Genesis 48:12

12 Yosef brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the eretz.

Genesis 48:12 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 48:12

And Joseph brought them out from between his knees
Either from between his own, where they were kneeling, as he was sitting, in order that they might be nearer his father, to receive his blessing by the putting on of his hands; or rather from between his father's knees, he, as Aben Ezra observes, sitting on the bed, having kissed and embraced them, they were still between his knees; and that they might not be burdensome to his aged father, leaning on his breast, and especially, in order to put them in a proper position for his benediction, he took them from thence, and placed them over against him to his right and left hand: and he bowed himself with his face to the earth;
in a civil way to his father, and in reverence of him; in a religious way to God, expressing his thankfulness for all favours to him and his, and as supplicating a blessing for his sons through his father, under a divine influence and direction.

Genesis 48:12 In-Context

10 Now the eyes of Yisra'el were dim for age, so that he couldn't see. He brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

11 Yisra'el said to Yosef, "I didn't think I would see your face, and, behold, God has let me see your seed also."

12 Yosef brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the eretz.

13 Yosef took them both, Efrayim in his right hand toward Yisra'el's left hand, and Menashsheh in his left hand toward Yisra'el's right hand, and brought them near to him.

14 Yisra'el stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Efrayim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Menashsheh's head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Menashsheh was the firstborn.