And it came to pass after these things, that one told Joseph, Behold, thy father is sick: and he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

GENESIS 48:1KJV
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Genesis 48:1 (KJV)

What does Genesis 48:1 mean?

Genesis 48:1 describes how Joseph is told that his father Jacob is sick, so Joseph brings his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to visit him. This moment sets up an important family meeting as Jacob nears the end of his life.

The verse takes place in Egypt, where Joseph is a high official and Jacob (Joseph’s father) is elderly and ill. Someone informs Joseph about Jacob’s condition, prompting Joseph to bring his sons to see their grandfather. This visit leads to a significant blessing and adoption scene in the following verses, where Jacob will speak over his grandsons.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 48:1

  • "after" (אַחַר, 'achar): This word signals that the events are happening after the previous narrative, connecting the story to what just happened with Jacob and his family settling in Egypt.
  • "sick" (חָלָה, chalah): This term for illness often refers to a serious or even terminal condition, highlighting that Jacob’s health is failing and the situation is urgent.
  • "took" (לָקַח, laqach): This verb means Joseph actively brought his sons, showing intention and care in making sure Manasseh and Ephraim are present for what is about to happen.

Why Genesis 48:1 matters

  • Genesis 48:1 marks the beginning of a key moment where Jacob will bless Joseph’s sons, which has lasting significance for the tribes of Israel.
  • The verse emphasizes Joseph’s respect and concern for his father, as well as the importance of family ties even in a foreign land.
  • By mentioning Manasseh and Ephraim by name, the verse prepares the reader for their special status in Israel’s future, as they will each become the head of a tribe.

Where else these words appear

“sick” Hebrew H2470 · used in 73 verses

  • Exodus 32:11 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?
  • 2 Kings 20:12 At that time Berodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.
  • Isaiah 39:1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.

“Manasseh” Hebrew H4519 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
  • Joshua 17:6 Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.
  • 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.