Genesis 41:52

52 And he named the second Ephraim, saying: God hath made me to grow in the land of my poverty.

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 And before the famine came, Joseph had two sons born: whom Aseneth, the daughter of Putiphare, priest of Heliopolis, bore unto him.

51 And he called the name of the firstborn Manasses, saying: God hath made me to forget all my labours, and my father’s house.

52 And he named the second Ephraim, saying: God hath made me to grow in the land of my poverty.

53 Now when the seven years of plenty that had been in Egypt were passed:

54 The seven years of scarcity, which Joseph had foretold, began to come: and the famine prevailed in the whole world, but there was bread in all the land of Egypt.