Genesis 48:5

And now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here shall be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine.

Study Bible

And now
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, indicating a transition or significant declaration. In Hebrew, the word "now" (וְעַתָּה, ve'atah) often introduces a new phase or decision. Here, it signals Jacob's intention to adopt Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, into his own lineage, which is a profound act of inclusion and blessing.

your two sons
The mention of "your two sons" emphasizes the personal connection and the familial bond between Jacob and Joseph. It highlights the importance of family lineage in the Hebrew tradition, where sons were seen as carriers of the family name and heritage. This phrase sets the stage for the adoption and blessing that follows.

who were born to you in the land of Egypt
This phrase underscores the geographical and cultural context of Ephraim and Manasseh's birth. Egypt, a land of both refuge and future bondage for the Israelites, serves as the backdrop for their birth. The mention of Egypt highlights the providential care of God in preserving Joseph's family in a foreign land, and it foreshadows the eventual Exodus.

before I came to you in Egypt
Jacob's reference to his arrival in Egypt serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in reuniting him with Joseph. It also underscores the timeline of events, emphasizing that Ephraim and Manasseh were born during Joseph's time of separation from his family, yet they are now being integrated into the covenantal promises given to Jacob.

are mine
The declaration "are mine" is a formal adoption statement. In the Hebrew culture, adoption was a legal act that conferred the rights and privileges of sonship. By claiming Ephraim and Manasseh as his own, Jacob is elevating them to the status of his direct descendants, ensuring their inclusion in the inheritance and blessings of the Abrahamic covenant.

Ephraim and Manasseh
The specific mention of Ephraim and Manasseh by name is significant. Ephraim, meaning "fruitful," and Manasseh, meaning "causing to forget," reflect Joseph's experiences in Egypt—prosperity and healing from past afflictions. Their names carry prophetic significance, as Ephraim would become a dominant tribe in Israel, and Manasseh would also play a crucial role in the nation's history.

will be mine
This reiteration of ownership and belonging emphasizes the permanence of Jacob's decision. It is a binding declaration that integrates Ephraim and Manasseh into the twelve tribes of Israel. This act of adoption is not just a familial gesture but a spiritual and covenantal one, ensuring that Joseph's lineage is fully part of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

just as Reuben and Simeon are mine
By comparing Ephraim and Manasseh to Reuben and Simeon, Jacob places them on equal footing with his firstborn sons. This comparison underscores the gravity of the adoption, as Reuben and Simeon were the first and second sons of Jacob, respectively. It highlights the grace and favor extended to Joseph's sons, elevating them to a position of honor and inheritance within the family of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, Jacob is nearing the end of his life and is blessing his descendants. In this passage, he adopts Joseph's sons as his own.

2. Joseph
Jacob's beloved son, who rose to power in Egypt. Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, are being adopted by Jacob.

3. Ephraim and Manasseh
The two sons of Joseph, born in Egypt. Jacob adopts them, giving them equal status with his own sons.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph rose to power and where Jacob and his family settled during the famine.

5. Reuben and Simeon
Jacob's first and second sons, respectively. Jacob equates Ephraim and Manasseh with them in terms of inheritance.

Teaching Points

Adoption into God's Family
Just as Jacob adopted Ephraim and Manasseh, believers are adopted into God's family through faith in Christ. This adoption grants us the same inheritance as God's children.

The Importance of Blessing
Jacob's act of blessing his grandsons underscores the importance of speaking blessings over our families, recognizing God's promises and faithfulness.

God's Sovereignty in Family Lines
God's plans often transcend human traditions and expectations, as seen in Jacob's decision to elevate Joseph's sons. Trust in God's sovereignty over our family and future.

Legacy of Faith
Jacob's actions demonstrate the importance of passing down a legacy of faith to future generations, ensuring they understand and partake in God's promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jacob's adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh reflect God's adoption of believers into His family? Consider Romans 8:15-17 in your response.

2. In what ways can we, like Jacob, speak blessings over our families today? Reflect on the power of words in Proverbs 18:21.

3. How does the account of Ephraim and Manasseh challenge traditional views of inheritance and blessing? Consider how God often works outside human expectations.

4. What can we learn from Jacob's faith in God's promises, even as he neared the end of his life? Reflect on Hebrews 11:21.

5. How does the inclusion of Ephraim and Manasseh in the tribes of Israel demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? Consider the broader account of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
This chapter provides the background of Joseph's rise to power in Egypt and the birth of his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.

Genesis 35
This chapter recounts God's promise to Jacob, which is significant as Jacob extends this promise to Ephraim and Manasseh.

Joshua 14
This chapter discusses the division of the Promised Land, where Ephraim and Manasseh receive their inheritance, fulfilling Jacob's adoption.

Hebrews 11
This chapter highlights the faith of the patriarchs, including Jacob's faith in blessing Joseph's sons.