Genesis 48:5
Genesis 48:5 in Multiple Translations
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, 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 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.
And now your two sons who came to birth in Egypt before I came to you here, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, in the same way as Reuben and Simeon are.
I am counting as mine your two sons Ephraim and Manasseh who were born here in Egypt before I arrived, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.
And now thy two sonnes, Manasseh and Ephraim, which are borne vnto thee in the lande of Egypt, before I came to thee into Egypt, shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are mine.
'And now, thy two sons, who are born to thee in the land of Egypt, before my coming unto thee to Egypt, mine they [are]; Ephraim and Manasseh, as Reuben and Simeon they are mine;
Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine.
And now, thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to thee in the land of Egypt, before I came to thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
So thy two sons who were born to thee in the land of Egypt before I came hither to thee, shall be mine: Ephraim and Manasses shall be reputed to me as Ruben and Simeon.
“And now I will consider that your two sons, who were born to you here in Egypt before I came here, will ◄belong to me/be as though they are my sons►. Ephraim and Manasseh will be as though they were my sons, and they will inherit my possessions, just like my sons Reuben and Simeon and the others will.
Then Jacob kept talking to Joseph. He said, “At that time, there will be one tribe for each of my sons, and each tribe will get part of the land. And your 2 sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, they will get part of that land too. It’s like I’m adopting your 2 sons. There will be a tribe for Ephraim, and there will be a tribe for Manasseh, just like there will be a tribe for my son Reuben, and a tribe for my son Simeon, and for all my other sons. Your 2 sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, they were born here in Egypt country before I came to live here.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 48:5
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 48:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֡ה
שְׁנֵֽי
בָנֶי/ךָ֩
הַ/נּוֹלָדִ֨ים
לְ/ךָ֜
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
מִצְרַ֗יִם
עַד
בֹּאִ֥/י
אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ
מִצְרַ֖יְמָ/ה
לִ/י
הֵ֑ם
אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙
וּ/מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
כִּ/רְאוּבֵ֥ן
וְ/שִׁמְע֖וֹן
יִֽהְיוּ
לִֽ/י
וְ/עַתָּ֡ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
שְׁנֵֽי
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
בָנֶי/ךָ֩
bên
H1121
son
N-mp | Suff
הַ/נּוֹלָדִ֨ים
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Art | V-Niphal
לְ/ךָ֜
Prep | Suff
בְּ/אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרַ֗יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
בֹּאִ֥/י
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
מִצְרַ֖יְמָ/ה
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper | Suff
לִ/י
Prep | Suff
הֵ֑ם
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
וּ/מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
Moses
Conj | N-proper
כִּ/רְאוּבֵ֥ן
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
Reuben
Prep | N-proper
וְ/שִׁמְע֖וֹן
Shimʻôwn
H8095
Shimeon
Conj | N-proper
יִֽהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 48:5
וְ/עַתָּ֡ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
שְׁנֵֽי
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
בָנֶי/ךָ֩
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp | 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.
הַ/נּוֹלָדִ֨ים
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Art | V-Niphal
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/ךָ֜
""
Prep | Suff
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.
מִצְרַ֗יִם
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.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
בֹּאִ֥/י
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֵלֶ֛י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
מִצְרַ֖יְמָ/ה
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper | Suff
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.
לִ/י
""
Prep | Suff
הֵ֑ם
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙
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.
וּ/מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה
Mᵉnashsheh
H4519
"Moses"
Conj | 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.
כִּ/רְאוּבֵ֥ן
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
"Reuben"
Prep | N-proper
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) § Reuben = "behold a son" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah 2) the tribe descended from Reuben 3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Reuben. See also: Genesis 29:32; Deuteronomy 27:13; Ezekiel 48:31.
וְ/שִׁמְע֖וֹן
Shimʻôwn
H8095
"Shimeon"
Conj | N-proper
Shimeon, also known as Simeon, was the second son of Jacob and the progenitor of the tribe of Simeon. He is also the name of an Israelite who had a foreign wife during the time of Ezra.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.31 § Simeon or Shimeon = "heard" 1) the 2nd son of Jacob by his wife Leah and progenitor of the tribe of Simeon 2) an Israelite of the sons of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: Simeon. See also: Genesis 29:33; Numbers 26:12; Ezekiel 48:33.
יִֽהְיוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
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.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Genesis 48:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 48:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 48:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 48:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 48:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
- Sermons on Genesis 48:5
Context — Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh
3Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there He blessed me
4and 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.’
5And 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.
6Any children born to you after them shall be yours, and they shall be called by the names of their brothers in the territory they inherit. 7Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).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 | Joshua 14:4 | The descendants of Joseph became two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. And no portion of the land was given to the Levites, except for cities in which to live, along with pasturelands for their flocks and herds. |
| 3 | Genesis 46:20 | Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 5:1–2 | These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph. |
| 5 | Revelation 7:6–7 | from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, |
| 6 | Joshua 13:7 | Now therefore divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 6:18 | And: “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” |
| 8 | Ezekiel 16:8 | Then I passed by and saw you, and you were indeed old enough for love. So I spread My cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I pledged Myself to you, entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 9 | 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. |
| 10 | Leviticus 20:26 | You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own. |
Genesis 48:5 Summary
In Genesis 48:5, Jacob is saying that his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, are just as much his sons as Reuben and Simeon are, because God has given them to him as a blessing. This shows how God's family is not just about blood relationships, but about the spiritual connections we have with each other, as seen in John 1:12-13 where believers are given the right to become children of God. Just like Jacob adopted Ephraim and Manasseh, God adopts us as His own children when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, giving us a new identity and a place in His family, as stated in Romans 8:14-17. This verse reminds us that our true family is not just our biological relatives, but our brothers and sisters in Christ, who are all part of God's larger family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob claim Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own?
Jacob claimed Ephraim and Manasseh as his own because God had promised to make him a multitude of peoples, and these two sons were born to Joseph in Egypt, symbolizing the expansion of the family of God, as seen in Genesis 48:5 and also in Genesis 28:14 where God says He will make Jacob's descendants like the dust of the earth.
How does this verse relate to the concept of adoption in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the concept of adoption, where Jacob, as a father figure, adopts Joseph's sons, giving them equal status as his own sons, Reuben and Simeon, demonstrating God's heart of adoption, as also seen in Ephesians 1:5 where believers are predestined for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ.
What is the significance of Jacob's statement that any children born to Joseph after Ephraim and Manasseh would be considered Joseph's own?
Jacob's statement in Genesis 48:6 emphasizes the special status given to Ephraim and Manasseh, as the primary inheritors of the blessing, similar to how God establishes the firstborn as the primary heir in Deuteronomy 21:15-17, highlighting the importance of the birthright in biblical culture.
How does this passage reflect the promise of God to the patriarchs?
This passage in Genesis 48:5 reflects the promise of God to make Jacob fruitful and multiply him, as stated in Genesis 48:4, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as seen in Genesis 17:1-8 and reiterated in Genesis 28:13-15.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for someone to be 'reckoned as mine' in a spiritual sense, and how can I apply this concept to my own life as a child of God?
- How does Jacob's adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh illustrate God's heart of love and acceptance towards me, and what does this mean for my own sense of identity and belonging?
- In what ways can I, like Jacob, recognize and affirm the unique calling and purpose that God has for each member of my family, just as He had for Ephraim and Manasseh?
- What can I learn from Jacob's example about the importance of recognizing and honoring the spiritual heritage and legacy that has been passed down to me, as seen in Genesis 48:5 and other passages?
- How can I, like Joseph, trust God's sovereign plan for my life and the lives of my loved ones, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging, as Joseph experienced in Egypt?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 48:5
And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh,.... Ephraim was the youngest, but is mentioned first, as he afterwards was preferred in the blessing of him: which were born unto thee in the land of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. Thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
Thy two sons are mine, by adoption: I shall own them as if they were my immediate children, and each of them shall have equal share, both in my present estate, and future inheritance of Canaan, with the rest of my children. Thus Jacob transfers the double portion, which was the right of the first-born, from which Reuben by his transgression fell, , upon Joseph, . He names the two eldest, who, if any, might seem to claim a greater privilege than the rest.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
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.Ver. 5. As Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.] God hath in like sort adopted us for his dear children; saying, "I will be a Father unto them, and they shall be my sons and my daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." This St John calls a royalty or prerogative, such as he elsewhere stands amazed at. And well he may; for all God’ s children are "firstborn," and so "higher than all the kings of the earth." They "in the fulness of their sufficiency are in straits." Whereas the saints, in the fulness of their straits, are in an all-sufficiency.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
(5) As Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.—That is, Ephraim shall be regarded as my firstborn, and Manasseh as my second son. This was undoubtedly the case; for though “Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the prince (and of him the Messiah), yet the birthright was Joseph’s” (1 Chronicles 5:2). The legal right of the firstborn was a double share of the father’s goods. This was bestowed upon Joseph in giving him two tribes, and to the other· sons but one. It was in a spiritual sense, and with reference to the promise that all mankind should be blessed in Jacob’s seed, that the birthright was Judah’s. As Joseph was the son of the chief and best-beloved wife, he had a sort of claim to the birthright; but in agreement with the law afterwards specially enacted (Deuteronomy 21:15-17), Jacob acknowledges that the right had belonged to Reuben, but excludes him from the possession of it as the penalty of his great and terrible sin. Simeon and Levi are next passed over, because of their cruelty, and so Judah takes Reuben’s place.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
Verse 5. And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh - are mine] I now adopt them into my own family, and they shall have their place among my twelve sons, and be treated in every respect as those, and have an equal interest in all the spiritual and temporal blessings of the covenant.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 48:5
5. are mine] Joseph’s sons are adopted into the family of Jacob (cf. Joshua 14:4); and the account records their acknowledgment to be full tribes in the parent stock of Israel. Ephraim and Manasseh] Observe the change in order. The writer of P here, as E in Genesis 48:20, gives the precedent to the recipient of the greater blessing. But, while this order is found in Numbers 1:10, Joshua 17:17, the other is the more usual; cf. Joshua 14:4; Joshua 16:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 48:5
5. Thy two sons… are mine… as Reuben and Simeon — “They are to have the tribal rank of sons, although they were grandsons.
Sermons on Genesis 48:5
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Genesis) Genesis 48:4-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the promises made by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promised to make them fruitful and multiply them, and to give them the land as an |
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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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The Book of Ruth #2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the book of Ruth in understanding God's plan of redemption. The book portrays the state of human loss and hopelessness, |
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Studies in Joshua 03 - Conquering the Land by Alden Gannett | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the preparation and conquest of Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the land of Canaan. The sermon begins by discussing Joshua's encounte |
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Divine Appointments - 01 Marvels of Redemption by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a blind evangelist who was struggling to win a lady to the Lord. Despite using various verses and illustrations, he couldn't seem |
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The Divine Names and Titles by E.W. Bullinger | E.W. Bullinger delves into the significance of various names of God in the Bible, highlighting the different aspects of His character and relationship with His people. Elohim, ment |
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Of Adoption. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the doctrine of adoption, emphasizing that it is a distinct act of God's grace, separate from justification and regeneration. He explains that believers are a |