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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 48:14 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/48-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/01_Gen_48_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 48:14 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/48-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/48-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/48.htm">Chapter 48</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/48-13.htm" title="Genesis 48:13">◄</a> Genesis 48:14 <a href="/genesis/48-15.htm" title="Genesis 48:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/48.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/48.htm">New International Version</a> But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim&#8217s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh&#8217s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/nlt/genesis/48.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Jacob crossed his arms as he reached out to lay his hands on the boys’ heads. He put his right hand on the head of Ephraim, though he was the younger boy, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, though he was the firstborn. <a href="/esv/genesis/48.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands (for Manasseh was the firstborn). <a href="/bsb/genesis/48.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/genesis/48.htm">King James Bible</a> And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/48.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/48.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Israel reached out his right hand and placed it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands, although Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/nasb/genesis/48.htm">NASB 1995</a> But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh&#8217s head, crossing his hands, although Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/48.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands, although Manasseh was the first-born. <a href="/lsb/genesis/48.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands, although Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/amp/genesis/48.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Israel reached out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands [intentionally], even though Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/csb/genesis/48.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger, and crossing his hands, put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/48.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger, and crossing his hands, put his left on Manasseh&#8217s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/asv/genesis/48.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the first-born. <a href="/cev/genesis/48.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But before Jacob gave them his blessing, he crossed his arms, putting his right hand on the head of Ephraim and his left hand on the head of Manasseh. <a href="/erv/genesis/48.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/gwt/genesis/48.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But Israel crossed his hands and reached out. He put his right hand on Ephraim's head, although Ephraim was the younger son. He put his left hand on Manasseh's head, although Manasseh was older. <a href="/gnt/genesis/48.htm">Good News Translation</a> But Jacob crossed his hands, and put his right hand on the head of Ephraim, even though he was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, who was the older. <a href="/isv/genesis/48.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Israel stretched out his right hand, laying it on Ephraim's head (he was the younger son) and laying his left hand on Manasseh's head (even though Manasseh was the firstborn). <a href="/msb/genesis/48.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/genesis/48.htm">NET Bible</a> Israel stretched out his right hand and placed it on Ephraim's head, although he was the younger. Crossing his hands, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, for Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/nheb/genesis/48.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And Israel stretched out his right hand and placed it on Ephraim?s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh?s head, crossing his hands, although Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/wbt/genesis/48.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands by design; for Manasseh was the first-born. <a href="/web/genesis/48.htm">World English Bible</a> Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/48.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Israel puts out his right hand and places [it] on the head of Ephraim, who [is] the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh; he has guided his hands wisely, for Manasseh [is] the firstborn. <a href="/ylt/genesis/48.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Israel putteth out his right hand, and placeth it upon the head of Ephraim, who is the younger, and his left hand upon the head of Manasseh; he hath guided his hands wisely, for Manasseh is the first-born. <a href="/slt/genesis/48.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Israel will put forth his right hand, and will place upon Ephraim's head, and he the small; and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, attending to his hands wisely; for Manasseh was the first-born.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/48.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But he stretching forth his right hand, put it upon the head of Ephraim the younger brother; and the left upon the head of Manasses who was the elder, changing his hands. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/48.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he, extending his right hand, placed it over the head of Ephraim, the younger brother, but the left hand was on the head of Manasseh, who was the elder, so that his hands were crossed. <a href="/nabre/genesis/48.htm">New American Bible</a> But Israel, crossing his hands, put out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, although he was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, although he was the firstborn. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/48.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands, for Manasseh was the firstborn.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/48.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head; he changed the position of his hands wittingly, even though Manasseh was the first-born. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/48.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Israel reached his right hand and he placed it on the head of Aphreim, he is the younger, and his left on the head of Menasheh, and he changed his hands because Menasheh was the firstborn.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/48.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the first-born. <a href="/sep/genesis/48.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But Israel having stretched out his right hand, laid it on the head of Ephraim, and he was the younger; and his left hand on the head of Manasse, guiding his hands crosswise. <a href="/parallel/genesis/48-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=12681" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/48.htm">Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh</a> …13And 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. 14<a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">But Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">stretched out</a> <a href="/hebrew/3225.htm" title="3225: yə·mî·nōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Right hand. From yaman; the right hand or side of a person or other object; locally, the south.">his right hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: way·yā·šeṯ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place.">and put</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">it on</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">the head</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·ra·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6810.htm" title="6810: haṣ·ṣā·‘îr (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Little, insignificant, young. Or tsanowr; from tsa'ar; little; few; young, ignoble.">the younger;</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7919.htm" title="7919: śik·kêl (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To be, circumspect, intelligent. A primitive root; to be circumspect and hence, intelligent.">and crossing</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏāw (N-fdc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">his hands,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8040.htm" title="8040: śə·mō·lōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- The left. ">he put his left</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/4519.htm" title="4519: mə·naš·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- From nashah; causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">Manasseh’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-msc) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">head,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">although</a> <a href="/hebrew/4519.htm" title="4519: mə·naš·šeh (N-proper-ms) -- From nashah; causing to forget; Menashsheh, a grandson of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">Manasseh</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: hab·bə·ḵō·wr (Art:: N-ms) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">was the firstborn.</a> 15Then he blessed Joseph and said: “May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/11-21.htm">Hebrews 11:21</a> By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. <a href="/genesis/27-27.htm">Genesis 27:27-29</a> So he came near and kissed him. When Isaac smelled his clothing, he blessed him and said: “Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed. / May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth—an abundance of grain and new wine. / May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.” <a href="/genesis/27-38.htm">Genesis 27:38-40</a> Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, O my father!” Then Esau wept aloud. / His father Isaac answered him: “Behold, your dwelling place shall be away from the richness of the land, away from the dew of heaven above. / You shall live by the sword and serve your brother. But when you rebel, you will tear his yoke from your neck.” <a href="/genesis/25-23.htm">Genesis 25:23</a> and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” <a href="/genesis/37-3.htm">Genesis 37:3</a> Now Israel loved Joseph more than his other sons, because Joseph had been born to him in his old age; so he made him a robe of many colors. <a href="/genesis/41-51.htm">Genesis 41:51-52</a> 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.” <a href="/genesis/49-22.htm">Genesis 49:22-26</a> Joseph is a fruitful vine—a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall. / The archers attacked him with bitterness; they aimed at him in hostility. / Yet he steadied his bow, and his strong arms were tempered by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, in the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, ... <a href="/deuteronomy/33-13.htm">Deuteronomy 33:13-17</a> 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, ... <a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1-2</a> 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. <a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Romans 9:10-13</a> Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. / Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, / not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ... <a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">Matthew 19:13-15</a> Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them. / But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” / And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there. <a href="/mark/10-13.htm">Mark 10:13-16</a> Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them. / But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and told them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. / Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ... <a href="/luke/18-15.htm">Luke 18:15-17</a> Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them. / But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. / Truly I tell you, anyone who does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” <a href="/acts/7-9.htm">Acts 7:9-10</a> Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him / and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household. <a href="/acts/7-14.htm">Acts 7:14-16</a> Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his relatives, seventy-five in all. / So Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. / Their bones were carried back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a price he paid in silver.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.his right hand.<a href="/exodus/15-6.htm">Exodus 15:6</a> Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.<a href="/psalms/110-1.htm">Psalm 110:1</a> A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.<a href="/psalms/118-16.htm">Psalm 118:16</a> The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.and laid.<a href="/numbers/8-10.htm">Numbers 8:10,18</a> And thou shalt bring the Levites before the LORD: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites: … <a href="/deuteronomy/34-9.htm">Deuteronomy 34:9</a> And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.<a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">Matthew 19:13,15</a> Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them… guiding.<a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">Genesis 48:19</a> 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.firstborn.<a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Genesis 48:18</a> And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.<a href="/genesis/41-51.htm">Genesis 41:51</a> And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.<a href="/genesis/46-20.htm">Genesis 46:20</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/42-8.htm">Although</a> <a href="/genesis/46-29.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/genesis/31-21.htm">Crossing</a> <a href="/genesis/37-18.htm">Design</a> <a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Ephraim's</a> <a href="/genesis/46-8.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/46-8.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/genesis/28-15.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/47-14.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/47-31.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/48-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/41-49.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">Manas'seh</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-18.htm">Manasseh's</a> <a href="/genesis/41-42.htm">Placeth</a> <a href="/genesis/42-16.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/genesis/41-42.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/genesis/46-1.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">Right</a> <a href="/genesis/38-28.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Stretching</a> <a href="/genesis/43-29.htm">Younger</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/13-17.htm">Although</a> <a href="/genesis/49-24.htm">Arms</a> <a href="/numbers/32-7.htm">Crossing</a> <a href="/exodus/25-40.htm">Design</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Ephraim's</a> <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/genesis/48-21.htm">Guiding</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/49-24.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/48-20.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/genesis/48-20.htm">Manas'seh</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Manasseh's</a> <a href="/exodus/40-18.htm">Placeth</a> <a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/exodus/4-4.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/genesis/50-10.htm">Reached</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Right</a> <a href="/genesis/49-14.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/genesis/49-33.htm">Stretching</a> <a href="/genesis/48-19.htm">Younger</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 48</div>1. <a href="/genesis/48-1.htm">Joseph with his sons visits his sick father.</a> 2. <a href="/genesis/48-2.htm">Jacob strengthens himself to bless them.</a> 3. <a href="/genesis/48-3.htm">He repeats God's promise.</a> 5. <a href="/genesis/48-5.htm">He takes Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons.</a> 7. <a href="/genesis/48-7.htm">He tells Joseph of his mother's grave.</a> 8. <a href="/genesis/48-8.htm">He blesses Ephraim and Manasseh.</a> 17. <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">He prefers the younger before the elder.</a> 21. <a href="/genesis/48-21.htm">He prophesies their return to Canaan.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/48.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/48.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger; In biblical tradition, the right hand symbolizes power, authority, and blessing. Israel, also known as Jacob, intentionally places his right hand on Ephraim, the younger son of Joseph, signifying a deliberate choice to bestow a greater blessing upon him. This act defies the cultural norm of primogeniture, where the firstborn typically receives the primary blessing. This mirrors Jacob's own experience, where he, the younger, received the blessing over Esau. It highlights God's sovereignty in choosing whom He wills, regardless of human customs.and crossing his hands, he put his left on Manasseh’s head, The crossing of hands is a symbolic gesture that indicates a reversal of expectations. Manasseh, as the firstborn, would traditionally receive the greater blessing, but Jacob's action signifies a divinely inspired decision. This act of crossing hands can be seen as a type of Christ, who often subverted societal norms and expectations, choosing the humble and lowly to fulfill God's purposes. It also foreshadows the New Testament theme where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.although Manasseh was the firstborn. The mention of Manasseh being the firstborn emphasizes the significance of Jacob's choice. It underscores the biblical theme that God's plans and purposes often transcend human traditions and expectations. This choice reflects the recurring biblical motif of God elevating the younger or less likely candidate, as seen with Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau, and David over his older brothers. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereign will and His ability to work through unexpected means to accomplish His divine purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel (Jacob)</a> The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob, who was renamed Israel by God. In this passage, he is blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a> The younger son of Joseph, who receives the primary blessing from Jacob despite being the younger brother. 3. <a href="/topical/m/manasseh.htm">Manasseh</a> The elder son of Joseph, who traditionally would receive the primary blessing as the firstborn but receives the secondary blessing instead. 4. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The son of Jacob and father of Ephraim and Manasseh, who brings his sons to Jacob for a blessing. 5. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The place where this event occurs, as Jacob and his family are residing there during the famine.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_choice.htm">God's Sovereignty in Choice</a> God's plans often defy human expectations and traditions. The blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh illustrates that God's purposes are not bound by human customs. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_promises.htm">Faith in God's Promises</a> Jacob's act of blessing his grandsons demonstrates his faith in God's promises to his family. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_legacy.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Legacy</a> Jacob's blessing signifies the importance of passing on a spiritual heritage. Parents and grandparents should be intentional about imparting faith to the next generation. <a href="/topical/g/god's_grace_and_favor.htm">God's Grace and Favor</a> The blessing of the younger over the elder highlights God's grace, which is not based on human merit or birth order but on His divine will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_48.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 48</a> <a href="/q/genesis_48_14_-_why_did_jacob_cross_hands.htm">Genesis 48:14 – How can Jacob’s crossing of his hands and reversing birth order be reconciled with typical ancient customs? </a> <a href="/q/what_do_secretive_hand_actions_mean.htm">What does secretive action between hands signify?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_laying_hands.htm">What does the Bible say about laying on hands?</a> <a href="/q/is_ecclesiastes_10_2_culturally_biased.htm">Does the association of the wise with the “right” and fools with the “left” (Ecclesiastes 10:2) reflect outdated cultural biases, and how does it align with modern moral or ethical views? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/48.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) Guiding his hands wittingly.--The LXX., Syriac, and Vulg. translate, "placing his hands crosswise;" but the Targum of Onkelos favours the translation of our version. There is some amount of philological support for the rendering of the three chief versions; but it must mainly rest upon their own authority, which is, however, very great.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/48.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, - the first instance of the imposition of hands being used as a symbol of blessing. Though not necessarily connected with the form of benediction, it is not without a natural fitness to suggest the transmission of spiritual benefit. Accordingly it afterwards became the recognized mode of conveying to another some supernatural power or gift, and was employed in the Old Testament Church in the dedication of priests (<a href="/numbers/27-18.htm">Numbers 27:18, 23</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/34-9.htm">Deuteronomy 34:9</a>), and in the New in the ordination of Christian office-bearers (<a href="/acts/6-6.htm">Acts 6:6</a>; <a href="/acts/8-17.htm">Acts 8:17</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">1 Timothy 4:14</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">2 Timothy 1:6</a>), as well as by the Savior and his apostles in the performance of many of their miracles (<a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">Matthew 19:13</a>; <a href="/mark/8-23.htm">Mark 8:23, 25</a>; <a href="/acts/9-17.htm">Acts 9:17</a>; <a href="/acts/19-6.htm">Acts 19:6</a>; <a href="/acts/28-8.htm">Acts 28:8</a>) - who was the younger (literally, and he the little one, i.e. the younger), and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; - literally, he placed his hands, prudently, i.e. of set purpose, the piel of שָׂכַל, to look at, conveying the intensive signification of acting with prudence and deliberation (Gesenius, Furst); intelligere fecit manus suas hoc est, docte, scite, et petite imposuit eis manus (Vatablus, vide Glass. 'Phil Tract.,' p. 761); a rendering of the words which has been adopted by the best scholars (Calvin, Dathe, Rosenmüller, Keil, Kalisch, Murphy, Taylor Lewis, and others), though the translation, "he crossed his hands," which regards שִׂכֵּל as the pile of an unused root signifying to intertwine, ἐναλλὰξ τὰς χεῖρας (LXX.), commutans marius (Vulgate), is not entirely destitute of learned supporters (Targums of Jonathan and Jerusalem, Pererius, Knobel, Delitzsch, Gerlach, and others) - for Manasseh was the firstborn. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/48-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>But Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc stretched out וַיִּשְׁלַח֩ (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out his right hand יְמִינ֜וֹ (yə·mî·nōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3225.htm">Strong's 3225: </a> The right hand, side, the south and put וַיָּ֨שֶׁת (way·yā·šeṯ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7896.htm">Strong's 7896: </a> To put, set it on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the head רֹ֤אשׁ (rōš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head of Ephraim, אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙ (’ep̄·ra·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory the younger; הַצָּעִ֔יר (haṣ·ṣā·‘îr) Article | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6810.htm">Strong's 6810: </a> Little, insignificant, young and crossing שִׂכֵּל֙ (śik·kêl) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7919.htm">Strong's 7919: </a> To be, circumspect, intelligent his hands, יָדָ֔יו (yā·ḏāw) Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand he put his left שְׂמֹאל֖וֹ (śə·mō·lōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8040.htm">Strong's 8040: </a> Dark, the north, the left hand on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Manasseh’s מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה (mə·naš·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4519.htm">Strong's 4519: </a> Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites head, רֹ֣אשׁ (rōš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head although כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction Manasseh מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה (mə·naš·šeh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4519.htm">Strong's 4519: </a> Manasseh -- 'causing to forget', a son of Joseph, also a king of Judah, also two Israelites was the firstborn. הַבְּכֽוֹר׃ (hab·bə·ḵō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> Firstborn, chief <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">OT Law: Genesis 48:14 Israel stretched out his right hand (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/48-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 48:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 48:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/48-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 48:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 48:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>