Genesis 48
NIV
Commentaries

Show in the text

Up to 5 commentaries at a time. Each excerpt opens in full.

New International Version

Genesis 48:17-20

17When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.

18Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”

19But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.”

20He blessed them that day and said, “In your name will Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’ ” So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.

Read all of Genesis 48

Commentaries on Genesis 48

New International Version — © NIV® 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 Biblica