Genesis 48:20 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jacob blesses both sons and sets Ephraim before Manasseh as a blessing formula for Israel's future.
The Context of Genesis 48:20
The blessing becomes a model and prayer template for all future Israelites.
What Does Genesis 48:20 Mean?
On that day Jacob formally pronounces blessing over both sons, but then he elevates the blessing into something larger: he makes them a blessing-formula for all Israel. Future generations will say, 'God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh,' invoking these two names as a standard of divine favor and prosperity.
By explicitly setting Ephraim before Manasseh in the blessing formula, Jacob enshrines the younger's prominence while honoring both. This blessing becomes a template that Israelites will use throughout their history, cementing the significance of this moment of patriarchal transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 48:20
What does Genesis 48:20 mean?
Jacob blesses both sons and sets Ephraim before Manasseh as a blessing formula for Israel's future.
What is the context of Genesis 48:20?
The blessing becomes a model and prayer template for all future Israelites.