Genesis 48:13

13 Joseph placed Ephraim on his right, toward Israel's left hand. He placed Manasseh on his left, toward Israel's right hand. Then he brought them close to Jacob.

Genesis 48:13 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 48:13

And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward
Israel's left hand
He took Ephraim his youngest son in his right hand, and led him up to his father, by which means he would stand in a right position to have his grandfather's left hand put upon him: and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand;
Manasseh his eldest son he took in his left hand, and brought him to his father, and so was in a proper position to have his right hand laid upon him, as seniority of birth required, and as he was desirous should be the case: and brought [them] near unto him;
in the above manner, so near as that he could lay his hands on them.

Genesis 48:13 In-Context

11 Israel said to Joseph, "I never thought I'd see your face again. But now God has let me see your children too."

12 Then Joseph took his sons away from Israel's knees. He bowed down with his face to the ground.

13 Joseph placed Ephraim on his right, toward Israel's left hand. He placed Manasseh on his left, toward Israel's right hand. Then he brought them close to Jacob.

14 But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head. He did it even though Ephraim was the younger son. He crossed his arms and put his left hand on Manasseh's head. He did it even though Manasseh was the older son.

15 Then Israel gave Joseph his blessing. He said, "May God bless these boys. He is the God of my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac. They walked with him. He is the God who has been my shepherd all of my life to this very day.