Genesis 48:13

13 Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right, and brought them near him.

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 did not expect to see your face; and here God has let me see your children also."

12 Then Joseph removed them from his father's knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.

13 Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right, and brought them near him.

14 But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands, for Manasseh was the firstborn.

15 He blessed Joseph, and said, "The God before whom my ancestors Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,