Old Testament
Genesis 48:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Any children you have after them will be yours, but for their inheritance they will be counted under the names of their brothers."
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And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance.
What Genesis 48:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jacob is speaking to Joseph about his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob is saying that any additional children Joseph has in the future will not be considered part of the inheritance of the tribes of Israel. Instead, those future children will belong to Joseph but will be recognized under the names of Ephraim and Manasseh. This establishes a clear line of inheritance and identity for the tribes, ensuring that the legacy of Jacob's family is preserved. It emphasizes the importance of family lineage and the way names carry significance in terms of identity and heritage. By adopting Ephraim and Manasseh as his own, Jacob is elevating them to a status equal to his own sons, which is a significant act of blessing and recognition in the context of the family and the tribes of Israel.
How to apply Genesis 48:6 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of family and the legacies we pass on. It encourages us to consider how we honor our heritage and the names we carry. We should also recognize the significance of our relationships and the impact they have on our identity and future generations.
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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Keep studying Genesis 48:6
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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 48:6 mean?
Genesis 48:6 means that Jacob is telling Joseph that any future children he has will not be included in the inheritance of the tribes of Israel. Instead, those children will be recognized under the names of Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.
What is the significance of Ephraim and Manasseh in Genesis 48:6?
Ephraim and Manasseh are significant because Jacob adopts them as his own sons, giving them equal status with his other sons. This act ensures that their names and lineage will be part of the inheritance of Israel.
What does the term 'inheritance' refer to in Genesis 48:6?
In Genesis 48:6, 'inheritance' refers to the land and blessings that are passed down through the tribes of Israel. Jacob is clarifying how the inheritance will be distributed among his descendants.
How does Genesis 48:6 relate to family legacy?
Genesis 48:6 highlights the importance of family legacy by establishing how names and lineage are preserved within the tribes of Israel. It shows that the identities of Ephraim and Manasseh will carry on through their association with their father's name.
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