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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 48:17 When 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/48-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/01_Gen_48_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 48:17 - Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When 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." /><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/48-17.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/48-17.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 17</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="/ad17.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/48-16.htm" title="Genesis 48:16">◄</a> Genesis 48:17 <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm" title="Genesis 48:18">►</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> When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim&#8217s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father&#8217s hand to move it from Ephraim&#8217s head to Manasseh&#8217s head. <a href="/nlt/genesis/48.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Joseph was upset when he saw that his father placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head. So Joseph lifted it to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. <a href="/esv/genesis/48.htm">English Standard Version</a> When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. <a href="/bsb/genesis/48.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When 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. <a href="/kjv/genesis/48.htm">King James Bible</a> And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/48.htm">New King James Version</a> Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/48.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When Joseph saw that his father placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, it displeased him; and he grasped his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. <a href="/nasb/genesis/48.htm">NASB 1995</a> When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on Ephraim&#8217s head, it displeased him; and he grasped his father&#8217s hand to remove it from Ephraim&#8217s head to Manasseh&#8217s head. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/48.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on Ephraim’s head, it displeased him; and he grasped his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. <a href="/lsb/genesis/48.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Joseph saw that his father set his right hand on Ephraim’s head, and it was displeasing in his sight; so he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. <a href="/amp/genesis/48.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on Ephraim’s head, it displeased him [because he was not the firstborn]; and he grasped his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. <a href="/csb/genesis/48.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he thought it was a mistake and took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/48.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim&#8217s head, he thought it was a mistake and took his father&#8217s hand to move it from Ephraim&#8217s head to Manasseh&#8217s. <a href="/asv/genesis/48.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. <a href="/cev/genesis/48.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Joseph did not like it when he saw his father place his right hand on the head of the younger son. So he tried to move his father's right hand from Ephraim's head and place it on Manasseh. <a href="/erv/genesis/48.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. <a href="/gwt/genesis/48.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Joseph saw that his father had put his right hand on Ephraim's head, he didn't like it. So he took his father's hand in order to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's. <a href="/gnt/genesis/48.htm">Good News Translation</a> Joseph was upset when he saw that his father had put his right hand on Ephraim's head; so he took his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to the head of Manasseh. <a href="/isv/genesis/48.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Joseph observed that his father had laid his right hand on Ephraim's head. That displeased him, so he grabbed his father's hand and started to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. <a href="/msb/genesis/48.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When 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. <a href="/net/genesis/48.htm">NET Bible</a> When Joseph saw that his father placed his right hand on Ephraim's head, it displeased him. So he took his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. <a href="/nheb/genesis/48.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When Joseph saw that his father placed his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he grasped his father?s hand to move it from Ephraim?s head to Manasseh?s head. <a href="/wbt/genesis/48.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he lifted his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. <a href="/web/genesis/48.htm">World English Bible</a> When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/48.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Joseph sees that his father sets his right hand on the head of Ephraim, and it is wrong in his eyes, and he supports the hand of his father to turn it aside from off the head of Ephraim to the head of Manasseh; <a href="/ylt/genesis/48.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Joseph seeth that his father setteth his right hand on the head of Ephraim, and it is wrong in his eyes, and he supporteth the hand of his father to turn it aside from off the head of Ephraim to the head of Manasseh; <a href="/slt/genesis/48.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Joseph will see that his father will put his right hand upon Ephraim's head, and it will be evil in his eyes: and he will take hold of his father's hand to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/48.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Joseph seeing that his father had put his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, was much displeased: and taking his father's hand he tried to lift it from Ephraims head, and to remove it to the head of Manasses. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/48.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But Joseph, seeing that his father had placed his right hand over the head of Ephraim, took it gravely. And grasping his father’s hand, he tried to lift it from Ephraim’s head and transfer it onto the head of Manasseh. <a href="/nabre/genesis/48.htm">New American Bible</a> When Joseph saw that his father had laid his right hand on Ephraim’s head, this seemed wrong to him; so he took hold of his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s, <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/48.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/48.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/48.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Yoseph saw that his father placed his right hand on the head of Aphreim, and it was displeasing in his eyes, and he held the hand of his father to move it from the head of Aphreim and to place it on the head of Menasheh.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/48.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And when Joseph saw that his father was laying his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. <a href="/sep/genesis/48.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Joseph having seen that his father put his right hand on the head of Ephraim - it seemed grievous to him; and Joseph took hold of the hand of his father, to remove it from the head of Ephraim to the head of Manasse. <a href="/parallel/genesis/48-17.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=12720" 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> …16the angel who has redeemed me from all harm—may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.” 17<a href="/hebrew/3130.htm" title="3130: yō·w·sêp̄ (N-proper-ms) -- Future of yacaph; let him add; Joseph, the name of seven Israelites.">When Joseph</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">his father</a> <a href="/hebrew/7896.htm" title="7896: yā·šîṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To put, set. A primitive root; to place.">had placed</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</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ- (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hand</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/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.">Ephraim’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/7489.htm" title="7489: way·yê·ra‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">he was displeased</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nāw (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8551.htm" title="8551: way·yiṯ·mōḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close.">and took</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">his father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yaḏ- (N-fsc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: lə·hā·sîr (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">to move</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯāh (DirObjM:: 3fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from</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.">Ephraim’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/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.">to</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."></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> 18“Not so, my father!” Joseph said. “This one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”…<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="/genesis/27-18.htm">Genesis 27:18-29</a> So Jacob went to his father and said, “My father.” “Here I am!” he answered. “Which one are you, my son?” / Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may bless me.” / But Isaac asked his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son?” “Because the LORD your God brought it to me,” he replied. ... <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/27-36.htm">Genesis 27:36</a> So Esau declared, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice. He took my birthright, and now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?” <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/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3-4</a> Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. / Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it. <a href="/exodus/13-2.htm">Exodus 13:2</a> “Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast.” <a href="/deuteronomy/21-17.htm">Deuteronomy 21:17</a> Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him. <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="/psalms/78-67.htm">Psalm 78:67-68</a> He rejected the tent of Joseph and refused the tribe of Ephraim. / But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which He loved. <a href="/romans/9-12.htm">Romans 9:12-13</a> not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” / So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” <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="/matthew/19-30.htm">Matthew 19:30</a> But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. <a href="/matthew/20-16.htm">Matthew 20:16</a> So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” <a href="/luke/1-51.htm">Luke 1:51-52</a> He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. / He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head.laid his.<a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Genesis 48:14</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.displeased him.<a href="/genesis/28-8.htm">Genesis 28:8</a> And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father;<a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Genesis 38:10</a> And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.<a href="/numbers/11-1.htm">Numbers 11:1</a> And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Displeased</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Ephraim's</a> <a href="/hosea/9-13.htm">E'phraim's</a> <a href="/genesis/48-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/47-12.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/19-16.htm">Grasped</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/41-36.htm">Held</a> <a href="/genesis/43-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/genesis/48-15.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Manasseh's</a> <a href="/joshua/17-10.htm">Manas'seh's</a> <a href="/genesis/33-14.htm">Move</a> <a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">Placing</a> <a href="/revelation/2-5.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/genesis/48-14.htm">Right</a> <a href="/genesis/27-12.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Supporteth</a> <a href="/genesis/44-25.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/genesis/44-5.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/numbers/11-1.htm">Displeased</a> <a href="/genesis/48-20.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/genesis/48-20.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/genesis/50-23.htm">Ephraim's</a> <a href="/genesis/50-23.htm">E'phraim's</a> <a href="/genesis/50-15.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/genesis/49-12.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/judges/16-29.htm">Grasped</a> <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Head</a> <a href="/exodus/17-11.htm">Held</a> <a href="/exodus/4-4.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Joseph</a> <a href="/exodus/4-4.htm">Laid</a> <a href="/exodus/25-14.htm">Lifting</a> <a href="/genesis/48-20.htm">Manasseh</a> <a href="/joshua/17-1.htm">Manasseh's</a> <a href="/joshua/17-10.htm">Manas'seh's</a> <a href="/exodus/11-7.htm">Move</a> <a href="/exodus/2-3.htm">Placing</a> <a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Right</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-4.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/psalms/41-3.htm">Supporteth</a> <a href="/exodus/3-3.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/genesis/50-15.htm">Wrong</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'; 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The right hand was typically used to confer the primary blessing upon the firstborn. Joseph, aware of this tradition, expected his father Jacob to place his right hand on Manasseh, the elder son. This act of placing the right hand on Ephraim, the younger, was unexpected and significant, indicating a divinely inspired choice that defied cultural norms. This moment echoes the theme of God choosing the younger over the elder, as seen with Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau.he was displeased Joseph's displeasure reflects his understanding of the cultural and familial expectations regarding birthright and blessing. His reaction underscores the human tendency to rely on tradition and expectation rather than divine guidance. This moment highlights the tension between human plans and God's sovereign will, a recurring theme throughout Scripture.and took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s Joseph's attempt to correct his father's action demonstrates his respect for the traditional order of blessing. However, it also reveals a lack of understanding of God's purpose in this situation. This act of trying to redirect the blessing parallels other biblical narratives where human intervention attempts to alter divine plans, such as Sarah's plan for Hagar to bear Abraham's child. It serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and timing.from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s The specific mention of Ephraim and Manasseh is significant in the broader biblical narrative. Ephraim, though the younger, would become the more prominent tribe in Israel, fulfilling Jacob's prophetic blessing. This reversal of expectations is a type of Christ, who often upends societal norms and expectations, choosing the humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes. The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh would later play crucial roles in the history of Israel, with Ephraim often representing the northern kingdom. This moment foreshadows the unexpected ways God works through history to fulfill His promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/joseph.htm">Joseph</a> The son of Jacob and Rachel, who became a powerful leader in Egypt. In this passage, he is concerned about the blessing of his sons. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob (Israel)</a> The patriarch who is blessing his grandsons. He intentionally places his right hand on Ephraim, the younger grandson, signifying a greater blessing. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a> The younger son of Joseph, who receives the primary blessing from Jacob, contrary to cultural norms. 4. <a href="/topical/m/manasseh.htm">Manasseh</a> The elder son of Joseph, who traditionally would receive the greater blessing but is placed under Ephraim by Jacob. 5. <a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a> The land where this event takes place, as Joseph and his family are residing there during the famine.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_traditions.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Traditions</a> God's plans often transcend human customs and expectations. Jacob's blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh demonstrates that God's purposes are not bound by cultural norms. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_plan.htm">Faith in God's Plan</a> Like Jacob, believers are called to trust in God's wisdom and direction, even when it contradicts societal expectations or personal desires. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_blessings.htm">The Role of Blessings</a> Blessings in the Bible often signify God's favor and purpose. Understanding the significance of blessings can deepen our appreciation for God's providence in our lives. <a href="/topical/a/acceptance_of_god's_will.htm">Acceptance of God's Will</a> Joseph's initial displeasure shows a natural human reaction to unexpected outcomes. However, believers are encouraged to accept God's will, trusting that His ways are higher than ours. <a href="/topical/g/generational_impact.htm">Generational Impact</a> The blessings Jacob gives have long-term implications for the tribes of Israel. Our actions and decisions can have lasting effects on future generations.<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/why_favor_ephraim_over_manasseh.htm">Genesis 48:17–19 – Why would God supposedly favor Ephraim over Manasseh despite established primogeniture traditions, and is there any extrabiblical data supporting this choice? </a> <a href="/q/why_is_the_tribe_of_manasseh_important.htm">What is the significance of the Tribe of Manasseh?</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/how_does_genesis_38_27-30_align_with_twin_biology.htm">In Genesis 38:27–30, how do we reconcile the unusual birth story of Perez and Zerah with other scriptural and modern biological understandings of twins? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/48.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - And when (literally, and) Joseph saw that his father laid (or was laying) his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: - literally, and it was evil in his eyes (cf. <a href="/genesis/28-8.htm">Genesis 28:8</a>) - and (supposing his father had made a mistake) he held up (or took hold of) his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/48-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When Joseph יוֹסֵ֗ף (yō·w·sêp̄) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3130.htm">Strong's 3130: </a> Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites saw וַיַּ֣רְא (way·yar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see that כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction his father אָבִ֧יו (’ā·ḇîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father had placed יָשִׁ֨ית (yā·šîṯ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7896.htm">Strong's 7896: </a> To put, set his right יְמִינ֛וֹ (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 hand יַד־ (yaḏ-) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Ephraim’s אֶפְרַ֖יִם (’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 head, רֹ֥אשׁ (rōš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head he was displeased וַיֵּ֣רַע (way·yê·ra‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7489.htm">Strong's 7489: </a> To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad and took וַיִּתְמֹ֣ךְ (way·yiṯ·mōḵ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8551.htm">Strong's 8551: </a> To sustain, to obtain, keep fast, to help, follow close his father’s אָבִ֗יו (’ā·ḇîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father hand יַד־ (yaḏ-) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand to move לְהָסִ֥יר (lə·hā·sîr) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside it אֹתָ֛הּ (’ō·ṯāh) Direct object marker | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case from מֵעַ֥ל (mê·‘al) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Ephraim’s אֶפְרַ֖יִם (’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 head רֹאשׁ־ (rōš-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Manasseh’s. מְנַשֶּֽׁה׃ (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 <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/48-17.htm">Genesis 48:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">OT Law: Genesis 48:17 When Joseph saw that his father laid (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/48-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 48:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 48:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/48-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 48:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 48:18" /></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>