Bible Chapter Summary
Genesis 48 Summary
Jacob Adopts and Blesses Joseph's Sons
When Joseph learns that his father Jacob is gravely ill, he brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob's bedside. Jacob recounts God Almighty's covenant promises made to him at Luz and formally adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, granting them equal standing with his firstborn sons Reuben and Simeon. Jacob then blesses the two lads, but deliberately crosses his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, rather than on Manasseh, the firstborn — an intentional act he defends when Joseph protests, declaring that Ephraim's descendants will be greater and will become a multitude of nations. Jacob closes by expressing faith that God will bring Joseph's line back to the land of Canaan, and bestows on Joseph one portion above his brothers.
Key themes
Key verses
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.”
Genesis 48:14
“And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.”
Genesis 48:19
“And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.”
Genesis 48:21
“And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.”
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