TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Complete Jewish Bible
Awhile later someone told Yosef that his father was ill. He took with him his two sons, M'nasheh and Efrayim.
Berean Standard Bible
Some time later Joseph was told, “Your father is ill.” So he set out with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
American Standard Version
And it came to pass after these things, that one said to Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
World English Bible Messianic
After these things, someone said to Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Againe after this, one sayd to Ioseph, Loe, thy father is sicke: then hee tooke with him his two sonnes, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Young's Literal Translation
And it cometh to pass, after these things, that one saith to Joseph, `Lo, thy father is sick;' and he taketh his two sons with him, Manasseh and Ephraim.
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Commentary on Genesis 48 verses 1–7
1 ¶ And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
2 And one told Jacob, and said, Behold, thy son Joseph cometh unto thee: and Israel strengthened himself, and sat upon the bed.
3 And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
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.
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.
6 And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance.
7 And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.
Here, I. Joseph, upon notice of his father's illness, goes to see him; though a man of honour and business, yet he will not fail to show this due respect to his aged father, Gen 48:1. Visiting the sick, to whom we lie under obligations, or may have opportunity of doing good, either for body or soul, is our duty. The sick bed is a proper place both for giving comfort and counsel to others and receiving instruction ourselves. Joseph took his two sons with him, that they might receive their dying grandfather's blessing, and that what they might see in him, and hear from him, might make an abiding impression upon them. Note, 1. It is good to acquaint young people that are coming into the world with the aged servants of God that are going out of it, whose dying testimony to the goodness of God, and the pleasantness of wisdom's ways, may be a great encouragement to the rising generation. Manasseh and Ephraim (I dare say) would never forget what passed at this time. 2. Pious parents are desirous of a blessing, not only for themselves, but for their children. "O that they may live before God!" Joseph had been, above all his brethren, kind to his father, and therefore had reason to expect particular favour from him.
II. Jacob, upon notice of his son's visit, prepared himself as well as he could to entertain him, Gen 48:2. He did what he could to rouse his spirits, and to stir up the gift that was in him; what little was lift of bodily strength he put forth to the utmost, and sat upon the bed. Note, It is very good for sick and aged people to be as lively and cheerful as they can, that they may not faint in the day of adversity. Strengthen thyself, as Jacob here, and God will strengthen thee; hearten thyself and help thyself, and God will help and hearten thee. Let the spirit sustain the infirmity.
III. In recompence to Joseph for all his attentions to him, he adopted his two sons. In this charter of adoption there is, 1. A particular recital of God's promise to him, to which this had reference: "God blessed me (Gen 48:3), and let that blessing be entailed upon them." God had promised him two things, a numerous issue, and Canaan for an inheritance (Gen 48:4); and Joseph's sons, pursuant hereunto, should each of them multiply into a tribe, and each of them have a distinct lot in Canaan, equal with Jacob's own sons. See how he blessed them by faith in that which God had said to him, Heb 11:21. Note, In all our prayers, both for ourselves and for our children, we ought to have a particular eye to, and remembrance of, God's promises to us. 2. An express reception of Joseph's sons into his family: "Thy sons are mine (Gen 48:5), not only my grandchildren, but as my own children." Though they were born in Egypt, and their father was then separated from his brethren, which might seem to have cut them off from the heritage of the Lord, yet Jacob takes them in, and owns them for visible church members. He explains this at Gen 48:16, Let my name be named upon them, and the name of my fathers; as if he had said, "Let them not succeed their father in his power and grandeur here in Egypt, but let them succeed me in the inheritance of the promise made to Abraham," which Jacob looked upon as much more valuable and honourable, and would have them to prize and covet accordingly. Thus the aged dying patriarch teaches these young persons, now that they were of age (being about twenty-one years old), not to look upon Egypt as their home, nor to incorporate themselves with the Egyptians, but to take their lot with the people of God, as Moses afterwards in the like temptation, Heb 11:24-26. And because it would be a piece of self-denial in them, who stood so fair for preferment in Egypt, to adhere to the despised Hebrews, to encourage them he constitutes each of them the head of a tribe. Note, Those are worthy of double honour who, through God's grace, break through the temptations of worldly wealth and preferment, to embrace religion in disgrace and poverty. Jacob will have Ephraim and Manasseh to believe that it is better to be low and in the church than high and out of it, to be called by the name of poor Jacob than to be called by the name of rich Joseph. 3. A proviso inserted concerning the children he might afterwards have; they should not be accounted heads of tribes, as Ephraim and Manasseh were, but should fall in with either the one or the other of their brethren, Gen 48:6. It does not appear that Joseph had any more children; however, it was Jacob's prudence to give this direction, for the preventing of contest and mismanagement. Note, In making settlements, it is good to take advice, and to provide for what may happen, while we cannot foresee what will happen. Our prudence must attend God's providence. 4. Mention is made of the death and burial of Rachel, Joseph's mother, and Jacob's best beloved wife (Gen 48:7), referring to that story, Gen 35:19. Note, (1.) When we come to die ourselves, it is good to call to mind the death of our dear relations and friends, that have gone before us, to make death and the grave the more familiar to us. See Num 27:13. Those that were to us as our own souls are dead and buried; and shall we think it much to follow them in the same path? (2.) The removal of dear relations from us is an affliction the remembrance of which cannot but abide with us a great while. Strong affections in the enjoyment cause long afflictions in the loss.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Hebrew Questions on Genesis
(Chapter 48, Verse 1) And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. And from this, what we said above is demonstrated, that Joseph had only two sons in that place, Ephraim and Manasseh. For if many years later, when Jacob his father died, he led only two sons for the blessing, surely at that time, when his sons were unable to beget children, being young and nursing infants, he could not have grandchildren from them at the entrance of his father and brothers.
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.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 48:1 marks a poignant and pivotal transition in the life of Jacob, signaling the approaching culmination of his earthly journey and setting the stage for his final, foundational blessings upon his descendants. Upon receiving the news of his father's serious illness, Joseph, demonstrating profound filial devotion, immediately brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob's bedside, an act that precipitates the significant patriarchal declarations that will profoundly shape the future tribal structure and spiritual inheritance of Israel.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse initiates the final, climactic section of the Book of Genesis, shifting the narrative focus from Joseph's administrative success and the family's settlement in Egypt to Jacob's impending death and his final, prophetic pronouncements. The phrase "after these things" directly references the preceding seventeen years Jacob had lived in Egypt (Genesis 47:28), establishing a clear chronological and thematic transition. This opening verse sets the scene for the patriarchal blessings of chapters 48 and 49, which serve as Jacob's spiritual will and testament, outlining the future destinies of the twelve tribes of Israel. It marks the transition from the narrative of the patriarchs' lives to their legacy and the foundational promises that will carry into the Exodus and beyond.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the deathbed pronouncements of a patriarch held immense legal, social, and spiritual weight. Such blessings were not mere good wishes but authoritative declarations believed to shape the recipient's future and destiny. It was customary for the family, especially the eldest sons, to gather around the dying patriarch to receive final instructions, blessings, and the transfer of authority and inheritance. Joseph's immediate response to his father's illness, bringing his sons, reflects this cultural expectation and his deep respect for his father's position and the significance of his final words. Despite his immense power as Pharaoh's prime minister, Joseph adheres to the deeply ingrained family and cultural norms, prioritizing his father's wishes.
Key Themes: Genesis 48:1 introduces several crucial themes that permeate the subsequent chapters and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the continuity of God's covenant promises, demonstrating that even in the face of death, God's plan for His chosen people continues to unfold through the generations. Secondly, it highlights the profound importance of intergenerational legacy and the transfer of faith, as Jacob prepares to pass on the Abrahamic covenant to his descendants. Thirdly, Joseph's actions exemplify filial piety and devotion, a recurring biblical principle. Finally, the specific mention of Manasseh and Ephraim immediately foreshadows the unique formation of Israel's tribal structure and Joseph's "double portion" inheritance, a theme that will be central to the blessings in Genesis 48 and Genesis 49.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its significance. The Transition is clearly marked by the opening phrase "And it came to pass after these things," which signals a shift in narrative focus from the general account of Jacob's life in Egypt to the specific events of his final days. This is further emphasized by the KJV's use of the pilcrow (¶). Foreshadowing is evident in Joseph's deliberate act of bringing his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob. This action subtly hints at the unique adoption and double portion blessing they are about to receive, which will profoundly impact the tribal structure of Israel. The news of Jacob's Sickness serves as a narrative catalyst, propelling the plot forward and creating a sense of urgency and solemnity, setting the stage for the weighty pronouncements that follow.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 48:1 serves as a profound reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant promises across generations, even amidst the natural progression of life and death. Jacob's impending death is not an end but a divinely appointed moment for the patriarch to impart crucial blessings and prophecies that will shape the future of Israel, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all life's stages. Joseph's exemplary filial piety underscores the biblical imperative to honor parents, particularly in their vulnerable elder years, and highlights the sacred responsibility of passing on a spiritual legacy. This verse initiates a powerful demonstration of the significance of patriarchal blessing in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the transfer of faith, values, and covenant promises to the next generation.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 48:1 invites us to reflect deeply on the preciousness of life's final seasons and the profound impact of intergenerational relationships. Joseph's immediate and respectful response to his father's illness serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical imperative to honor and care for our parents, especially as they age and become vulnerable. It prompts us to consider our own spiritual legacy and the values we are actively passing on to the next generation, recognizing that our words, actions, and even our final moments can carry immense weight and shape the future of our families and communities. Just as Jacob's illness set the stage for significant divine declarations and the unfolding of God's purposes, our own moments of vulnerability or the vulnerability of those we love can become opportunities for God's grace to be displayed and for His will to be furthered. We are called to be present, to listen, and to facilitate the transfer of faith and wisdom across the generations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the KJV's '¶' symbol present at the beginning of Genesis 48:1?
Answer: The "¶" symbol, known as a pilcrow or paragraph mark, is a typographical device used in some printings of the King James Version (KJV) and other older texts to indicate a new paragraph or a significant thematic or narrative break. In Genesis 48:1, its presence signals a distinct shift in the biblical story, moving from the general account of Jacob's life in Egypt to the specific, climactic events surrounding his final days, his illness, and the subsequent blessings of his sons. It serves as a visual cue to the reader that a new section or a major turning point in the narrative is beginning, aiding in the organization and comprehension of the text's flow.
What is the significance of Joseph bringing only Manasseh and Ephraim to Jacob?
Answer: Joseph bringing only his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob is profoundly significant because it sets the stage for a unique and pivotal moment in Israel's tribal history. In Genesis 48:5, Jacob adopts Manasseh and Ephraim as his own direct sons, placing them on equal footing with Reuben and Simeon, his firstborn sons. This act ensures that Joseph, through his two sons, receives a "double portion" of the inheritance among his brothers, a privilege typically reserved for the firstborn. Instead of one tribe named after Joseph, there would be two distinct tribes—Manasseh and Ephraim—which would become prominent and numerous in Israel. This arrangement not only elevates Joseph's lineage but also fulfills prophetic implications from his own life, underscoring his preeminence and the unique blessing bestowed upon him by his father.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 48:1 focuses on the patriarch Jacob and the nascent formation of Israel's tribes, it implicitly points towards Christ in the broader narrative of God's covenant and the ultimate inheritance. Jacob's act of blessing and establishing the tribal lineage foreshadows Christ as the true and ultimate Heir of all God's promises, the one through whom all the families of the earth would ultimately be blessed (Galatians 3:16). Just as Jacob, in his weakness, imparted a foundational blessing that shaped the future of physical Israel, Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection, secures the spiritual inheritance for all who are "in Him" (Ephesians 1:3-6). He is the true "firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:29), establishing a new, spiritual Israel—the Church—which inherits the promises of God not through physical lineage or a double portion of land, but through faith in Him, the ultimate Son and the source of all true and eternal blessing (Romans 9:6-8).