Genesis 48:12

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

Genesis 48:12 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 48:12

And Joseph brought them out from between his knees
Either from between his own, where they were kneeling, as he was sitting, in order that they might be nearer his father, to receive his blessing by the putting on of his hands; or rather from between his father's knees, he, as Aben Ezra observes, sitting on the bed, having kissed and embraced them, they were still between his knees; and that they might not be burdensome to his aged father, leaning on his breast, and especially, in order to put them in a proper position for his benediction, he took them from thence, and placed them over against him to his right and left hand: and he bowed himself with his face to the earth;
in a civil way to his father, and in reverence of him; in a religious way to God, expressing his thankfulness for all favours to him and his, and as supplicating a blessing for his sons through his father, under a divine influence and direction.

Genesis 48:12 In-Context

10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. So Joseph brought them near him; and he kissed them and embraced them.

11 And Israel said to Joseph, "I had not thought to see your face; and lo, God has let me see your children also."

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

13 And Joseph took them both, E'phraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manas'seh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near him.

14 And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it upon the head of E'phraim, who was the younger, and his left hand upon the head of Manas'seh, crossing his hands, for Manas'seh was the first-born.