Ephraim

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew ’Efrayim (“fruitful,” or “double fruitfulness”), reflecting increase or abundance.
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period.
• Main References: Genesis 41; 48; 50; Numbers 1–2; Deuteronomy 33; Joshua 16–17; Judges 8; 12.
• Key Connections: Son of Joseph and Asenath; adopted and blessed by Jacob (Israel); brother of Manasseh; eponymous ancestor of the tribe of Ephraim.

Who was Ephraim?

Ephraim was the younger son of Joseph, born in Egypt during the patriarchal era.
He was adopted by Jacob as a full heir among Israel’s sons, receiving tribal status.
Jacob gave Ephraim a priority blessing over Manasseh, shaping later tribal prominence.
His name became closely associated with a central tribe in the land of Israel.

Key Events & Achievements

• Adoption into Israel: Jacob formally received Ephraim as his own son, granting him inheritance among the tribes (Genesis 48:5).
• Priority Blessing: Jacob crossed his hands to place the right-hand blessing on Ephraim, indicating greater future standing (Genesis 48:13–20).
• Tribal Allotment: The tribe of Ephraim received territory in central Canaan and played a major role in early Israel’s settlement period (Joshua 16:1–10).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Ephraim’s account shows how family blessing and lineage helped shape Israel’s tribal identity and historical development.

Key Verse

“But his father refused and said, ‘I know, my son, I know. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.’” — Genesis 48:19, ESV