Genesis 41:52

52 The second son he named Ephraim[a] and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”

Genesis 41:52 in Other Translations

KJV
52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
ESV
52 The name of the second he called Ephraim, "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."
NLT
52 Joseph named his second son Ephraim, for he said, “God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief.”
MSG
52 He named his second son Ephraim (Double Prosperity), saying, "God has prospered me in the land of my sorrow."
CSB
52 And the second son he named Ephraim, meaning, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

Genesis 41:52 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 41:52

And the name of the second called he Ephraim
Which signifies fruits or fruitfulness; and being of the dual number, may intend both his spiritual and temporal fruitfulness God had blessed him with: for God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction;
in the land of Egypt, where he had been long afflicted, even for the space of thirteen years, more or less, in his master's house, and in the prison; but God had made him fruitful in grace and good works, in holiness, humility and oftentimes afflictive seasons are the most fruitful ones in this sense. God also bestowed great gifts upon him, as skill in the interpretation of dreams, wisdom in political affairs, a large abundance of wealth, and riches, honour and glory; to which may be added, the fruit of his body, his two children.

Genesis 41:52 In-Context

50 Before the years of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.
51 Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.”
52 The second son he named Ephraim and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.”
53 The seven years of abundance in Egypt came to an end,
54 and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in all the other lands, but in the whole land of Egypt there was food.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Genesis 46:20; Genesis 48:1,5; Genesis 50:23; Numbers 1:32; Numbers 26:28; Deuteronomy 33:17; Joshua 14:4; Judges 5:14; 1 Chronicles 7:20; 2 Chronicles 30:1; Psalms 60:7; Jeremiah 7:15; Obadiah 1:19
  • 2. S Genesis 17:6; Genesis 28:3; Genesis 49:22

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. "Ephraim" sounds like the Hebrew for "twice fruitful."
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