lineage and demonstrate God's faithfulness in multiplying Abraham's descendants. The **Nominal Symbolism** of Joseph's sons' names, Manasseh ("causing to forget") and Ephraim ("fruitful"), powerfully encapsulates Joseph's personal testimony of God's redemptive work in his life, transforming his pain into blessing. There is also a subtle **Contrast** or **Divine Irony** at play: the children destined to become two major tribes of Israel are born not in the promised land, nor to a woman of Abraham's direct lineage, but to an Egyptian woman, the daughter of a pagan priest. This highlights God's sovereign ability to work through unexpected and even seemingly contradictory circumstances to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating that His plans are not limited by human conventions or cultural boundaries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 46:20, while a simple genealogical entry, is rich with theological significance. It powerfully illustrates the theme of divine providence, showcasing God's active involvement in the minute details of human lives and historical events to fulfill His overarching redemptive plan. The birth of Manasseh and Ephraim in Egypt, to an Egyptian mother, yet their destiny to become two of the most prominent tribes of Israel, is a testament to God's sovereign hand. He works through diverse and often unexpected means, ensuring the growth, continuity, and preservation of His chosen people, even when they are immersed in a foreign culture. This verse affirms that God's covenant promises are unstoppable, unfolding precisely as He intends, regardless of the circumstances.

* [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham of a Great Nation")
* [Genesis 15:5](/genesis/15-5 "God's Promise of Innumerable Descendants to Abraham")
* [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 46:20 offers a profound lesson on the expansive nature of God's providence and His ability to work in and through all circumstances. Joseph's story, culminating in the birth of his sons in Egypt, reminds us that God's purposes are not confined by our present location, cultural context, or the apparent "unsuitability" of our surroundings. Like Joseph, who found himself integrated into a foreign and pagan culture, we are called to trust that God remains active in our lives, capable of bringing forth blessings, fruitfulness, and the fulfillment of His plans even in environments that seem far removed from our ideal or expected paths. This encourages us to maintain unwavering faith in God's overarching sovereignty, knowing that He can orchestrate diverse elements—including our unique backgrounds, relationships, and challenges—to achieve His perfect will for His people and His kingdom. It challenges us to see God's hand at work even in the mundane or seemingly secular aspects of our lives, recognizing that every detail can be part of His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Joseph's experience of having a family in Egypt, away from the promised land, challenge your assumptions about where and how God works?**
* **In what "foreign lands" or unexpected circumstances in your own life might God be actively bringing forth fruit or fulfilling His purposes?**
* **How can you maintain your spiritual identity and faithfulness to God's covenant promises, even when deeply integrated into a culture that may not share your values?**

### FAQ
**Who were Manasseh and Ephraim, and why are they significant?**

Answer: Manasseh and Ephraim were the two sons born to Joseph in Egypt. They are profoundly significant because, despite their Egyptian mother, their grandfather Jacob adopted them as his own sons, granting them the status of full heirs and establishing them as two distinct tribes within Israel, effectively giving Joseph a double portion in the tribal inheritance [Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5-6 "Jacob adopts Manasseh and Ephraim"). This adoption elevated their status beyond mere grandchildren, making them foundational to the twelve tribes. Their names, meaning "causing to forget" (Manasseh) and "fruitful" (Ephraim), also reflect Joseph's personal testimony of God's faithfulness in his life, transforming his suffering into blessing and abundance, as detailed in [Genesis 41:51-52](/genesis/41-51-52 "Joseph names his sons").

**What was the significance of Potipherah being a "priest of On"?**

Answer: On, also known as Heliopolis, was one of the most ancient and important religious and intellectual centers in Egypt, primarily dedicated to the worship of the sun god Ra. A "priest of On" held a position of immense religious, social, and political power and influence within the Egyptian hierarchy, often serving as a key advisor to the Pharaoh. Joseph's marriage to Asenath, the daughter of such a prominent figure, signifies the depth of his integration and high standing within Egyptian society, further cementing his authority and Pharaoh's trust in him. This union, orchestrated by Pharaoh himself [Genesis 41:45](/genesis/41-45 "Pharaoh gives Asenath to Joseph"), highlights God's strategic placement of Joseph at the highest levels of power, ensuring the preservation and future prosperity of His covenant people amidst a severe famine.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 46:20, by detailing the growth of Joseph's family in Egypt, subtly points towards Christ in profound ways. Joseph himself stands as a powerful **type of Christ**: sold by his brothers, he suffered unjustly and was imprisoned, yet was ultimately exalted to a position of unparalleled power to save his family and many nations from famine, providing sustenance and refuge. Similarly, Christ, rejected by His own people, endured suffering and death, only to be supremely exalted by God to bring salvation and eternal life to His people and the entire world [Philippians 2:6-11](/philippians/2-6-11 "Christ's humiliation and exaltation"). The birth of Manasseh and Ephraim signifies the burgeoning of the covenant family, a necessary and miraculous step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This growing nation, preserved and multiplied in Egypt, would eventually be the very lineage from which the Messiah would come, fulfilling God's ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as meticulously traced in the genealogy of Jesus in [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1-17 "The genealogy of Jesus Christ"). Furthermore, the inclusion of an Egyptian mother, Asenath, in the lineage of two major tribes of Israel powerfully foreshadows the inclusive nature of Christ's kingdom, where people from all nations and backgrounds are brought into the family of God through faith, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Gentiles and Jews united in Christ"). God's ability to work through seemingly unlikely circumstances and diverse individuals to achieve His ultimate redemptive purpose is a testament to the boundless scope of His grace in Christ Jesus.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 41:50

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.

Genesis 41:52

And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

Genesis 41:45

And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over [all] the land of Egypt.

Numbers 1:32

Of the children of Joseph, [namely], of the children of Ephraim, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Numbers 1:35

Those that were numbered of them, [even] of the tribe of Manasseh, [were] thirty and two thousand and two hundred.

Genesis 48:4

And said unto me, Behold, I will make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee a multitude of people; and will give this land to thy seed after thee [for] an everlasting possession.

Genesis 48:5

And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, [are] mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.