Genesis 48:12

12 And Joseph brought them out from his knees, and they did reverence to him, with their face to the ground.

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 Israel were dim through age, and he could not see; and he brought them near to him, and he kissed them, and embraced them.

11 And Israel said to Joseph, Behold, I have not been deprived of thy face, and lo! God has showed me thy seed also.

12 And Joseph brought them out from his knees, and they did reverence to him, with their face to the ground.

13 And Joseph took his two sons, both Ephraim in his right hand, but on the left of Israel, and Manasse on his left hand, but on the right of Israel, and brought them near to him.

14 But Israel having stretched out his right hand, laid it on the head of Ephraim, and he was the younger; and his left hand on the head of Manasse, his hands crosswise.