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.

And now thy two {H8147} sons {H1121}, Ephraim {H669} and Manasseh {H4519}, which were born {H3205} unto thee in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} before {H5704} I came {H935} unto thee into Egypt {H4714}, are mine; as Reuben {H7205} and Simeon {H8095}, they shall be mine.

Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; Efrayim and M'nasheh will be as much mine as Re'uven and Shim'on are.

And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here shall be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.

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

Commentary

Genesis 48:5 records a pivotal moment in the patriarchal history of Israel, as Jacob (also called Israel) formally adopts his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. This declaration has profound implications for the future tribal structure of the nation.

Context of Genesis 48:5

This verse is part of Jacob's final blessings and instructions given from his deathbed in Egypt. Joseph, having brought his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to his ailing father, witnesses Jacob's powerful decree. Jacob's health is failing, but his spiritual discernment remains keen, guided by God's providence. This specific act of adoption sets the stage for the unique blessing that follows in Genesis 48:14, where Jacob controversially blesses the younger Ephraim over the elder Manasseh, further shaping the future of these tribes.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Adoption and Inheritance: Jacob's declaration, "they shall be mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine," signifies a full legal adoption. This means that Ephraim and Manasseh would not be considered sub-tribes of Joseph but would each receive their own tribal inheritance in the land of Canaan, just as Jacob's direct sons, Reuben and Simeon, would. This effectively grants Joseph a "double portion" among his brothers, a significant honor for his faithfulness and suffering.
  • Divine Providence and Fulfillment: This act of adoption underscores God's ongoing work in shaping the nation of Israel. Even though Joseph had been separated from his family and rose to power in Egypt, God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continued to unfold. The expansion of Jacob's direct lineage through Ephraim and Manasseh ensured the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel, a foundational element of the nation's identity.
  • Blessing and Legacy: Jacob's blessing here is not merely a formality but a transfer of spiritual and familial legacy. It secures the future position and inheritance for Joseph's descendants, demonstrating the profound importance of patriarchal blessings in the ancient Near East and within God's plan for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine" powerfully conveys the legal and familial transfer. The repetition emphasizes the certainty and finality of Jacob's declaration. It's a formal and solemn pronouncement, elevating Ephraim and Manasseh to the status of full sons, rather than mere grandsons, in the lineage of Israel.

Practical Application

The adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh offers several timeless insights for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness: This passage reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, often working through unexpected circumstances (like Joseph's rise in Egypt) to achieve His divine purposes.
  • Spiritual Inheritance: Just as Ephraim and Manasseh received a physical inheritance, believers are adopted into God's family through Christ, receiving a spiritual inheritance that is eternal (Ephesians 1:5).
  • Legacy and Blessing: We are called to live lives that leave a positive spiritual legacy, blessing future generations through our faith and obedience, much like Jacob sought to bless his descendants.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 41:50 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Joshua 14:4 (5 votes)

    For the children of Joseph were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell [in], with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance.

  • Genesis 46:20 (5 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he [was] the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:2 (4 votes)

    For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him [came] the chief ruler; but the birthright [was] Joseph's:)

  • Joshua 13:7 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh,