Genesis 48:13

13 And he set Ephraim on his right side, that is, on the left side of Israel; forsooth he set Manasseh on his left side, that is, on the right side of his father; and he joined both to him. (And he put Ephraim on his right side, that is, on Jacob's left side; and he put Manasseh on his left side, that is, on his father's right side; and he brought them both close to 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 he said to his son, I am not defrauded of thy sight; furthermore God hath showed to me thy seed. (and he said to his son, I am no longer deprived of the sight of you; and even more, God hath showed me thy children.)
12 And when Joseph had taken them from his father's lap, he worshipped low to the earth (he bowed low to the ground).
13 And he set Ephraim on his right side, that is, on the left side of Israel; forsooth he set Manasseh on his left side, that is, on the right side of his father; and he joined both to him. (And he put Ephraim on his right side, that is, on Jacob's left side; and he put Manasseh on his left side, that is, on his father's right side; and he brought them both close to him.)
14 Which held forth the right hand, and laid it on Ephraim's head, the younger brother; soothly he laid his left hand on Manasseh's head, that was the more through birth. Jacob changed his hands, (And Jacob put forth his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim's head, the younger brother; and he laid his left hand on Manasseh's head, who was the elder. Jacob had crossed his hands,)
15 and blessed his son Joseph , and said, God, in whose sight my fathers Abraham and Isaac went; God that feedeth me from my young waxing age till into this present day; (and then he blessed his son Joseph, and said, May God, in whose sight my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked; the God who hath fed me from my young age unto this present day;)
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.