AboutBibleProphecy.com

Ephraim (son of Joseph)

Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph, son of Jacob, and Asenath, daughter of Potiphera (priest of the sun god Re of Heliopolis). Ephraim is the ancestor of the Tribe of Ephraim. Before his death, Jacob adopted his grandchildren Ephraim and Manasseh to be equal with his own sons (Genesis 48:5).

When Jacob blessed Joseph's two sons he placed his right hand on the head of the younger boy, Ephraim, and his left hand on the older boy, Manasseh. Joseph was upset when his father laid his right hand on the younger grandson, rather than the older grandson. But Jacob said that although Manasseh would become the ancestor of a great nation, his younger brother would be the ancestor of an even greater nation. (Genesis 48:19).

In the chronicles of the tribes, Ephraim takes precedence over Manasseh in all matters, such as the order of marching, the consecration gifts for the Tabernacle, and the order of the allocation of territory. When the Kingdom of Israel divided about 2900 years ago, the northern portion was often referred to by the name of Ephraim. In Revelation 7:7, Ephraim is not listed as one of the tribes receiving the Seal of God for 12,000 of its members. The name Ephraim means "fruitful."

Return to list of People in the Bible

Copyright ©2001-2009 George Konig and Ray Konig and AboutBibleProphecy.com. All rights reserved.
May not be reproduced in any form without proper permission.

Bible prophecies
sorted by prophet
• Daniel's prophecies
• David's prophecies
• Ezekiel's prophecies
• Isaiah's prophecies
• Jacob's prophecies
• Jeremiah's prophecies
• Jesus' prophecies
• Micah's prophecies
• Moses' prophecies
• Nahum's prophecies
• Zechariah's prophecies

Bible prophecies
sorted by theme
• Destruction of Israel
• Exile of Israel
• Persecution of Israel
• Re-gathering of Israel
• Nationhood (Israel)
• Preservation of Israel
• Restoration of Israel
• Worldwide impact
• Messianic
• About other nations
• End Times

Life and teachings
of Jesus Christ
• Early life
• 1st year of ministry
• 2nd year of ministry
• 3rd year of ministry
• The final months
• Persecution of Jesus
• Resurrection of Jesus

Articles, answers,
explanations, links
• Articles & explanations
• What is Christianity?
• Learn about the Bible
• Answers to tough questions
• Links & Online Bibles
• Da Vinci Code hoax

Glossaries of
people, events
• People in the Bible
• Places in the Bible
• Bible glossary
• History of Israel
• Miracles of Jesus

Other stuff
• About us
• E-mail us
• HOME