Genesis 48:19

Genesis 48:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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: howbeit his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But his father would not, saying, I am doing it on purpose, my son; he will certainly become a nation and a great one; but his younger brother will be greater than he, and his seed will become a great family of nations.

Free Bible Version FBV

But his father refused, saying, “I know what I'm doing. Manasseh will also become an important people, but his younger brother will be greater than him, and his descendants will become a large nation.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But his father refused, and sayd, I know well, my sonne, I know well: he shalbe also a people, and he shalbe great likewise: but his yonger brother shalbe greater then he, and his seede shall be full of nations.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And his father refuseth, and saith, 'I have known, my son, I have known; he also becometh a people, and he also is great, and yet, his young brother is greater than he, and his seed is the fulness of the nations;'

World English Bible WEB

His father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a multitude of nations.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But he refusing, said: I know, my son, I know: and this also shall become peoples, and shall be multiplied: but this younger brother shall be greater than he: and his seed shall grow into nations.

Translation for Translators T4T

But his father refused, saying, “I know that, my son, I know what I am doing. Manasseh’s descendants will also become a people-group, and they will become important. But his younger brother’s descendants will become greater than his will. His descendants will become several nations.”

Plain English Version PEV

But Jacob didn’t move his hand. He said, “No, my son. I know for sure that I’m doing the right thing. Listen, your older son will have a big family, and they will become an important tribe. But your younger son will be more important than your older son. He will have a really big family, and later on, his tribe will be really big and really important.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 48:19

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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 48:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְמָאֵ֣ן אָבִ֗י/ו וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ יָדַ֤עְתִּֽי בְנִ/י֙ יָדַ֔עְתִּי גַּם ה֥וּא יִֽהְיֶה לְּ/עָ֖ם וְ/גַם ה֣וּא יִגְדָּ֑ל וְ/אוּלָ֗ם אָחִ֤י/ו הַ/קָּטֹן֙ יִגְדַּ֣ל מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ וְ/זַרְע֖/וֹ יִהְיֶ֥ה מְלֹֽא הַ/גּוֹיִֽם

וַ/יְמָאֵ֣ן mâʼên H3985 to refuse Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

אָבִ֗י/ו ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יָדַ֤עְתִּֽי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs

בְנִ/י֙ bên H1121 son N-ms | Suff

יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-1cs

גַּם gam H1571 also DirObjM

ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְּ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Prep | N-ms

וְ/גַם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

יִגְדָּ֑ל gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

וְ/אוּלָ֗ם ʼûwlâm H199 but Conj | Adv

אָחִ֤י/ו ʼâch H251 brother N-ms | Suff

הַ/קָּטֹן֙ qâṭân H6996 small Art | Adj

יִגְדַּ֣ל gâdal H1431 to magnify V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

וְ/זַרְע֖/וֹ zeraʻ H2233 seed Conj | N-ms | Suff

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

מְלֹֽא mᵉlôʼ H4393 fullness N-ms

הַ/גּוֹיִֽם gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-mp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 48:19

וַ/יְמָאֵ֣ן mâʼên H3985 "to refuse" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.

Definition: (Piel) to refuse

Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.

אָבִ֗י/ו ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יָדַ֤עְתִּֽי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

בְנִ/י֙ bên H1121 "son" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

יָדַ֔עְתִּי yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

גַּם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

ה֥וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

יִֽהְיֶה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לְּ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Prep | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

וְ/גַם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

ה֣וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

יִגְדָּ֑ל gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.

Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself

Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.

וְ/אוּלָ֗ם ʼûwlâm H199 "but" Conj | Adv

This word is used to show contrast, like 'but' or 'however', and is often used to emphasize a point, as seen in its various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) but, but indeed (a strong adversative) 2) however, nevertheless

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: as for, but, howbeit, in very deed, surely, truly, wherefore. See also: Genesis 28:19; Job 2:5; Micah 3:8.

אָחִ֤י/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

הַ/קָּטֹן֙ qâṭân H6996 "small" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means something or someone small in size, amount, or importance. It can describe something as little or least, and is often used to convey a sense of youth or insignificance. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: young, small, unimportant Another spelling of qa.ton (קָטֹן ": small" H6996B)

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: least, less(-er), little (one), small(-est, one, quantity, thing), young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 1:16; 1 Kings 22:31; Psalms 104:25.

יִגְדַּ֣ל gâdal H1431 "to magnify" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

מִמֶּ֔/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

וְ/זַרְע֖/וֹ zeraʻ H2233 "seed" Conj | N-ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.

Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.

יִהְיֶ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

מְלֹֽא mᵉlôʼ H4393 "fullness" N-ms

Fullness means having everything that is needed, like a full container or a complete amount. It can also mean a large quantity, like a multitude of things.

Definition: 1) fulness, that which fills 1a) fulness, handful 1b) mass, multitude 1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents 1d) full length, full line

Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] all along, [idiom] all that is (there-) in, fill, ([idiom] that whereof...was) full, fulness, (hand-) full, multitude. See also: Genesis 48:19; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 24:1.

הַ/גּוֹיִֽם gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-mp

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

Study Notes — Genesis 48:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 48:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 48:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 48:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 48:19
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 48:19
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 48:19
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 48:19
Sermons on Genesis 48:19

Context — Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh

17When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he was displeased and took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s. 18“Not so, my father!” Joseph said. “This one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”

19But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”

20So 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. 21Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Deuteronomy 33:17	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.”
2	Numbers 1:33–35	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.
3	Genesis 25:28	Because Isaac had a taste for wild game, he loved Esau; but Rebekah loved Jacob.
4	Genesis 17:20–21	As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. But I will establish My covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this time next year.”
5	Ruth 4:11–12	“We are witnesses,” said the elders and all the people at the gate. “May the LORD make the woman entering your home like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you be prosperous in Ephrathah and famous in Bethlehem. And may your house become like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring the LORD will give you by this young woman.”
6	Numbers 2:19–21	and his division numbers 40,500. The tribe of Manasseh will be next to it. The leader of the Manassites is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, and his division numbers 32,200.
7	Revelation 7:6	from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
8	Deuteronomy 1:10	The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that today you are as numerous as the stars in the sky.
9	Ezekiel 27:10	Men of Persia, Lydia, and Put served as warriors in your army. They hung their shields and helmets on your walls; they gave you splendor.
10	Revelation 7:8	from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, and from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000.

Genesis 48:19 Summary

In Genesis 48:19, Jacob blesses his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, but gives the greater blessing to the younger son, Ephraim, showing that God's ways are not always according to human traditions. This verse teaches us about God's sovereignty and how He chooses to bless those He desires, as also seen in Romans 9:10-13. Jacob's actions demonstrate his trust in God's plan and his desire to follow God's lead, even if it means going against what is expected. By following Jacob's example, we can learn to trust God's sovereignty in our own lives and seek to follow His lead, even when it is difficult or unclear (Psalm 37:3-7).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob refuse to follow the traditional custom of giving the greater blessing to the firstborn?

Jacob, being led by God, chose to give the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger son, as seen in Genesis 48:19, demonstrating that God's ways are not always according to human traditions or customs, as also seen in Genesis 25:23 and Romans 9:10-13.

What does it mean for Ephraim's offspring to become a multitude of nations?

This refers to the numerous descendants of Ephraim, who would become a significant part of the nation of Israel, as prophesied in Genesis 48:19, and would play a crucial role in God's plan to bless all nations through Abraham's seed, as stated in Genesis 12:3 and Galatians 3:8.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of Joseph and his family?

Genesis 48:19 is a key part of the story of Joseph, as it shows how God was working through Jacob to bless Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and to establish them as part of the larger story of God's covenant with Abraham, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 37:1-36.

What can we learn about God's sovereignty from this verse?

This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty in choosing and blessing those He desires, as Jacob says, 'I know, my son, I know,' indicating that he is following God's lead, and this theme is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Romans 9:10-13 and Psalm 135:6.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has sovereignly worked in my life, similar to how He worked in the life of Jacob and his family?
How can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when things do not make sense or seem to be going according to my plans?
In what ways can I, like Jacob, seek to follow God's lead and bless those around me, even if it means going against traditional customs or expectations?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of family and the role of parents in blessing their children, as seen in the relationship between Jacob and his grandsons?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 48:19

And his father refused,.... To have any alteration made, and therefore, though Joseph lifted it up from.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 48:19

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 48:19

Greater than he; so the tribe of Ephraim was both in number, ,33,35 2:19,21 Deu 33:17, and in power and privileges; for that tribe was the seat first of the tabernacle, and afterwards of the kingdom. Whence the name of Ephraim is sometimes put for all the ten tribes, as , and sometimes for Joseph himself, as , which Manasseh never is. A multitude of nations, i.e. equal to many nations in number and strength; or, from them shall proceed many nations, i.e. many numerous; potent, and flourishing families, whereof each is equivalent to an ordinary nation. For as nations are sometimes called families, as , so the tribes and families of Israel are called nations or people, as .

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 48:19

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.Ver. 19. And his father refused, and said.] Here are father and son divided in matter of ceremony, as Bishop Babington observeth. This hath been an ancient quarrel, from the very cradle of the Christian Church. The Jewish converts stood hard for a mixture of Christ and Moses. Their rites they called "the rudiments of the world"; because they held them as needful as the four elements of the world; or as the first letters of the book, to school God’ s people. Soon after, what a dispute was there among the primitive Christians, even unto blows and bloodshed, about the time of keeping Easter, and other like trifles and niceties! St Augustine complains, that in his time the Church, which the mercy of God would have to be at liberty, was woefully oppressed with many burdens and bondages this way; so that the condition of the Jews was in this respect more tolerable, for that they were held under by legal injunctions, and not by human presumptions. What would this father have said to the following times, under the rise and reign of Antichrist? wherein the formality of God’ s worship had utterly eaten up the reality of it, as Pharaoh’ s lean kine did the fatter; and gotten out the very heart of it, as the ivy dealeth by the oak it grows on. Our heroic reformers, Luther, Zuinglius, &c., pruned and pared off these luxuriances for the most part; which caused John Hunt, a Roman Catholic, in his humble appeal to King James, thus to blaspheme: - The God of the Protestants is the most uncivil and ill-mannered God of all those who have borne the name of gods upon the earth; yea, worse than Pan, god of the clowns, which can endure no ceremonies, nor good manners at all. But yet, what a grievous stir was there, about these indifferents, between Luther and Carolostadius, at Wittenberg; between the doctors of Magdeburg and Leipsic, Anno Dom. 1549; and between Calvin and his auditors of Geneva, about wafer cakes at the communion; insomuch as he was compelled to depart the city till he had yielded they should be used, though he never liked them, but could have wished it otherwise. Who knows not what jars and heart burnings were here between Ridley and Hooper, two godly bishops, in King Edward VI’ s time, about cap and surplice. They could never agree till they met in prison; and then misery bred unity; then they could heartily bewail their former dissensions about matters of no more moment. Peter Martyr commends it to the care of Queen Elizabeth, that church governors endeavour not to carry the gospel into England upon the cart of needless ceremonies.

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 48:19

(19) His younger brother shall be greater.—In the final numbering of the tribes on the plains of Moab, the tribe of Manasseh had 52,700 souls, and that of Ephraim only 32,500 (Numbers 26:34; Numbers 26:37). It was the division of the tribe of Manasseh into two portions which made it politically insignificant, while Ephraim obtained a commanding position in the land of Canaan; and as Joshua was an Ephraimite, it naturally held the rank of foremost tribe during his days, and claimed it always afterwards. For Joshua, after the conquest of Canaan, must have held a position similar to that of General Washington after the independence of the United States had been secured, and all Israel would regard him as their ruler and chief. The influence also of the tribe would be strengthened by the ark being placed in one of its towns.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 48:19

19. his younger … greater] The preference given to the younger reminds us of the blessing of Jacob himself. Cf. Genesis 25:23, Genesis 27:29; Genesis 27:40. See also the story of Perez and Zerah in Genesis 38:29-30. For the superiority of Ephraim over Manasseh, the history of Israel affords the fullest testimony. Cf. Numbers 1:33; Numbers 1:35; Numbers 2:19; Numbers 2:21. a multitude] Lit. fulness, as Isaiah 31:4, “a multitude (lit. fulness) of shepherds.” To become “the fulness of the nations” is to be as full of population as all the nations of the world; a strong hyperbole.

Sermons on Genesis 48:19

	Sermon	Description
	(Genesis) Genesis 48:15-22 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob blessing his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate redeemer in
	Five Principles of Revival by Ian Paisley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and sovereignty of God in bringing about revival. He emphasizes that revival is initiated, controlled, and concluded by the Lord,
	The Unicorn by Harriet N. Cook	Harriet N. Cook discusses the mysterious animal mentioned in the Bible that starts with the letter U, known as the unicorn. The true identity of this creature remains uncertain, wi
	Bless Me Father by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual recovery and not making false steps in life. He uses the story of Esau from the Bible as an example of s
	(Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi
	Momentary Pleasure by Charles Stanley	Charles Stanley emphasizes the danger of sacrificing our future for immediate gratification, using the story of Esau trading his birthright for a bowl of stew as an example. He war