New International Version But 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.” New Living Translation But his father refused. “I know, my son; I know,” he replied. “Manasseh will also become a great people, but his younger brother will become even greater. And his descendants will become a multitude of nations.” English Standard Version But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Berean Standard Bible But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Berean Literal Bible And his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know! He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. And yet, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become the fullness of the nations.” King James Bible 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. New King James Version But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great; but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.” New American Standard Bible But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know; he also will become a people and he also will be great. However, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.” NASB 1995 But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know; he also will become a people and he also will be great. However, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.” NASB 1977 But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know; he also shall become a people and he also shall be great. However, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.” Legacy Standard Bible But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know; he also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become the fullness of nations.” Amplified Bible But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know; Manasseh also will become a people and he will be great; but his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.” Berean Annotated Bible But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know! he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations. Christian Standard Bible But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know! He too will become a tribe, and he too will be great; nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a populous nation.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know! He too will become a tribe, and he too will be great; nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a populous nation.” American Standard Version 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: howbeit his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. Contemporary English Version But his father said, "Son, I know what I am doing. It's true that Manasseh's family will someday become a great nation. But Ephraim will be even greater than Manasseh, because his descendants will become many great nations." English Revised Version 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: howbeit his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. GOD'S WORD® Translation His father refused and said, "I know, Son, I know! Manasseh, too, will become a nation, and he, too, will be important. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be more important than he, and his descendants will become many nations." Good News Translation His father refused, saying, "I know, son, I know. Manasseh's descendants will also become a great people. But his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become great nations." International Standard Version But his father refused. "I know," he said. "I know. He's going to produce a large nation, and he's going to be very great. However, his younger brother will become even greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations." NET Bible But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a nation and he too will become great. In spite of this, his younger brother will be even greater and his descendants will become a multitude of nations." New Heart English Bible But his father refused, and said, "I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations." Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” World English Bible His father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a multitude of nations.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd his father refuses and says, “I have known, my son, I have known; he also becomes a people, and he also is great, and yet, his young brother is greater than he, and his seed is the fullness of the nations”; Berean Literal Bible And his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know! He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. And yet, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become the fullness of the nations.” Young's Literal Translation And his father refuseth, and saith, 'I have known, my son, I have known; he also becometh a people, and he also is great, and yet, his young brother is greater than he, and his seed is the fulness of the nations;' Smith's Literal Translation And his father will refuse and will say, I knew my son, I knew: this also shall be into a people, and this also shall be great: and yet his brother the small, shall be great more than he, and his seed shall be a fulness of nations. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he refusing, said: I know, my son, I know: and this also shall become peoples, and shall be multiplied: but this younger brother shall be greater than he: and his seed shall grow into nations. Catholic Public Domain Version But refusing, he said: “I know, my son, I know. And this one, indeed, will be among the people and will be multiplied. But his younger brother will be greater than he. And his offspring will increase among the nations.” New American Bible But his father refused. “I know it, son,” he said, “I know. That one too shall become a people, and he too shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall surpass him, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.” New Revised Standard Version But his father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I know; he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut 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 his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of peoples. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And his father would not, and he said, “I know, my son, I also know he shall be a people, also he shall be great, however his little brother will be greater than he, and his seed shall be the fullness of the nations.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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; howbeit his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And he would not, but said, I know it, son, I know it; he also shall be a people, and he shall be exalted, but his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh…18“Not so, my father!” Joseph said. “This one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” 19But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” 20So that day Jacob blessed them and said: “By you shall Israel pronounce this blessing: ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.’ ” So he put Ephraim before Manasseh.… Cross References But his father refused. Numbers 23:20 I have indeed received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it. Genesis 27:33 Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!” “I know, my son, I know!” he said. Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. Hebrews 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; Genesis 17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. Genesis 21:18 Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, Genesis 25:23 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.” Romans 9:12 not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 1 Samuel 16:11-13 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Genesis 35:11 And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation—even a company of nations—shall come from you, and kings shall descend from you. Genesis 28:3 May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. Genesis 17:4-6 “As for Me, this is My covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. / No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. / I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you. Genesis 41:52 And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Genesis 49:10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. Deuteronomy 33:17 His majesty is like a firstborn bull, and his horns are like those of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even to the ends of the earth. Such are the myriads of Ephraim, and such are the thousands of Manasseh.” Numbers 1:33-35 those registered to the tribe of Ephraim numbered 40,500. / And from the sons of Manasseh, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, / those registered to the tribe of Manasseh numbered 32,200. Treasury of Scripture 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. said, I know it. Genesis 48:14 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. Genesis 17:20,21 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation… Genesis 25:28 And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. become. Deuteronomy 1:10 The LORD your God hath multiplied you, and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven for multitude. Ruth 4:11,12 And all the people that were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem: … multitude. Jump to Previous Descendants Fulness Great Greater Group Howbeit However Multitude Nation Nations Nevertheless Purpose Refused Refuseth Seed Young YoungerJump to Next Descendants Fulness Great Greater Group Howbeit However Multitude Nation Nations Nevertheless Purpose Refused Refuseth Seed Young YoungerGenesis 48 1. Joseph with his sons visits his sick father.2. Jacob strengthens himself to bless them. 3. He repeats God's promise. 5. He takes Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons. 7. He tells Joseph of his mother's grave. 8. He blesses Ephraim and Manasseh. 17. He prefers the younger before the elder. 21. He prophesies their return to Canaan. But his father refused. Jacob deliberately crossed his hands and would not allow Joseph to correct him. Though aged and nearly blind, Israel acted with clear spiritual understanding. The younger son receiving preeminence continues the pattern of God’s sovereign choice seen in Isaac rather than Ishmael and Jacob rather than Esau. Human custom gave privilege to the firstborn, but God was not bound by custom in accomplishing His covenant purposes. Num 23:20 I have indeed received a command to bless;… “I know, my son, I know!” he said. Jacob answered Joseph with affection while remaining unwavering. He understood that Manasseh’s position as firstborn had not been forgotten; God had disclosed a different future for the two boys. Jacob’s certainty reflects the prophetic character of the blessing, which rested not on preference or sentiment but on the Lord’s purpose. Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed… “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; Manasseh would not be deprived of blessing. His descendants became a substantial tribe, receiving territory on both sides of the Jordan and producing notable leaders, including Gideon. Jacob affirmed that God’s favor upon Joseph’s sons was abundant enough to establish both lines as tribes within Israel. Gen 17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him;… nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, Ephraim would surpass Manasseh in influence and prominence. Ephraim later became a leading tribe in Israel, associated with Joshua, Shiloh’s early central place in worship, and the northern kingdom after the division of the nation. The preference for Ephraim demonstrated again that lasting greatness comes by God’s appointment rather than natural rank. Gen 25:23 And He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb,… and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” Ephraim’s descendants would multiply greatly and exercise broad influence among the tribes of Israel. Jacob’s blessing echoed God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning a fruitful and numerous seed. The blessing also anticipates the wider reach of God’s redemptive purpose, through which the promised offspring of Abraham, Christ, brings blessing to people from every nation. Gen 35:11 And God told him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jacob (Israel)The patriarch who is blessing his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, in this passage. He is the father of Joseph and the son of Isaac. 2. Joseph Jacob's son, who brought his two sons to be blessed by his father. Joseph was a prominent figure in Egypt and played a crucial role in saving his family during a famine. 3. Ephraim The younger son of Joseph, whom Jacob blesses with the greater blessing, indicating that his descendants will become a multitude of nations. 4. Manasseh The elder son of Joseph, who receives a blessing but is told that his younger brother will surpass him in greatness. 5. Egypt The place where this blessing takes place, as Jacob and his family are residing there during the famine. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in ChoosingGod's plans often defy human expectations and traditions. The choice of Ephraim over Manasseh reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways. The Role of Faith in Blessing Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh demonstrates his faith in God's promises. We are called to trust in God's plans, even when they are not immediately visible. Generational Impact The blessings we impart can have far-reaching effects on future generations. We should be intentional about the spiritual legacy we leave behind. Embracing God's Plan Like Joseph, who accepted his father's decision, we should be willing to embrace God's plan, even when it differs from our own desires or expectations. The Importance of Spiritual Heritage Jacob's blessing underscores the value of passing down a spiritual heritage. We should prioritize teaching and blessing the next generation with the knowledge of God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 48:19?2. How does Genesis 48:19 illustrate God's sovereignty in choosing Ephraim over Manasseh? 3. What lessons on God's plans can we learn from Jacob's blessing in Genesis 48:19? 4. How does Genesis 48:19 connect with God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2? 5. How can we trust God's unexpected plans in our lives, like Ephraim's blessing? 6. What does Jacob's insight in Genesis 48:19 teach about spiritual discernment and leadership? 7. Why does Genesis 48:19 emphasize Ephraim's greater blessing over Manasseh? 8. How does Genesis 48:19 reflect God's sovereignty in choosing leaders? 9. What theological significance does the blessing of Ephraim over Manasseh hold? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 48? What Does Genesis 48:19 Mean But his father refusedJacob deliberately crosses his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger (Genesis 48:14). Joseph tries to correct him, but the patriarch “refused,” showing firm resolve. Similar younger-over-older choices appear with Isaac over Ishmael (Genesis 17:18-21), Jacob over Esau (Genesis 25:23; Romans 9:10-13), and later David over his brothers (1 Samuel 16:11-13). The pattern underlines that God’s purposes outrank human custom of primogeniture. I know, my son, I know! Jacob lovingly but confidently answers Joseph. Twice saying “I know” stresses that this is no mistake; he is acting by spiritual insight (Hebrews 11:21). God had revealed His will to Jacob throughout his life (Genesis 46:2-4), and the aged patriarch remains sensitive to that guidance. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” He too shall become a people “ He” refers to Manasseh. Jacob affirms that the firstborn will not be slighted; his tribe will indeed be significant. • In the wilderness census Manasseh Numbers 32,200 fighting men (Numbers 1:34-35). • Half the tribe later occupies fertile land east of the Jordan (Joshua 17:1; 13:29-31). • Moses likens Manasseh to a great wild ox (Deuteronomy 33:17). God keeps His promise to bless both sons. And he too shall be great Manasseh’s greatness surfaces in events like: • Gideon, a Manassite, delivers Israel (Judges 6:11-16). • The tribe produces valiant warriors who join David (1 Chronicles 12:19-21). Though secondary to Ephraim, Manasseh’s history fulfills Jacob’s words. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he Ephraim rises to preeminence: • In the second census Ephraim musters 40,500—surpassing Manasseh (Numbers 26:35-37). • Joshua, Israel’s leader after Moses, is from Ephraim (Numbers 13:8; Deuteronomy 34:9). • The tabernacle rests at Shiloh in Ephraim’s territory for centuries (Joshua 18:1). • Later prophets often use “Ephraim” to describe the entire northern kingdom (Hosea 4:17; Isaiah 7:2). Psalm 78:67-68 notes that God “rejected the tent of Joseph, He chose not the tribe of Ephraim, but chose the tribe of Judah”—yet even this shows Ephraim’s earlier dominance. And his offspring shall become a multitude of nations The phrase hints at explosive, far-reaching growth. Ephraim’s influence stretches: • Within Israel, his tribe becomes the numerical and political center of the northern kingdom (1 Kings 12:25). • After exile, people still identify with Ephraim (Jeremiah 31:6-9). • The promise echoes God’s broader covenant language to Abraham (Genesis 17:4-5) and Jacob himself (Genesis 35:11), tying Ephraim into the ongoing plan to bless “all families of the earth” (Genesis 12:3). summary Genesis 48:19 shows Jacob, by God-given insight, reversing custom to grant Ephraim the greater blessing while still honoring Manasseh. Manasseh will be a sizable, respected tribe; Ephraim will surpass him, becoming the leading tribe in numbers, leadership, and influence—so prominent that “Ephraim” can stand for whole nations. The verse demonstrates God’s sovereign freedom to choose, His faithfulness to bless both sons, and His unfolding plan to multiply His people and extend blessing far beyond the immediate family. (19) His younger brother shall be greater.—In the final numbering of the tribes on the plains of Moab, the tribe of Manasseh had 52,700 souls, and that of Ephraim only 32,500 (Numbers 26:34; Numbers 26:37). It was the division of the tribe of Manasseh into two portions which made it politically insignificant, while Ephraim obtained a commanding position in the land of Canaan; and as Joshua was an Ephraimite, it naturally held the rank of foremost tribe during his days, and claimed it always afterwards. For Joshua, after the conquest of Canaan, must have held a position similar to that of General Washington after the independence of the United States had been secured, and all Israel would regard him as their ruler and chief. The influence also of the tribe would be strengthened by the ark being placed in one of its towns.Verse 19. - 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 (literally, and over against that; אוּלָם, the strongly adversative particle, signifying that which stands in front of, or opposite to, another thing) his younger brother shall be greater than he (cf. Numbers 1:33 with Numbers 1:35; 2:19 with Numbers 2:21), and his seed shall become a multitude of nations - literally, shall be a fullness of nations. In the time of Moses this prediction began to realize itself. In the first census which took place in the wilderness the tribe of Ephraim had 40,500 men, while that of Manasseh could only reckon 32,200; in the second the numbers received a temporary alteration, Ephraim counting only 32,500, and Manasseh 52,700; but after the conquest the ascendancy of Ephraim wag restored, so that she easily assumed the lead among the ten northern tribes, and acquired a name and an influence only second to that of Judah (cf. Judges 4:5; Judges 5:14; Judges 8; Judges 12.).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But his fatherאָבִ֗יו (’ā·ḇîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father refused. וַיְמָאֵ֣ן (way·mā·’ên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3985: To refuse “I know, יָדַ֤עְתִּֽי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3045: To know my son, בְנִי֙ (ḇə·nî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1121: A son I know!” יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3045: To know he said. וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “He ה֥וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are too גַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and shall become יִֽהְיֶה־ (yih·yeh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a people, לְּעָ֖ם (lə·‘ām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and he ה֣וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are too וְגַם־ (wə·ḡam-) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and shall be great; יִגְדָּ֑ל (yiḡ·dāl) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great nevertheless, וְאוּלָ֗ם (wə·’ū·lām) Conjunctive waw | Conjunction Strong's 199: However, on the contrary his younger הַקָּטֹן֙ (haq·qā·ṭōn) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant brother אָחִ֤יו (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) shall be greater יִגְדַּ֣ל (yiḡ·dal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great than he, מִמֶּ֔נּוּ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of and his offspring וְזַרְע֖וֹ (wə·zar·‘ōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity shall become יִהְיֶ֥ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a multitude מְלֹֽא־ (mə·lō-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4393: Fullness, that which fills of nations.” הַגּוֹיִֽם׃ (hag·gō·w·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts Additonal Resources Genesis 48:19 Blue Letter BibleGenesis 48:19 Bible Gateway Genesis 48:19 Bible.com Genesis 48:19 NIV |
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