Ephraim
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Fruitful”
The younger son of Joseph who received the greater blessing from Jacob; his tribe became so dominant that "Ephraim" became a name for the whole northern kingdom.
Biography
Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph and Asenath, born in Egypt during the years of plenty. Joseph named him "Fruitful," saying, "God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction" (Genesis 41:52).
The greater blessing
When Jacob blessed Joseph's two sons, he deliberately crossed his hands, laying his right hand on the younger Ephraim. Over Joseph's protest he gave Ephraim the greater blessing, declaring "his younger brother shall be greater than he" (Genesis 48:19) — another instance of God's pattern of choosing the younger.
A leading tribe
Ephraim's descendants grew into one of the most powerful tribes, taking a leading place in the north. So prominent did the tribe become that the prophets often use "Ephraim" as a name for the entire northern kingdom of Israel (e.g. Hosea 4:17).
Life Timeline
Born to Joseph and Asenath in Egypt
Receives the greater blessing from Jacob
On the Bible timeline
Ephraim belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
Drag to pan · use + / − to zoom · tap the + on a relative to expand a generation · click anyone to open their page
Themes & lessons from Ephraim
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Ephraim appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
9 verses in 1 bookGenesis9 verses
Genesis 41:52
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. Ephraim: that is, Fruitful
Genesis 46:20
And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bare unto him. priest: or, prince
Genesis 48:1
And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
Genesis 48:5
And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
Genesis 48:13
And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him.
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 48:17
And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head. displeased: was evil in his eyes
Genesis 48:20
And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.
Genesis 50:23
And Joseph saw Ephraim's children of the third generation: the children also of Machir the son of Manasseh were brought up upon Joseph's knees. brought: Heb. born
Frequently asked about Ephraim
Who was Ephraim in the Bible?
The younger son of Joseph who received the greater blessing from Jacob; his tribe became so dominant that "Ephraim" became a name for the whole northern kingdom.
What does the name Ephraim mean?
The name Ephraim means “Fruitful”.
What did Ephraim do in the Bible?
Ephraim served as patriarch.
Who were Ephraim's parents?
Ephraim was the child of Joseph, Asenath.
Where does Ephraim appear in the Bible?
Ephraim is mentioned 9 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Ephraim?
The story of Ephraim touches on themes of parents, jacob, adoption, first born, the — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Ephraim's life.
Sermon Mate
Teaching on Ephraim?
Organize your sermon notes, link Scripture passages, and build your outline in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.
Open Sermon Mate →