Genesis 41:52

52 The second he named Ephraim, "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my misfortunes."

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, Joseph had two sons, whom Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him.

51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house."

52 The second he named Ephraim, "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my misfortunes."

53 The seven years of plenty that prevailed in the land of Egypt came to an end;

54 and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every country, but throughout the land of Egypt there was bread.

Footnotes

• [a]. From a Hebrew word meaning [to be fruitful]