Genesis 48:13

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.

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 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.

15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has led me all my life long to this day,