Genesis 46:20
Genesis 46:20 in Multiple Translations
Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.
¶ And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On bare unto him.
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.
And Joseph had Manasseh and Ephraim in the land of Egypt, by Asenath, the daughter of Poti-phera, priest of On.
The sons Joseph had in the land of Egypt by Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On: Manasseh and Ephraim.
And vnto Ioseph in the lande of Egypt were borne Manasseh, and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah prince of On bare vnto him.
And born to Joseph in the land of Egypt (whom Asenath daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, hath borne to him) [are] Manasseh and Ephraim.
To Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him.
And to Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On bore to him.
And sons were born to Joseph, in the land of Egypt, whom Aseneth the daughter of Putiphare priest of Heliopolis bore him: Manasses and Ephraim.
Joseph had 2 sons in Egypt country. Their names were Manasseh and Ephraim. Their mother was Joseph’s wife Asenath. Her father’s name was Potifera, and he was a ceremony leader for the Egypt people, at the town called Onn.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 46:20
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 46:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּוָּלֵ֣ד
לְ/יוֹסֵף֮
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
מִצְרַיִם֒
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
יָֽלְדָה
לּ/וֹ֙
אָֽסְנַ֔ת
בַּת
פּ֥וֹטִי
פֶ֖רַע
כֹּהֵ֣ן
אֹ֑ן
אֶת
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה
וְ/אֶת
אֶפְרָֽיִם
וַ/יִּוָּלֵ֣ד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/יוֹסֵף֮
Yôwçêph
H3130
Joseph
Prep | N-proper
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרַיִם֒
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יָֽלְדָה
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לּ/וֹ֙
Prep | Suff
אָֽסְנַ֔ת
ʼÂçᵉnath
H621
Asenath
N-proper
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
פּ֥וֹטִי
Pôwṭîy Pheraʻ
H6319
Potiphera
N-proper
פֶ֖רַע
Pôwṭîy Pheraʻ
H6319
Potiphera
N-proper
כֹּהֵ֣ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
N-ms
אֹ֑ן
ʼÔwn
H204
On
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
Moses
N-proper
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אֶפְרָֽיִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 46:20
וַ/יִּוָּלֵ֣ד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
לְ/יוֹסֵף֮
Yôwçêph
H3130
"Joseph"
Prep | N-proper
Joseph means Jehovah has added, a name given to several Israelites, including the son of Jacob and Rachel. Joseph was a significant figure in the book of Genesis and the story of his brothers. He became a leader in Egypt.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.14 § Joseph = "Jehovah has added" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Rachel 2) father of Igal, who represented the tribe of Issachar among the spies 3) a son of Asaph 4) a man who took a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) a priest of the family of Shebaniah in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: Joseph. Compare H3084 (יְהוֹסֵף). See also: Genesis 30:24; Genesis 47:5; Psalms 77:16.
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרַיִם֒
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יָֽלְדָה
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
לּ/וֹ֙
""
Prep | Suff
אָֽסְנַ֔ת
ʼÂçᵉnath
H621
"Asenath"
N-proper
Asenath was the wife of Joseph, and the daughter of Potiphera. She was the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim, and is mentioned in Genesis 41:45.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.41.45; daughter of: Potiphera (H6319); married to Joseph (H3130); mother of: Manasseh (H4519) and Ephraim (H0669) § Asenath = "belonging to the goddess Neith" the wife of Joseph
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Asenath. See also: Genesis 41:45; Genesis 41:50; Genesis 46:20.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
פּ֥וֹטִי
Pôwṭîy Pheraʻ
H6319
"Potiphera"
N-proper
Potiphera was an Egyptian priest of On and the father of Asenath, who married Joseph. His name means 'he whom the Ra gave' and he is mentioned in Genesis 41:45.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.41.45; father of: Asenath (H0621) § Poti-pherah = "he whom the Ra gave" an Egyptian, priest of On, father of Asenath, the wife whom Pharaoh gave to Joseph
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Poti-pherah. See also: Genesis 41:45; Genesis 41:50; Genesis 46:20.
פֶ֖רַע
Pôwṭîy Pheraʻ
H6319
"Potiphera"
N-proper
Potiphera was an Egyptian priest of On and the father of Asenath, who married Joseph. His name means 'he whom the Ra gave' and he is mentioned in Genesis 41:45.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.41.45; father of: Asenath (H0621) § Poti-pherah = "he whom the Ra gave" an Egyptian, priest of On, father of Asenath, the wife whom Pharaoh gave to Joseph
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Poti-pherah. See also: Genesis 41:45; Genesis 41:50; Genesis 46:20.
כֹּהֵ֣ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
אֹ֑ן
ʼÔwn
H204
"On"
N-proper
On is a city in Egypt where the sun was worshipped and Joseph's father-in-law Potipherah was a priest. It is also near the land of Goshen. The city's name means strength or vigor.
Definition: § On = "strength or vigour" city in lower Egypt, bordering land of Goshen, centre of sun-worship, residence of Potipherah (priest of On and father-in-law of Joseph)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: On. See also: Genesis 41:45; Genesis 41:50; Genesis 46:20.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
"Moses"
N-proper
Manasseh was a grandson of Jacob and the ancestor of a large tribe in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis 41:51 and throughout the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Another name of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Manasseh = "causing to forget" 1) the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh 1a) the tribe descended from Manasseh 1b) the territory occupied by the tribe of Manasseh 2) son of king Hezekiah of Judah and himself king of Judah; he was the immediate and direct cause for the exile 3) a descendant of Pahath-moab who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Hashum who put away a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Manasseh. See also: Genesis 41:51; Joshua 22:21; Psalms 60:9.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֶפְרָֽיִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
Study Notes — Genesis 46:20
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- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 46:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 46:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 46:20
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 46:20
- Sermons on Genesis 46:20
Context — The Children of Rachel
18These are the sons of Jacob born to Zilpah—whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah—sixteen in all.
19The sons of Jacob’s wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.
20Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.
21The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. 22These are the sons of Rachel born to Jacob—fourteen in all.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 41:50–52 | Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.” And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” |
| 2 | Genesis 41:45 | Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-paneah, and he gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph took charge of all the land of Egypt. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 33:13–17 | Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed by the LORD with the precious dew from heaven above and the deep waters that lie beneath, with the bountiful harvest from the sun and the abundant yield of the seasons, with the best of the ancient mountains and the bounty of the everlasting hills, with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers. His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.” |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 7:14–29 | The descendants of Manasseh: Through his Aramean concubine, Asriel, as well as Machir the father of Gilead. Machir took a wife from among the Huppites and Shuppites. The name of his sister was Maacah. Another descendant was named Zelophehad, who had only daughters. Machir’s wife Maacah gave birth to a son, and she named him Peresh. His brother was named Sheresh, and his sons were Ulam and Rekem. The son of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead son of Machir, the son of Manasseh. His sister Hammolecheth gave birth to Ishhod, Abiezer, and Mahlah. And these were the sons of Shemida: Ahian, Shechem, Likhi, and Aniam. The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the natives of Gath, because they went down to steal their livestock. Their father Ephraim mourned for many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. And again he slept with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. So he named him Beriah, because tragedy had come upon his house. His daughter was Sheerah, who built Lower and Upper Beth-horon, as well as Uzzen-sheerah. Additionally, Rephah was his son, Resheph his son, Telah his son, Tahan his son, Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, Nun his son, and Joshua his son. Their holdings and settlements included Bethel and its villages, Naaran to the east, Gezer and its villages to the west, and Shechem and its villages as far as Ayyah and its villages. And along the borders of Manasseh were Beth-shean, Taanach, Megiddo, and Dor, together with their villages. The descendants of Joseph son of Israel lived in these towns. |
| 5 | Numbers 26:28–37 | The descendants of Joseph included the clans of Manasseh and Ephraim. These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Machirite clan from Machir, the father of Gilead, and the Gileadite clan from Gilead. These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek, the Asrielite clan from Asriel, the Shechemite clan from Shechem, the Shemidaite clan from Shemida, and the Hepherite clan from Hepher. Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons but only daughters. The names of his daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These were the clans of Manasseh, and their registration numbered 52,700. These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: The Shuthelahite clan from Shuthelah, the Becherite clan from Becher, and the Tahanite clan from Tahan. And the descendants of Shuthelah were the Eranite clan from Eran. These were the clans of Ephraim, and their registration numbered 32,500. These clans were the descendants of Joseph. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 5:23–26 | Now the people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous. They settled in the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon (that is, Senir, also known as Mount Hermon). These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families. But they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers, and they prostituted themselves with the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria) to take the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. And he brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan, where they remain to this day. |
| 7 | Numbers 1:32–35 | From the sons of Joseph: From the sons of Ephraim, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Ephraim numbered 40,500. And from the sons of Manasseh, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Manasseh numbered 32,200. |
| 8 | Genesis 48:4–5 | and told me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you; I will make you a multitude of peoples, and will give this land to your descendants after you as an everlasting possession.’ 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. |
| 9 | Genesis 48:13–14 | And Joseph took both of them—with Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand—and brought them close to him. But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. |
| 10 | Genesis 48:20 | So that day Jacob blessed them and said: “By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’” So he put Ephraim before Manasseh. |
Genesis 46:20 Summary
Genesis 46:20 tells us about the birth of Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who were born to him in Egypt by his wife Asenath. This verse reminds us that even in difficult or unfamiliar circumstances, God is still at work, providing for us and guiding our lives, as seen in Joseph's story. Just like Joseph, we can trust in God's plan and provision for our lives, even when things seem uncertain, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11. By looking at Joseph's example, we can learn to remain faithful and trust in God's goodness, no matter where we are or what we're going through, with the help of verses like Psalm 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Asenath, the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim?
Asenath was the daughter of Potiphera, a priest of On, whom Joseph married in the land of Egypt, as seen in Genesis 46:20. This marriage was likely arranged by Pharaoh himself, as Joseph was a high-ranking official in Egypt at the time, similar to the arrangement of marriages for other high officials in the Egyptian court, as noted in Genesis 41:45.
Why is it significant that Manasseh and Ephraim were born in Egypt?
The fact that Manasseh and Ephraim were born in Egypt, as stated in Genesis 46:20, is significant because it highlights God's providence and care for Joseph and his family, despite being in a foreign land, much like the experiences of other biblical figures such as Abraham and Isaac, who also had experiences of God's provision in foreign lands, as seen in Genesis 12:10 and Genesis 26:1.
What can we learn from Joseph's family life in Egypt?
From Genesis 46:20, we can learn about the importance of faithfulness and trust in God's plan, even in difficult or unfamiliar circumstances, as Joseph's story demonstrates, and as emphasized in Jeremiah 29:11, which reminds us that God has plans to prosper us, not to harm us.
How does the birth of Manasseh and Ephraim relate to the larger story of God's people?
The birth of Manasseh and Ephraim in Genesis 46:20 is a significant event in the story of God's people, as these two sons of Joseph would eventually become the heads of two of the twelve tribes of Israel, playing important roles in the nation's history, as seen in subsequent books of the Bible, such as Exodus, Numbers, and Joshua.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from Joseph's experiences in Egypt about trusting God in my own difficult circumstances?
- How does the story of Manasseh and Ephraim's birth encourage me to trust in God's sovereignty and providence in my life?
- In what ways can I, like Joseph, remain faithful to God and my family in the midst of challenging situations?
- What role do I think faith and trust in God played in Joseph's ability to thrive in Egypt, and how can I apply that to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 46:20
And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim,.... And therefore not to be reckoned with those that went down with Jacob thither; for which reason the clause, "in the land of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 46:20
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.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 46:20
(20) Manasseh and Ephraim.—In these names all the documents agree.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 46:20
Verse 20. Unto Joseph - were born Manasseh and Ephraim] There is a remarkable addition here in the Septuagint, which must be noticed: ΕγενοντοδευἱοιΜανασση, οὑςετεκεναυτῳἡπαλλακηἡΣυρα, τονΜαχιρ·ΜαχιρδεεγεννησετονΓαλααδ. ΥἱοιδεΕφραιμαδελφουΜανασσῃ, ΣουταλααμκαιΤααμ. ΥἱοιδεΣουταλααμ, Εδεμ· These were the sons of Manasseh whom his Syrian concubine bore unto him: Machir; and Machir begat Galaad. The sons of Ephraim, Manasseh's brother, were Sutalaam and Taam; and the sons of Sutalaam, Edem. These add five persons to the list, and make out the number given by Stephen, Acts 7:14, which it seems he had taken from the text of the Septuagint, unless we could suppose that the text of Stephen had been altered to make it correspond to the Septuagint, of which there is not the slightest evidence from ancient MSS. or versions. The addition in the Septuagint is not found in either the Hebrew or the Samaritan at present; and some suppose that it was taken either from Numbers 26:29, Numbers 26:35, or 1 Chronicles 7:14-20, but in none of these places does the addition appear as it stands in the Septuagint, thought some of the names are found interspersed. Various means have been proposed to find the seventy persons in the text, and to reconcile the Hebrew with the Septuagint and the New Testament. A table given by Scheuchzer, extracted from the Memoires de Trevoux, gives the following general view: The twelve sons of JACOB with their children and grandchildren. Reuben and his four sons . . . 5 Simeon and his six sons . . . 7 Levi and his three sons . . . 4 Judah and his seven sons and grand-sons . . . 8 Issachar and his four sons . . . Zebulun and his three sons . . . Total sons of JACOB and LEAH 33 Gad and his seven sons . . .
Asher and his seven sons and grand-sons . . . Total sons of JACOB and ZILPAH 16 Joseph and his two sons . . . 3 Benjamin and his ten sons . . . 11 Total sons of JACOB and RACHEL 14 Dan and his son . . . 2 Naphtali and his four sons . . . Total sons of JACOB and BILHAH Total sons of Jacob and his four wives 70 "To harmonize this with the Septuagint and St. Stephen, Acts 7:14, to the number sixty-six (all the souls that came out of Jacob's loins, Genesis 46:26) add nine of the patriarchs' wives, Judah's wife being already dead in Canaan, (Genesis 38:12), Benjamin being supposed to be as yet unmarried, and the wife of Joseph being already in Egypt, and therefore out of the case: the number will amount to seventy-five, which is that found in the Acts." - Universal History. Dr. Hales' method is more simple, and I think more satisfactory: "Moses states that all the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt which issued from his loins, (except his sons wives,) were sixty-six souls, Genesis 46:26; and this number is thus collected: - JACOB'S children, eleven sons and one daughter . . .
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 46:20
20. unto Joseph] Cf. Genesis 41:50-52. LXX adds to this verse “and there were born the sons of Manasseh which the concubine, the Syrian, bare unto him, Machir; and Machir begat Gilead. And the sons of Ephraim the brother of Manasseh were Soutalaam and Taam, and the sons of Soutalaam Edem.” LXX, therefore, here records five additional names.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 46:20
THE MUSTER-ROLL OF ISRAEL, Genesis 46:8-27. “There is a painstaking minuteness in the dates and statistics of this history, which stands in wonderful contrast with the round numbers and vague statements of mythical narratives.
Sermons on Genesis 46:20
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 46-48 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the preacher begins by highlighting the story of Jacob and his sons in the Bible. He emphasizes that God is still the same today as He was in ancient times, and tha |
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(Genesis) Genesis 41:42-45 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joseph in the land of Egypt. Joseph is called upon to interpret Pharaoh's dreams, revealing that there will be seven years of fa |
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Identifying With His Way by George Warnock | George Warnock preaches on the importance of continually identifying with God throughout life to truly know Him, experience His power, and share in His sufferings. He uses the stor |
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Christ - the Fullness of God by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Rebekah and how she became the bride of Isaac. The speaker emphasizes that Rebekah was willing to go and be Isaac's bride immediately |
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Gods Fire Marks His Presence by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being on fire for God, drawing parallels from the Old Testament where God's presence was manifested through fire. It highlights the need fo |
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Renouncing Shame, Receiving Glory by Gary Wilkerson | Gary Wilkerson's sermon 'Renouncing Shame, Receiving Glory' emphasizes the transformative power of God's glory within us, contrasting it with the debilitating effects of shame. He |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:1-3 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a young couple who came forward every Sunday seeking all that God had for them. However, they were expecting a sensational and mom |