Ephraim
- Dates
- 1665–1575 BC
Name means "double fruitfulness." He is the second of two sons born to Joseph through Asenath. His grandfather, Jacob, crosses his arms and gives a greater blessing to him though he is not the eldest. He and his brother become heirs as Jacob's sons.
In detail
The second son of Joseph (Gen 41:50—52). Although younger than Manasseh, Ephraim was given preeminence over his older brother in the blessing of their dying grandfather Jacob. Jacob declared that these two grandsons should be reckoned as his heirs, along with his own sons, and he indicated the prominent position of Ephraim's descendants (ch 48:5—20).
Bible passages
- Genesis 41:45-52
45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnath–paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti–pherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. 46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. …
Text of the King James Version.