Genesis 48:9
New International Version
“They are the sons God has given me here,” Joseph said to his father. Then Israel said, “Bring them to me so I may bless them.”

New Living Translation
“Yes,” Joseph told him, “these are the sons God has given me here in Egypt.” And Jacob said, “Bring them closer to me, so I can bless them.”

English Standard Version
Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.”

Berean Standard Bible
Joseph said to his father, “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” So Jacob said, “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them.”

Berean Literal Bible
And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given to me in this place.” And he said, “Bring them, please, to me, and I will bless them.”

King James Bible
And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

New King James Version
Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place.” And he said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.”

New American Standard Bible
And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” So he said, “Bring them to me, please, so that I may bless them.”

NASB 1995
Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” So he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.”

NASB 1977
And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” So he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” So he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.”

Amplified Bible
Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here [in Egypt].” So he said, “Please bring them to me, so that I may bless them.”

Berean Annotated Bible
Joseph (YHWH has added) said to his father, “They are the sons God {Elohim} has given me in this place. So Jacob said, “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them.

Christian Standard Bible
And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons God has given me here.” So Israel said, “Bring them to me and I will bless them.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons God has given me here.” So Jacob said, “Bring them to me and I will bless them.”

American Standard Version
And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me here. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

English Revised Version
And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me here. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"They are my sons, whom God has given me here in Egypt," Joseph answered his father. Then Israel said, "Please bring them to me so that I may bless them."

Good News Translation
Joseph answered, "These are my sons, whom God has given me here in Egypt." Jacob said, "Bring them to me so that I may bless them."

International Standard Version
"These are my sons," Joseph replied. "God gave them to me here in Egypt." "Please bring them close to me," Jacob said, "so I can bless them."

NET Bible
Joseph said to his father, "They are the sons God has given me in this place." His father said, "Bring them to me so I may bless them."

New Heart English Bible
And Joseph said to his father, "They are my sons, whom God has given me here." And he said, "Please bring them to me, so that I can bless them."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Joseph said to his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, to me, and I will bless them.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Joseph said to his father, “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” So Jacob said, “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them.”

World English Bible
Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” He said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Joseph says to his father, “They [are] my sons, whom God has given to me in this [place]”; and he says, “Please bring them to me, and I bless them.”

Berean Literal Bible
And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given to me in this place.” And he said, “Bring them, please, to me, and I will bless them.”

Young's Literal Translation
and Joseph saith unto his father, 'They are my sons, whom God hath given to me in this place;' and he saith, 'Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I bless them.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Joseph will say to his father, They are my sons which God gave me here. And he will say, Bring them now to me, and I will bless them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He answered: They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said: Bring them to me that I may bless them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He responded, “They are my sons, whom God gave to me as a gift in this place.” “Bring them to me,” he said, “so that I may bless them.”

New American Bible
“They are my sons,” Joseph answered his father, “whom God has given me here.” “Bring them to me,” said his father, “that I may bless them.”

New Revised Standard Version
Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me here.” And he said, “Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Joseph said to his father, They are my sons whom God has given me in this place. And he said, Bring them near me, and I will bless them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Yoseph said to his father, “They are my sons whom God gave to me here”; and he said, “Bring them to me and I shall bless them.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Joseph said unto his father: 'They are my sons, whom God hath given me here.' And he said: 'Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Joseph said to his father, They are my sons, whom God gave me here; and Jacob said, Bring me them, that I may bless them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jacob Blesses Ephraim and Manasseh
8When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?” 9Joseph said to his father, “They are the sons God has given me in this place.” So Jacob said, “Please bring them to me, that I may bless them.” 10Now Israel’s eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought his sons to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them.…

Cross References
Joseph said to his father,

Genesis 46:29
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.

Genesis 45:3
Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence.

Genesis 45:13
Tell my father about all my splendor in Egypt and everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”
“They are the sons God has given me in this place.”

Genesis 33:5
When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.”

Genesis 41:52
And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

Psalm 127:3
Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
So Jacob said,

Genesis 49:1
Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come:

Genesis 47:29
When the time drew near for Israel to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, put your hand under my thigh and promise to show me kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt,

Genesis 47:30
but when I lie down with my fathers, carry me out of Egypt and bury me with them.” Joseph answered, “I will do as you have requested.”
“Please bring them to me,

Matthew 19:13
Then little children were brought to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. And the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

Mark 10:13
Now people were bringing the little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, and the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

Luke 18:15
Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them.
that I may bless them.”

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.

Genesis 49:28
These are the tribes of Israel, twelve in all, and this was what their father said to them. He blessed them, and he blessed each one with a suitable blessing.

Genesis 27:4
Then prepare a tasty dish that I love and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die.”
Genesis 41:51-52
Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.” / And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Joseph said to his father, They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray you, to me, and I will bless them.

my sons.

Genesis 30:2
And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?

Genesis 33:5
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.

Ruth 4:11-14
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: …

bless them.

Genesis 27:4,28,29,34-40
And make me savoury meat, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat; that my soul may bless thee before I die…

Genesis 28:3,4
And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; …

Genesis 49:28
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

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Genesis 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.












Joseph said to his father,
This phrase highlights the relationship between Joseph and his father, Jacob. Joseph, once sold into slavery by his brothers, has risen to a position of power in Egypt. Despite his high status, he maintains respect and honor towards his father, reflecting the biblical principle of honoring one's parents (Exodus 20:12). This interaction occurs in Egypt, where Joseph has been living for many years, separated from his family.

“They are the sons God has given me in this place.”
Joseph acknowledges God's providence in his life, attributing the birth of his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to divine blessing. This reflects the biblical theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in foreign lands. The phrase "in this place" underscores Joseph's recognition of God's blessings despite his circumstances in Egypt, a land of exile. This mirrors the broader biblical narrative of God blessing His people in unexpected places, as seen with the Israelites in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:4-7).

So Jacob said,
Jacob, also known as Israel, is the patriarch of the Israelite nation. His response to Joseph's introduction of his sons is significant, as it sets the stage for the blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob's role as a patriarch involves passing on the covenantal blessings he received from God, which were first given to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3).

“Please bring them to me,
Jacob's request to bring the sons closer indicates his intention to formally bless them. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, blessings from a patriarch were highly significant, often involving prophetic declarations about the future. This act of blessing is not merely a familial gesture but a spiritual and covenantal one, carrying implications for the future of the tribes of Israel.

that I may bless them.”
The blessing Jacob intends to give is more than a simple wish for well-being; it is a prophetic act that will have lasting implications for the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh. This blessing is reminiscent of the blessings given by Isaac to Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27), and it foreshadows the blessings Moses will later pronounce over the tribes of Israel (Deuteronomy 33). The act of blessing also points to the greater blessing found in Jesus Christ, who fulfills the promises made to Abraham and his descendants (Galatians 3:14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joseph
The son of Jacob and Rachel, who rose to prominence in Egypt. He is presenting his sons to his father, Jacob, for a blessing.

2. Jacob (Israel)
The patriarch of the Israelites, father of Joseph, and grandfather to Ephraim and Manasseh. He is preparing to bless Joseph's sons.

3. Ephraim and Manasseh
The sons of Joseph, born in Egypt. They are about to receive a blessing from their grandfather, Jacob.

4. Egypt
The land where Joseph has been living and where his sons were born. It represents a place of both refuge and foreign influence for the Israelites.

5. Blessing
A significant event in biblical tradition, where a patriarch imparts a spiritual and prophetic blessing to his descendants.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Blessings
In biblical times, blessings were not just well-wishes but carried prophetic and spiritual significance. They were a means of passing on God's promises and favor to future generations.

God's Sovereignty in Family
Joseph acknowledges that his sons are a gift from God, reminding us that our families are entrusted to us by God and should be nurtured in His ways.

Faith Across Generations
Jacob's act of blessing his grandsons demonstrates the importance of passing down faith and spiritual heritage to the next generation.

Identity in a Foreign Land
Ephraim and Manasseh were born in Egypt, yet they are claimed as part of the Israelite heritage. This teaches us about maintaining our spiritual identity even when surrounded by a foreign culture.

The Role of Grandparents
Jacob's blessing of his grandsons highlights the influential role grandparents can play in the spiritual lives of their grandchildren.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Genesis 48:9?

2. How does Jacob's blessing in Genesis 48:9 reflect God's covenant promises?

3. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from Jacob's actions in Genesis 48:9?

4. How does Genesis 48:9 connect to God's promises to Abraham and Isaac?

5. How can we apply Jacob's recognition of God's hand in our family life?

6. What does Jacob's blessing teach us about passing faith to future generations?

7. What is the significance of Jacob's blessing in Genesis 48:9?

8. How does Genesis 48:9 reflect God's covenant with Abraham's descendants?

9. Why does Jacob adopt Joseph's sons in Genesis 48:9?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 48?

11. What is the significance of the Tribe of Manasseh?

12. Genesis 48:17-19 - Why would God supposedly favor Ephraim over Manasseh despite established primogeniture traditions, and is there any extrabiblical data supporting this choice?

13. Genesis 48:5 - Why does Jacob adopt Joseph's sons as his own, and does this practice have any verifiable historical precedent?

14. Romans 9:13: How can a loving God claim to hate Esau from birth?
What Does Genesis 48:9 Mean
Joseph said to his father

- Joseph approaches Jacob with respect, fulfilling the call to honor one’s parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1–3), even though he is the second-highest ruler in Egypt (Genesis 41:41).

- By seeking Jacob’s spiritual authority, Joseph shows that positions and titles never replace God-ordained family order (Proverbs 1:8).


They are the sons God has given me

- Joseph credits God, not his own success, for Ephraim and Manasseh, echoing Psalm 127:3 and James 1:17.

- His words mirror Jacob’s earlier confession to Esau—“The children whom God has graciously given your servant” (Genesis 33:5)—showing a family pattern of recognizing divine provision.


In this place

- “This place” is Egypt, a land of exile for Jacob’s clan, yet God still multiplies them (Genesis 46:3–4).

- The verse reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not bound to geography; He blesses His people wherever He plants them (Jeremiah 29:7; Acts 17:26–27).


So Jacob said

- Though physically frail (Genesis 48:10), Jacob is spiritually alert, responding promptly to Joseph.

- Hebrews 11:21 highlights this moment as an act of faith, underscoring the eternal value Jacob places on blessing the next generation.


Please bring them to me

- Jacob’s invitation pictures affectionate closeness, much like Jesus later calls children to Himself (Mark 10:13–16).

- It models intentional intergenerational faith transfer: elders must draw young ones near to share God’s promises (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).


That I may bless them

- Patriarchal blessings carry prophetic weight (Genesis 27:27–29; Numbers 6:22–27).

- By blessing Ephraim and Manasseh, Jacob effectively adopts them (Genesis 48:5), granting Joseph a double portion and weaving the boys into the covenant line that will inherit the land (Joshua 14:4).

- The scene testifies that spiritual inheritance surpasses temporal wealth (Proverbs 13:22).


summary

Genesis 48:9 shows Joseph honoring his father and crediting God for his children, while Jacob eagerly extends God’s covenant blessing to the next generation. The verse affirms that divine favor transcends circumstances and locations, flowing through obedient hearts that value spiritual legacy above all.

Verse 9. - And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons (of whom you have just spoken), whom God hath given me in this place. It speaks highly in Joseph's favor that, after listening to Jacob s promise regarding Ephraim and Manasseh, he did not seek to draw his aged father's attention to the young men before him, but quietly waited for Jacob to take the initiative in any further communications of a personal nature that he might wish to address to them. And he (i.e. Jacob) said Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Joseph
יוֹסֵף֙ (yō·w·sêp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3130: Joseph -- 'he increases', a son of Jacob, also the name of several Israelites

said
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his father,
אָבִ֔יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

“They
הֵ֔ם (hêm)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

are the sons
בָּנַ֣י (bā·nay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121: A son

God
אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

has given
נָֽתַן־ (nā·ṯan-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

me
לִ֥י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

in this [place].”
בָּזֶ֑ה (bā·zeh)
Preposition-b | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

So Jacob said,
וַיֹּאמַ֕ר (way·yō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Please
נָ֥א (nā)
Interjection
Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then'

bring them
קָֽחֶם־ (qā·ḥem-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3947: To take

to me,
אֵלַ֖י (’ê·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

that I may bless [them].”
וַאֲבָרֲכֵֽם׃ (wa·’ă·ḇā·ră·ḵêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 1288: To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse


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OT Law: Genesis 48:9 Joseph said to his father They (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 48:8
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