Old Testament
Genesis 48:20
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So he blessed them that day, saying, "The people of Israel will use your names when they pronounce blessings, saying, 'May God make you like Ephraim and like Manasseh.'" In this way, he placed Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.
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And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.
What Genesis 48:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jacob (also known as Israel) blesses his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, by declaring that the people of Israel will invoke their names in blessings. This means that when people bless others, they will say, 'May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.' By placing Ephraim ahead of Manasseh, Jacob is signifying that Ephraim will receive a greater blessing and prominence in the future. This act of blessing is significant as it establishes Ephraim's leadership role among the tribes of Israel. The phrase reflects the importance of family legacy and the passing down of blessings from one generation to the next. It also highlights the idea that God's favor can be bestowed in unexpected ways, as Ephraim, the younger brother, is given precedence over Manasseh, the elder. This moment is a pivotal point in the history of Israel, shaping the identity and future of the tribes descended from these two brothers.
How to apply Genesis 48:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the power of our words in blessing others. We can intentionally speak blessings over our loved ones, invoking God's favor in their lives. It reminds us that God's plans may unfold in unexpected ways, and we should embrace and support those around us.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons (Genesis 48:1–22)
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Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 48:20 mean?
Genesis 48:20 describes Jacob blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, and stating that people will invoke their names in blessings. This signifies Ephraim's prominence over Manasseh, indicating that he will receive a greater blessing and leadership role among the tribes of Israel.
What is the significance of Ephraim and Manasseh in Genesis 48:20?
Ephraim and Manasseh represent Jacob's grandsons, and their mention in blessings shows their importance in Israel's future. Ephraim being placed ahead of Manasseh highlights the unexpected ways in which God's favor can be granted.
Why did Jacob place Ephraim before Manasseh in Genesis 48:20?
Jacob placed Ephraim before Manasseh to signify that Ephraim would have a greater blessing and leadership role. This act emphasizes the theme of divine favor being given in unexpected ways, as Ephraim was the younger brother.
How does Genesis 48:20 relate to family legacy?
Genesis 48:20 illustrates the importance of family legacy by showing how blessings are passed down through generations. Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh establishes their significance in the lineage of Israel, impacting future generations.
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