⁵² The second son he named Ephraim^[a](A) and said, “It is because God has made me fruitful^(B) in the land of my suffering.”

²³ and saw the third generation^(A) of Ephraim’s^(B) children.^(C) Also the children of Makir^(D) son of Manasseh^(E) were placed at birth on Joseph’s knees.^[a](F)

⁶ I will make you very fruitful;^(A) I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.^(B)

¹⁰ and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.^(A)

Comfort for God’s People

¹⁷ When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand^(G) on Ephraim’s head^(H) he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. ¹⁸ Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”^(I)

¹⁹ But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great.^(J) Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he,^(K) and his descendants will become a group of nations.^(L)”