Jacob places Ephraim before Manasseh as a demonstration that God’s favor often defies ordinary expectations.
“He blessed them that day, saying, ‘By you Israel will pronounce blessing, saying, “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!”’ Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh.” (v.20)
When Jacob (also called Israel) blessed them that day (v.20), he was near the end of his life around the mid-nineteenth century BC, residing with his family in Egypt due to a great famine. Jacob took Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and declared that the nation of Israel would pronounce blessing upon one another by invoking these names. This act reversed the natural order of birth, honoring the younger son Ephraim over his older brother Manasseh. Jacob was trusting God’s sovereign choice for Ephraim’s tribe to become prominent, a decision upheld centuries later when Moses referred to the numerous populations of Ephraim and Manasseh (Deuteronomy 33:17), alluding to the promise “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!” (v.20)In blessing the sons of Joseph, Jacob passed on the covenant promises that began with Abraham (Genesis 12:2). As the patriarch, he often used symbolic gestures, such as crossing his arms (Genesis 48:14), to convey God’s intention that the younger Ephraim would be exalted. Historically, Ephraim became the dominant tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel, while Manasseh also grew into a substantial people group (Deuteronomy 33:17). Hebrews 11:21 describes Jacob’s act of blessing as an example of faith, illustrating his belief that God would continue to work in future generations according to His will.
By declaring “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!” (v.20), Jacob established these two as a model of fruitfulness and blessing. This phrase became a traditional benediction in Israel, a reminder that even those born outside the Promised Land (Egypt, in the case of Ephraim and Manasseh) could receive the fullness of God’s covenant blessings. It shows God’s power to shape destinies, highlight humble origins, and use unexpected circumstances for His glory.
Set to dark mode
Genesis 48:20 meaning
“He blessed them that day, saying, ‘By you Israel will pronounce blessing, saying, “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!”’ Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh.” (v.20)
When Jacob (also called Israel) blessed them that day (v.20), he was near the end of his life around the mid-nineteenth century BC, residing with his family in Egypt due to a great famine. Jacob took Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and declared that the nation of Israel would pronounce blessing upon one another by invoking these names. This act reversed the natural order of birth, honoring the younger son Ephraim over his older brother Manasseh. Jacob was trusting God’s sovereign choice for Ephraim’s tribe to become prominent, a decision upheld centuries later when Moses referred to the numerous populations of Ephraim and Manasseh (Deuteronomy 33:17), alluding to the promise “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!” (v.20)In blessing the sons of Joseph, Jacob passed on the covenant promises that began with Abraham (Genesis 12:2). As the patriarch, he often used symbolic gestures, such as crossing his arms (Genesis 48:14), to convey God’s intention that the younger Ephraim would be exalted. Historically, Ephraim became the dominant tribe of the northern kingdom of Israel, while Manasseh also grew into a substantial people group (Deuteronomy 33:17). Hebrews 11:21 describes Jacob’s act of blessing as an example of faith, illustrating his belief that God would continue to work in future generations according to His will.
By declaring “May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh!” (v.20), Jacob established these two as a model of fruitfulness and blessing. This phrase became a traditional benediction in Israel, a reminder that even those born outside the Promised Land (Egypt, in the case of Ephraim and Manasseh) could receive the fullness of God’s covenant blessings. It shows God’s power to shape destinies, highlight humble origins, and use unexpected circumstances for His glory.